Claim profile
1600–1699

The 17th century

Whose working lives fell in the 17th century. Books are measured from 1800 and readers from 2015, so for this period we can say who lived then, not who was talked about then.

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 17th century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇯🇵 Japan🇹🇷 Turkey🇳🇱 Netherlands🇪🇸 Spain🇮🇹 Italy🇸🇪 Sweden🇨🇳 China
FieldAllWritersPoliticiansHistorical FiguresArtistsAcademicsScientistsMusiciansReligious FiguresActorsModels
  1. 1Johannes KeplerJohannes Kepler1571–1630 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics18 decades
  2. 2Peter Paul RubensPeter Paul Rubens1577–1640 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Artists22 decades
  3. 3George I of Great BritainGeorge I of Great Britain1660–1727 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians22 decades
  4. 4Leopold I, Holy Roman EmperorLeopold I, Holy Roman Emperor1640–1705 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  5. 5Frederick I of PrussiaFrederick I of Prussia1657–1713 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians22 decades
  6. 6JPJohann Pachelbel1653–1706 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians9 decades
  7. 7Frederick William, Elector of BrandenburgFrederick William, Elector of Brandenburg1620–1688 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  8. 8Jakob BöhmeJakob Böhme1575–1624 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics22 decades
  9. 9Otto von GuerickeOtto von Guericke1602–1686 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists10 decades
  10. 10Dieterich BuxtehudeDieterich Buxtehude1637–1707 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians1 decades
  11. 11Athanasius KircherAthanasius Kircher1602–1680 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics21 decades
  12. 12Sophia of HanoverSophia of Hanover1630–1714 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians2 decades
  13. 13Frederick V of the PalatinateFrederick V of the Palatinate1596–1632 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  14. 14Heinrich SchützHeinrich Schütz1585–1672 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians20 decades
  15. 15Elizabeth Charlotte, Madame PalatineElizabeth Charlotte, Madame Palatine1652–1722 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers11 decades
  16. 16Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of BavariaMaximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria1662–1726 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians5 decades
  17. 17Hans Jakob Christoffel von GrimmelshausenHans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen1622–1676 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers8 decades
  18. 18Maximilian I, Elector of BavariaMaximilian I, Elector of Bavaria1573–1651 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  19. 19Paul GerhardtPaul Gerhardt1607–1676 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics20 decades
  20. 20Maurice, Prince of OrangeMaurice, Prince of Orange1567–1625 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politiciansnot measured—
  21. 21Andreas GryphiusAndreas Gryphius1616–1664 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers22 decades
  22. 22Michael PraetoriusMichael Praetorius1571–1621 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians15 decades
  23. 23Ernest Augustus, Elector of Brunswick-LüneburgErnest Augustus, Elector of Brunswick-Lüneburg1629–1698 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  24. 24Johann Georg I, Elector of SaxonyJohann Georg I, Elector of Saxony1585–1656 · 🇩🇪 Germany22 decades
  25. 25Prince Rupert of the RhinePrince Rupert of the Rhine1619–1682 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientistsnot measured—
  26. 26Martin OpitzMartin Opitz1597–1639 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers22 decades
  27. 27Peter MinuitPeter Minuit1580–1638 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians16 decades
  28. 28John Sigismund, Elector of BrandenburgJohn Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg1572–1619 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  29. 29Ferdinand Maria, Elector of BavariaFerdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria1636–1679 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians22 decades
  30. 30Charles I Louis, Elector PalatineCharles I Louis, Elector Palatine1617–1680 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians0 decades
  31. 31Hans LippersheyHans Lippershey1570–1619 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists1 decades
  32. 32Eleonor Magdalene of NeuburgEleonor Magdalene of Neuburg1655–1720 · 🇩🇪 Germanynot measured—
  33. 33Anna Maria van SchurmanAnna Maria van Schurman1607–1678 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Artists0 decades
  34. 34Philipp Jakob SpenerPhilipp Jakob Spener1635–1705 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Actors15 decades
