Younger (title) Facts for Kids

"Younger" is a special Scottish word or way of addressing someone. It's used for the person who is expected to inherit an important position or property. Think of it as calling someone the "future [title]".

This term is mainly used for the person who will become:

The next Laird: This is someone who owns a large estate or land in Scotland.
The next head of a Scottish clan: A clan chief is the leader of a large family group.
The next leader of a Scottish Baron's family: A Baron is a type of Scottish noble.
The next head of a special family branch: Sometimes, families who used to own land but don't anymore still use this term for their heir.

The word "Younger" can be used for both boys and girls who are the future heir. It's not a fancy title like "Prince" or "Duke," and it doesn't give anyone special voting rights. The short way to write "Younger" is Yr.. If someone's husband is called "Younger," his wife can also use this style.

Once the person who was called "Younger" actually inherits the position (like becoming the laird or clan chief), they stop using "Younger." Then, the next person in line to inherit can start using the term.

How to Use "Younger"

When you write to someone who is "Younger," you add it to their name. For example, if someone's name is John Smith and he is the heir to a Baron from Edinburgh, you might write "John Smith of Edinburgh, Younger." You can also use the shorter version: "John Smith of Edinburgh, Yr."

If the heir is a girl, she uses the same style as a boy.
The wife of an heir can also use the style. For example, she might be called "Mrs. John Smith of Edinburgh, Younger."
Sometimes, people just say "The Younger of Edinburgh" to refer to the heir.

If a Baron has other sons who are not the main heir, they are usually called "Mr. [First Name] [Last Name]." They don't use the "Younger" style unless they become the next in line to inherit.

Younger (title) facts for kids

How to Use "Younger"

See also