Settlers and Colonists on Delmarva
Also see: Colonial Occupations
Colonial Titles
When working with colonial records, it is common to see a title accompanying an individual's name. As well as indicating the
profession (or one of the professions) of an individual, these titles are also symbols of status that reveal social standing in
the community.
Some of the most common titles (and their abbreviations) and their meanings:
Attorney (Attrny): Denotes knowledge of and activity in legal proceedings.
Captain (Capt.): Two meanings: term of rank in the military or owner/operator of a ship.
Context must be investigated to determine which meaning applied.
Chirurgeon: Denotes knowledge of and activity in the medical field.
Colonel (Col.): All titles of military rank were held in high esteem.
Esquire (Esq.): Indicates membership in the Upper House of the General Assembly.
Gentleman (Gent.): Indicates an influential role in the social life of a community; often
applied to those entitled to bear a coat of arms. Often interchangeable with "Mister."
Honorable (Hon.): Signifies high office, such as the Governoror his officials.
Mister (Mr.): Indicates an influential role in the social life of a community.
Planter (Pltr.) : Initially applied to all landholders, but gradually came to denote higher
status in the community.
Yeoman: Indicates a social position between common laborer and gentleman. Occasionally
interchangeable with "Mister."
Widow/Widdow: Same as contemporary meaning; indicates respect.
This information has been collected from numerous sources, including primary records and secondary works.
