British Nobility Titles
There are a number of nobility titles a person can attain and these are in the following ranking order:
Baron/Baroness - These are the lowest form of ranking but are among the first where the person is addressed as "Lord/Lady"
Viscount/Viscountess - This title ranks above a Baron/Baroness and lower than the Earl
Earl - This title ranks above the Viscount/Viscountess and lower than the Marquess/Marquis
Marquess/Marquis - From this title onwards, the person is addressed as "The Most Hon" in envelopes. This ranks above the Earl and lower than the Duke/Duchess
Duke/Duchess - This is the highest title that can be achieved
and is below the rank of monarch. In envelopes, the person is addressed by "His Grace"Lesser Nobility Titles
Member of the British Empire - There can be an unlimited number of people who have this title, and 1464 are chosen each year. Though it is the lowest, one can advance through the ranks to gain the title of Knight Grand or Knight Commander of the British Empire which is where you can be called "Sir" or "Dame"
Officer of the British Empire - This is a higher rank where 858 are selected each year, though an unlimited number may have this title. The person may write OBE at the end of their name to show their title in official documents.
Commander of the British Empire - This title is only limited to 8590 people and is a middle rank. Commanders may write CBE at the end of their names to show their title.
Knight Commander of the British Empire - This as well as Grand Knight are among the titles where one may be addressed as Sir or Lady. Only 845 can have this title and it is only surpassed by the title of Grand Knight. The
holders of this title may write KBE at the end of their names.
Grand Cross Knight of the British Empire - Only 300 people may attain this prestigious position and it is the highest of the lesser nobility titles, surpassed by the title of Baron. People of this position may write GBE at the end of their names as well as have the title of Sir/Dame.
How To Obtain British Titles
There are a variety of ways to gain titles starting with MBE. Although it is possible to gain titles through other methods such as becoming a member of the House of Lords, whereby you are addressed as Lord, or by becoming so successful that you are invited to Buckingham Palace to be knighted as Sir, these are usually the more difficult methods.
Many people including normal members of the public may actually gain titles and advance through the ranks through simple things such as service to the United Kingdom through gallantry or experience or representing British interests by establishing a well run business. Through these and many other ways, you're likely to be chosen to become a member of the British Empire, and eventually advance until you could possibly become a Baron.
Some may think it's unlikely, but there have been many cases where ordinary people have advanced to become members of the aristocracy, perhaps one day your family could join the higher rankings to..