All about the name DAME

Meaning, origin, history.

Dame, of Latin origin, is an honorific title used for women holding certain qualifications and ranks in the British Commonwealth. It is derived from the French word 'dame,' meaning lady or mistress. In English, dame translates to 'lord' when applied to a woman. The term was first used as an honorific during medieval times, initially referring to any woman of noble birth or high rank. Today, it is primarily associated with senior members of orders of chivalry, such as the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Order of Merit (OM). Damehood can be awarded for a wide range of achievements and contributions to society, including public service, arts, sciences, and charity work. The title 'Dame' is typically used before the recipient's first name or surname when addressing them formally. For example, one might address a Dame as "Dame X" or "Dame Y.