Post-nominal letters facts for kids

The Zirkel of a German Student Corps. This symbol shows the letters "v, c, f, A", used after a fraternity member's name.

Post-nominal letters are special letters that come after a person's name. Think of them like a short code that tells you something important about that person. They are often used in the United Kingdom and other countries that are part of the Commonwealth realm (countries that were once part of the British Empire).

These letters can show many things, like:

• What job a person has (for example, "JP" means "Justice of the Peace," which is a type of judge).
• A special title a person holds (like "Kt" for a Knight Bachelor or "Bt" for a Baronet, which are old noble titles).
• If they are a member of an order of chivalry (like "OBE" for the Order of the British Empire, which is an award given for good work).

Post-nominal letters can also show if someone has earned a degree from a university (like "BSc" for a Bachelor of Science) or if they have received military awards (like medals).

Understanding Post-Nominal Letters

Post-nominal letters are a quick way to share information about a person's achievements, qualifications, or honors. They are usually placed in a specific order, starting with the highest honors first. This system helps people quickly understand a person's background without needing a long introduction.

Why Are These Letters Used?

These letters are used for several reasons. They can:

• Show Recognition: They publicly recognize someone's hard work, achievements, or service.
• Indicate Qualifications: For example, doctors often use letters like "MD" (Doctor of Medicine) to show their medical degree.
• Highlight Membership: They can show that someone belongs to a special group, like a professional organization or an honor society.
• Add Prestige: Holding certain post-nominal letters can show a person's status or importance in society.

Where Do These Letters Come From?

Many post-nominal letters come from old traditions, especially in countries with a history linked to the British Empire. Over time, new letters have been added as new awards, degrees, and professional groups were created.

Types of Post-Nominal Letters

There are many different types of post-nominal letters, each meaning something specific. They can be grouped into a few main categories.

Academic Degrees

These letters show what qualifications a person has earned from a university or college.

• BSc: Bachelor of Science (a first university degree in science).
• MA: Master of Arts (a higher university degree in arts or humanities).
• PhD: Doctor of Philosophy (the highest university degree, usually for research).
• MD: Doctor of Medicine (a degree for medical doctors).

Honors and Awards

These letters show that a person has received a special award or honor, often from a country's government or monarch.

• OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (an award for significant achievements).
• CBE: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (a higher award than OBE).
• VC: Victoria Cross (the highest military award for bravery in the United Kingdom).
• GC: George Cross (a high award for bravery given to civilians).

Professional Qualifications

Some letters show that a person has met certain standards in their job or profession.

• JP: Justice of the Peace (a volunteer who helps with legal duties in local courts).
• QC: Queen's Counsel (a special title for experienced lawyers in countries where the monarch is a Queen). If the monarch is a King, it changes to "KC" (King's Counsel).
• FRCS: Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (a qualification for surgeons).

Titles of Nobility

These letters are less common now but were historically used for certain noble titles.

• Kt: Knight Bachelor (a man who has been knighted by the monarch).
• Bt: Baronet (a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down in a family).

Order of Post-Nominal Letters

When a person has many post-nominal letters, they are usually listed in a specific order. This order often puts the most important or highest honors first. Generally, the order is:

1. Awards from the monarch (like OBE, CBE).
2. Military decorations (like VC, GC).
3. Degrees from universities (like PhD, MA).
4. Professional qualifications (like JP, QC).
5. Membership in professional bodies.

For example, if someone has a PhD and an OBE, their name might be written as "Jane Smith, OBE, PhD". This shows their honor from the Queen (or King) first, followed by their highest academic degree.

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Letras postnominales en el Reino Unido para niños