During the feudalistic era in medieval Europe, the society was highly stratified ranging from the common citizens to a distinguished upper class where the ruling imperial family bestowed nobility titles. The higher class of the society that possesses these noble titles has special privileges in the administration of the government and control of labor and resources. Once the title of nobility is acquired, it becomes hereditary and may be passed on to the descendants. It may also be revoked by the emperor on cases of felonies like treason, murder, kidnapping, and extortion and in most cases; incompetence can also cost a noble his rank and title.

There are several ways by which the emperor through the help of the Moot or the government's deliberative body can bestow a title of nobility. It could be through years of loyalty to the throne, an influential and wealthy family background that has considerable influence over the economy and business, military achievements, ranks and position in the administrative functions of the government, or through innovations and discoveries that contribute to the fields of science and medicine. The nobility titles ranked in ascending order are the following: knight, baronet, baron, marquis, viscount, count, duke, and archduke.

The lowest title of nobility is the knight. This is awarded in recognition of a remarkable achievement or service to the empire. They are addressed with the prefix "Sir" or "Dame" for females. The next is the baronet. It is a special form of a baron confirmed by the archduke of one of the domains of the empire. The next of the noble titles is the baron who is designated a piece of land not more than 100 square kilometers because of an exemplary service. The next level of noble rank is the marquis who is also awarded a fief or a piece of land larger than that of the baron because of a very vital and remarkable service and contribution. The next title of nobility is the viscount and the count who are both bestowed fiefs in two or three worlds or areas. And then comes the duke. The highest among the nobility titles is the archduke who exercises overall control and supervision over the territory and acts as the intermediary and direct representative of the emperor and the lower ranks of nobility.

These noble titles acquired provide each of the important nobility classes fiefs of land from the emperor where they can exercise control such as using it for personal and business purposes although these properties still remain as possessions of the emperor.

After the resulting cultural and political upheavals as results of the French Revolution, the influence and powers of the nobility became less. This is because of democratic ideals that now return the power and decision making to the majority and not just a group of few elites. Constitutions were constructed that now defined who, what, and how administrative powers are bestowed. A title of nobility has become largely ceremonial and cultural in nature as the modern world progressed and evolved into what it is now. There are several nobility classes and ranks though that still wield absolute power and control in some countries such as the kingdoms and sheikdoms in the Arab world and the Sultanate in Brunei. Nevertheless, a noble title still confers a significant level of status.