  35. 35Engelbert KaempferEngelbert Kaempfer1651–1716 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists7 decades
  36. 36Gottfried Heinrich Graf zu PappenheimGottfried Heinrich Graf zu Pappenheim1594–1632 · 🇩🇪 Germany0 decades
  37. 37Friedrich SpeeFriedrich Spee1591–1635 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers21 decades
  38. 38Abraham a Sancta ClaraAbraham a Sancta Clara1644–1709 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers21 decades
  39. 39Joachim NeanderJoachim Neander1650–1680 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians14 decades
  40. 40Johann Ambrosius BachJohann Ambrosius Bach1645–1695 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians0 decades
  41. 41Johann BayerJohann Bayer1572–1625 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists8 decades
  42. 42Godfrey KnellerGodfrey Kneller1646–1723 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Artists0 decades
  43. 43Johann Joseph FuxJohann Joseph Fux1660–1741 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians9 decades
  44. 44Johann Adam Schall von BellJohann Adam Schall von Bell1592–1666 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists5 decades
  45. 45Georg Ernst StahlGeorg Ernst Stahl1659–1734 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Doctors20 decades
  46. 46Ernst von MansfeldErnst von Mansfeld1580–1626 · 🇩🇪 Germany0 decades
  47. 47Andreas SchlüterAndreas Schlüter1660–1714 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Artists18 decades
  48. 48Christian Albert I of Schleswig-Holstein-GottorpChristian Albert I of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp1641–1694 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  49. 49Adam ElsheimerAdam Elsheimer1578–1610 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Artists13 decades
  50. 50Charles I, Landgrave of Hesse-KasselCharles I, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel1654–1730 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academicsnot measured—
  51. 51Charles III Philip, Elector PalatineCharles III Philip, Elector Palatine1661–1742 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politiciansnot measured—
  52. 52George, Duke of Brunswick-CalenbergGeorge, Duke of Brunswick-Calenberg1582–1641 · 🇩🇪 Germanynot measured—
  53. 53Ernest I, Duke of Saxe-GothaErnest I, Duke of Saxe-Gotha1601–1675 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  54. 54Wenceslaus HollarWenceslaus Hollar1607–1677 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Actors3 decades
  55. 55Maurice, Landgrave of Hesse-KasselMaurice, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel1572–1632 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musiciansnot measured—
  56. 56Samuel ScheidtSamuel Scheidt1587–1654 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians15 decades
  57. 57Charles II, Elector PalatineCharles II, Elector Palatine1651–1685 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models22 decades
  58. 58Christian the Younger of BrunswickChristian the Younger of Brunswick1599–1626 · 🇩🇪 Germany0 decades
  59. 59Amalia of Solms-BraunfelsAmalia of Solms-Braunfels1602–1675 · 🇩🇪 Germany0 decades
  60. 60Hennig BrandHennig Brand1630–1710 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists0 decades
  61. 61Landgravine Elisabeth Amalie of Hesse-DarmstadtLandgravine Elisabeth Amalie of Hesse-Darmstadt1635–1709 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  62. 62John George IV, Elector of SaxonyJohn George IV, Elector of Saxony1668–1694 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians21 decades
  63. 63Princess Anna Sophie of DenmarkPrincess Anna Sophie of Denmark1647–1717 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  64. 64Eberhard III, Duke of WürttembergEberhard III, Duke of Württemberg1614–1674 · 🇩🇪 Germany20 decades
  65. 65John Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgJohn Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1625–1679 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  66. 66Bernard of Saxe-WeimarBernard of Saxe-Weimar1604–1639 · 🇩🇪 Germany22 decades
  67. 67Wolfgang William, Count Palatine of NeuburgWolfgang William, Count Palatine of Neuburg1578–1653 · 🇩🇪 Germany22 decades
  68. 68Georg MuffatGeorg Muffat1653–1704 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians0 decades
  69. 69George William of Brunswick-Lüneburg-CelleGeorge William of Brunswick-Lüneburg-Celle1624–1705 · 🇩🇪 Germany22 decades
  70. 70Fidelis of SigmaringenFidelis of Sigmaringen1577–1622 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Religious Figures7 decades
  71. 71George II, Landgrave of Hesse-DarmstadtGeorge II, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt1605–1661 · 🇩🇪 Germany22 decades
  72. 72Heinrich Matthias von ThurnHeinrich Matthias von Thurn1567–1640 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers2 decades
  73. 73John, Duke of Saxe-WeimarJohn, Duke of Saxe-Weimar1570–1605 · 🇩🇪 Germanynot measured—
