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. 1Gustavus Adolphus of SwedenGustavus Adolphus of Sweden1594–1632 · 🇸🇪 Sweden13 decades
  2. 2Christina, Queen of SwedenChristina, Queen of Sweden1626–1689 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  3. 3Sigismund III VasaSigismund III Vasa1566–1632 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  4. 4Charles X Gustav of SwedenCharles X Gustav of Sweden1622–1660 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures19 decades
  5. 5Axel OxenstiernaAxel Oxenstierna1583–1654 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians20 decades
  6. 6Charles XI of SwedenCharles XI of Sweden1655–1697 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  7. 7Samuel von PufendorfSamuel von Pufendorf1632–1694 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Academics9 decades
  8. 8Maria Eleonora of BrandenburgMaria Eleonora of Brandenburg1599–1655 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  9. 9Lennart TorstenssonLennart Torstensson1603–1651 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  10. 10Carl Gustaf WrangelCarl Gustaf Wrangel1613–1676 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  11. 11Hedvig Eleonora of Holstein-GottorpHedvig Eleonora of Holstein-Gottorp1636–1715 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  12. 12Olaus RudbeckOlaus Rudbeck1630–1702 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists4 decades
  13. 13Johan BanérJohan Banér1596–1641 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  14. 14Maria Aurora von KönigsmarckMaria Aurora von Königsmarck1662–1728 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors0 decades
  15. 15Catherine of Sweden, Countess Palatine of KleeburgCatherine of Sweden, Countess Palatine of Kleeburg1584–1638 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  16. 16Christina of Schleswig-Holstein-GottorpChristina of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp1573–1625 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  17. 17Christopher PolhemChristopher Polhem1661–1751 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  18. 18Carl Gustav RehnskiöldCarl Gustav Rehnskiöld1651–1722 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  19. 19Gustav Horn, Count of PoriGustav Horn, Count of Pori1592–1657 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  20. 20Adam Ludwig LewenhauptAdam Ludwig Lewenhaupt1659–1719 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Lawyers0 decades
  21. 21Jacob De la GardieJacob De la Gardie1583–1652 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  22. 22Per Brahe the YoungerPer Brahe the Younger1602–1680 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  23. 23Magnus Gabriel De la GardieMagnus Gabriel De la Gardie1622–1686 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  24. 24Erik DahlberghErik Dahlbergh1625–1703 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  25. 25Princess Anna of SwedenPrincess Anna of Sweden1568–1625 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  26. 26Nicodemus Tessin the YoungerNicodemus Tessin the Younger1654–1728 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Architects0 decades
  27. 27Johann Reinhold von PatkulJohann Reinhold von Patkul1660–1707 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  28. 28Alexander Leslie, 1st Earl of LevenAlexander Leslie, 1st Earl of Leven1580–1661 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  29. 29Arvid HornArvid Horn1664–1742 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  30. 30Charles Philip, Duke of SödermanlandCharles Philip, Duke of Södermanland1601–1622 · 🇸🇪 Sweden21 decades
  31. 31Louis De GeerLouis De Geer1587–1652 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Founders0 decades
  32. 32Ebba BraheEbba Brahe1596–1674 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  33. 33Princess Sigrid of SwedenPrincess Sigrid of Sweden1566–1633 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  34. 34Frederick CoyettFrederick Coyett1615–1687 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  35. 35John, Duke of ÖstergötlandJohn, Duke of Östergötland1589–1618 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  36. 36Georg von DerfflingerGeorg von Derfflinger1606–1695 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  37. 37Karol Ferdynand VasaKarol Ferdynand Vasa1613–1655 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Religious Figuresnot measured—
  38. 38Nicodemus Tessin the ElderNicodemus Tessin the Elder1615–1681 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Architects0 decades
  39. 39Georg StiernhielmGeorg Stiernhielm1598–1672 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  40. 40Philip Christoph von KönigsmarckPhilip Christoph von Königsmarck1665–1694 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  41. 41Otto Wilhelm KönigsmarckOtto Wilhelm Königsmarck1639–1688 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  42. 42Johannes BureusJohannes Bureus1568–1652 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  43. 43Ebba SparreEbba Sparre1626–1662 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  44. 44Prince Gustav of SwedenPrince Gustav of Sweden1568–1607 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  45. 45Olof Rudbeck the YoungerOlof Rudbeck the Younger1660–1740 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  46. 46Herman WrangelHerman Wrangel1587–1643 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  47. 47David Klöcker EhrenstrahlDavid Klöcker Ehrenstrahl1628–1698 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Artists0 decades
