Origin and Meaning of Esquire

A title of respect or courtesy, traditionally denoting a gentleman or a member of the gentry.

Origin: English - Derived from the Old French term 'esquier', which came from the Latin 'scutarius', meaning 'shield-bearer' or 'squire'.

• The term 'Esquire' has historically been used in the UK to denote a man of higher social status, specifically below a knight.
• In modern usage, especially in the United States, 'Esquire' is often used as a post-nominal title for lawyers, indicating that an individual is licensed to practice law.
• Although typically used as a title, 'Esquire' is sometimes adopted as a given name, particularly in fictional contexts.
• The popularity of the name as a given name is minimal, but it has gained some recognition as influenced by media and literature.
• Related terms and variations include 'Squire' and the French 'Ecuyer', both of which share the same root and similar meanings.