  74. 74William V, Landgrave of Hesse-KasselWilliam V, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel1602–1637 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians22 decades
  75. 75John Casimir, Count Palatine of KleeburgJohn Casimir, Count Palatine of Kleeburg1589–1652 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  76. 76Louis V, Landgrave of Hesse-DarmstadtLouis V, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt1577–1626 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models22 decades
  77. 77Frederick VII, Margrave of Baden-DurlachFrederick VII, Margrave of Baden-Durlach1647–1709 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models0 decades
  78. 78Benedicta Henrietta of the PalatinateBenedicta Henrietta of the Palatinate1652–1730 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  79. 79Louis VI of Hesse-DarmstadtLouis VI of Hesse-Darmstadt1630–1678 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  80. 80Edward, Count Palatine of SimmernEdward, Count Palatine of Simmern1625–1663 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  81. 81Frederick Louis of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-BeckFrederick Louis of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck1653–1728 · 🇩🇪 Germany22 decades
  82. 82Frederick Schomberg, 1st Duke of SchombergFrederick Schomberg, 1st Duke of Schomberg1615–1690 · 🇩🇪 Germany0 decades
  83. 83Countess Louise Juliana of NassauCountess Louise Juliana of Nassau1576–1644 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politiciansnot measured—
  84. 84Ernest Casimir I, Count of Nassau-DietzErnest Casimir I, Count of Nassau-Dietz1573–1632 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians13 decades
  85. 85Simon DachSimon Dach1605–1659 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers22 decades
  86. 86Duchess Magdalene Sibylle of PrussiaDuchess Magdalene Sibylle of Prussia1586–1659 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  87. 87Princess Eleonore Erdmuthe of Saxe-EisenachPrincess Eleonore Erdmuthe of Saxe-Eisenach1662–1696 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  88. 88GBGeorg Böhm1661–1733 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians17 decades
  89. 89Frederick I of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick I of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1646–1691 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  90. 90Elisabeth of LorraineElisabeth of Lorraine1574–1635 · 🇩🇪 Germany0 decades
  91. 91Christian II, Count Palatine of Zweibrücken-BirkenfeldChristian II, Count Palatine of Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld1637–1717 · 🇩🇪 Germany22 decades
  92. 92Johann CrügerJohann Crüger1598–1662 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians10 decades
  93. 93Johann Hermann ScheinJohann Hermann Schein1586–1630 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians10 decades
  94. 94Christian IIChristian II1583–1611 · 🇩🇪 Germany22 decades
  95. 95John Frederick, Duke of WürttembergJohn Frederick, Duke of Württemberg1582–1628 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  96. 96Anthony Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick-WolfenbüttelAnthony Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel1633–1714 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers22 decades
  97. 97Paul FlemingPaul Fleming1609–1640 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers16 decades
  98. 98Michael MaierMichael Maier1568–1622 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Doctors8 decades
  99. 99Augustus the Younger, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgAugustus the Younger, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1579–1666 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers22 decades
  100. 100John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-AnsbachJohn Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach1654–1686 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models22 decades

How this is measured

  • Placing people in time. Each person belongs to the century in which they were most active — around age 35, and never after their death.
  • Who ranks highest. Within a century, people are ranked where two independent signals agree: how many of the world’s Wikipedia language editions cover them, and how many people actually read about them. Article counts alone can be lifted by a person’s own circle; readers cannot.
  • Fame in print. The curves count how often a name appears in Google Books from 1800 to 2019, as a share of all the words printed each year, in the person’s own language wherever that corpus exists. Those decades are over, so each measurement is made once and kept.
  • What is left out. A lifetime is measured only from 1820, when there is enough print to judge; the five years after a death are skipped as obituaries; and a name shared with someone equally notable is credited to neither.