However, in the Low Countries (and other parts of continental Europe), only the head of most noble families carries a title, inheritance being by male lineage. As a result, most of the nobility is untitled in the Netherlands. "Jonkheer", or its female equivalent "jonkvrouw", developed therefore quite early into a different but general meaning: an honorific to show that someone does belong to the nobility but does not possess a title. The abbreviation "jhr." (for men) or "jkvr." (for women) is placed in front of the name, preceding academic but not state titles.