  48. 48Jonas BronckJonas Bronck1600–1643 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  49. 49Arvid WittenbergArvid Wittenberg1606–1657 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  50. 50Count Gustav of Vasaborg, 1st Count of NystadCount Gustav of Vasaborg, 1st Count of Nystad1616–1653 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  51. 51Gustaf Otto StenbockGustaf Otto Stenbock1614–1685 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  52. 52Rutger von AschebergRutger von Ascheberg1621–1693 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  53. 53Carl PiperCarl Piper1647–1716 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  54. 54Carl GyllenhielmCarl Gyllenhielm1574–1650 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  55. 55WAWolmar Anton von Schlippenbach1653–1721 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  56. 56Michael DahlMichael Dahl1659–1743 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Artists0 decades
  57. 57Evert HornEvert Horn1585–1615 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  58. 58Peder WinstrupPeder Winstrup1605–1679 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  59. 59Johan SkytteJohan Skytte1577–1645 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  60. 60Robert Douglas, Count of SkenningeRobert Douglas, Count of Skenninge1611–1662 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians22 decades
  61. 61Clas FlemingClas Fleming1592–1644 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  62. 62Sofia Elisabet WeberSofia Elisabet Weber1659–1730 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writersnot measured—
  63. 63LucidorLucidor1638–1674 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers10 decades
  64. 64Lorentz CreutzLorentz Creutz1615–1676 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  65. 65Urban HjärneUrban Hjärne1641–1724 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  66. 66Israel KolmodinIsrael Kolmodin1643–1709 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Religious Figures0 decades
  67. 67David von KrafftDavid von Krafft1655–1724 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Artists0 decades
  68. 68Torsten StålhandskeTorsten Stålhandske1593–1644 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  69. 69Simon Grundel-HelmfeltSimon Grundel-Helmfelt1617–1677 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  70. 70Johan PalmstruchJohan Palmstruch1611–1671 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Academics0 decades
  71. 71Johannes RudbeckiusJohannes Rudbeckius1581–1646 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Academics0 decades
  72. 72Axel Julius De la GardieAxel Julius De la Gardie1637–1710 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  73. 73LWLars Wivallius1605–1669 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  74. 74Hans WachtmeisterHans Wachtmeister1641–1714 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  75. 75Otto Vellingk the YoungerOtto Vellingk the Younger1649–1708 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  76. 76Johan Gabriel SparwenfeldJohan Gabriel Sparwenfeld1655–1727 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writersnot measured—
  77. 77Gustaf Adolf LewenhauptGustaf Adolf Lewenhaupt1619–1656 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  78. 78Johannes MesseniusJohannes Messenius1579–1636 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  79. 79Axel GyllenkrokAxel Gyllenkrok1664–1730 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  80. 80Amalia Wilhelmina KönigsmarckAmalia Wilhelmina Königsmarck1663–1740 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writersnot measured—
  81. 81JDJean de la Vallée1620–1696 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Architects0 decades
  82. 82CGCarl Gustaf Roos1655–1722 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  83. 83Johan PrintzJohan Printz1592–1663 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  84. 84Gabriel Bengtsson OxenstiernaGabriel Bengtsson Oxenstierna1586–1656 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  85. 85Maria Sofia De la GardieMaria Sofia De la Gardie1627–1694 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  86. 86Jesper SwedbergJesper Swedberg1653–1735 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  87. 87Carl Gustaf CreutzCarl Gustaf Creutz1660–1728 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  88. 88Johannes SchefferusJohannes Schefferus1621–1679 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Academics0 decades
  89. 89Claes UgglaClaes Uggla1614–1676 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  90. 90Fabian von FersenFabian von Fersen1626–1677 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  91. 91Axel SparreAxel Sparre1652–1728 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Artists0 decades
  92. 92Nils BielkeNils Bielke1644–1716 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  93. 93Virgilio MalvezziVirgilio Malvezzi1595–1654 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers20 decades
  94. 94Johann Philipp LemkeJohann Philipp Lemke1631–1711 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Artists0 decades
  95. 95Agneta HornAgneta Horn1629–1672 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writersnot measured—
  96. 96AJArnold Johan Messenius1608–1651 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  97. 97Johan OxenstiernaJohan Oxenstierna1612–1657 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writersnot measured—
  98. 98Carl NierothCarl Nieroth1650–1712 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  99. 99Bengt Gottfried ForseliusBengt Gottfried Forselius1660–1688 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  100. 100Haquin SpegelHaquin Spegel1645–1714 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Religious Figuresnot measured—

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.