help me understand this proverb please...

[thejazzgirl]

Could it mean that he is related to an aristocrat, or his ancestors were aristocrats? Which is kind of redundant in a round about way. I was married to a Dutch man, but all that is left is the paper, ha! Which brings up another possibility.

[damoge]

If that were the case, (related however) then the person would have a legitimate claim, and would not be nuts, no?

I think it is more likely that he is "aristocrat on paper only" or something of that ilk. Just think of the "aristocrats" you meet online!