Technically, yes, a woman can be a Duchess in her own right. There are two ways this can happen:
* By birth: A woman could inherit a dukedom if she was the eldest child, or if she was the only child, of a Duke. Historically, this was less common due to primogeniture (where the eldest son inherited the title), but it's not impossible.
* By creation: A woman could be granted a dukedom by a monarch. This is rare, but has happened in history.
However, it's important to note:
* Historically, dukedoms were almost exclusively held by men. The vast majority of women who held the title were through marriage to a Duke.
* Many countries have abolished hereditary titles like dukes. While some remain, their legal status and meaning are often different from centuries ago.
So, while a woman *can* be a Duchess in her own right, it's not common and the specifics depend on the country and its laws.
Let me know if you'd like to know more about a specific historical case or modern situation!