Claim profile
1820–1829

The 1820s

Whose names filled the books of the 1820s — anyone at all, however long dead — counted as mentions per million words printed, so a period that simply published more does not inflate anyone.

Talked about then

Whose names appeared most in English books during the 1820s — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish9,091French2,046German1,994Italian1,420Spanish676Hebrew54Russian46Chinese1
  1. 1JesusJesus5 BC–30 · 1st century · Religious Figures121
  2. 2HomerHomer900 BC–800 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers19
  3. 3CiceroCicero106 BC–43 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians16
  4. 4VirgilVirgil70 BC–19 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers14
  5. 5AugustusAugustus63 BC–14 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians13
  6. 6Lord ByronLord Byron1788–1824 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers12
  7. 7PlatoPlato428 BC–348 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics10
  8. 8AristotleAristotle384 BC–322 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics9.9
  9. 9PlutarchPlutarch40–120 · 1st century · Academics8.2
  10. 10Charles II, Lord of MonacoCharles II, Lord of Monaco1555–1589 · 16th century · Politicians7.7
  11. 11Charles II, Duke of SavoyCharles II, Duke of Savoy1489–1496 · 15th century · Historical Figures7.7
  12. 12Charles II, Duke of Münsterberg-OelsCharles II, Duke of Münsterberg-Oels1545–1617 · 16th century · Historical Figures7.7
  13. 13HerodotusHerodotus484 BC–425 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers7.7
  14. 14SocratesSocrates470 BC–399 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Academics7.0
  15. 15OvidOvid43 BC–17 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers6.3
  16. 16StraboStrabo63 BC–23 · 1st millennium BC · Academics6.0
  17. 17DemosthenesDemosthenes384 BC–322 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians5.7
  18. 18HIHenry IV, Count of Waldeck1300–1348 · 14th century4.8
  19. 19Henry IV, Holy Roman EmperorHenry IV, Holy Roman Emperor1050–1106 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures4.8
  20. 20Henry IV, Duke of BrabantHenry IV, Duke of Brabant1251–1272 · 13th century4.8
  21. 21HIHenry IV, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1463–1514 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany4.8
  22. 22Henry IV, Count of LuxembourgHenry IV, Count of Luxembourg1113–1196 · 12th century · Politicians4.8
  23. 23Henry IV, Duke of LimburgHenry IV, Duke of Limburg1195–1247 · 13th century · Historical Figures4.8
  24. 24LivyLivy59 BC–17 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers4.6
  25. 25CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures4.4
  26. 26XenophonXenophon430 BC–354 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics4.2
  27. 27TertullianTertullian160–240 · 2nd century · Academics4.1
  28. 28OrigenOrigen185–254 · 3rd century · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Academics4.0
  29. 29CharlemagneCharlemagne748–814 · 8th century · Historical Figures4.0
  30. 30Henry VI, Count of LuxembourgHenry VI, Count of Luxembourg1240–1288 · 13th century · Politicians3.4
  31. 31Henry VIHenry VI1376–1454 · 15th century3.4
  32. 32HVHenry VI, Count of Waldeck1340–1397 · 14th century3.4
  33. 33PericlesPericles494 BC–429 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians3.4
  34. 34Henry VII, Holy Roman EmperorHenry VII, Holy Roman Emperor1275–1313 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France3.3
  35. 35Henry III, Count of GoriziaHenry III, Count of Gorizia1263–1323 · 13th century3.2
  36. 36Henry III, Duke of Münsterberg-OelsHenry III, Duke of Münsterberg-Oels1542–1587 · 16th century3.2
  37. 37Henry III, Duke of GłogówHenry III, Duke of Głogów1251–1309 · 13th century · Politicians3.2
  38. 38Henry III, Margrave of Baden-HachbergHenry III, Margrave of Baden-Hachberg1300–1330 · 14th century · Models3.2
  39. 39Henry III, Holy Roman EmperorHenry III, Holy Roman Emperor1016–1056 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures3.2
  40. 40Henry III, Count of LouvainHenry III, Count of Louvain1060–1095 · 11th century · Politicians3.2
  41. 41Henry III, Count of Schauenburg-HolsteinHenry III, Count of Schauenburg-Holstein1370–1421 · 15th century3.2
  42. 42HIHenry III, Count of Luxembourg1070–1096 · 11th century · Historical Figures3.2
  43. 43Walter ScottWalter Scott1771–1832 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers3.1
  44. 44James II, Count of UrgellJames II, Count of Urgell1388–1433 · 15th century3.0
  45. 45TrajanTrajan53–117 · 1st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians2.9
  46. 46ThucydidesThucydides460 BC–395 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers2.9
  47. 47PythagorasPythagoras582 BC–490 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics2.9
  48. 48EuripidesEuripides480 BC–406 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers2.8
  49. 49John BullJohn Bull1562–1628 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians2.8
  50. 50John the BaptistJohn the Baptist6 BC–30 · 1st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Religious Figures2.8
  51. 51HIHenry II, Margrave of the Nordmark1102–1128 · 12th century2.7
  52. 52Henry II, Duke of ZiębiceHenry II, Duke of Ziębice1396–1420 · 15th century2.7
  53. 53Henry II, Holy Roman EmperorHenry II, Holy Roman Emperor973–1024 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.7
  54. 54Henry IIHenry II1207–1248 · 13th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.7
  55. 55Henry II, Duke of ŚwidnicaHenry II, Duke of Świdnica1312–1345 · 14th century2.7
  56. 56Henry II, Count of ChampagneHenry II, Count of Champagne1166–1197 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures2.7
  57. 57Henry II, Duke of Münsterberg-OelsHenry II, Duke of Münsterberg-Oels1507–1548 · 16th century2.7
  58. 58Henry II, Count of Holstein-RendsburgHenry II, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg1317–1390 · 14th century2.7
  59. 59Henry II, Duke of Brunswick-GrubenhagenHenry II, Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen1289–1351 · 14th century · Historical Figures2.7
  60. 60Henry II, Margrave of Brandenburg-StendalHenry II, Margrave of Brandenburg-Stendal1308–1320 · 14th century · Models2.7
  61. 61Henry II , Duke of Lower LorraineHenry II , Duke of Lower Lorraine1059–1119 · 11th century2.7
  62. 62Henry II, Prince of Anhalt-AscherslebenHenry II, Prince of Anhalt-Aschersleben1215–1266 · 13th century · Historical Figures2.7
  63. 63Julius CaesarJulius Caesar100 BC–44 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians2.7
  64. 64AristophanesAristophanes445 BC–385 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers2.7
  65. 65Ben JonsonBen Jonson1572–1637 · 17th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers2.6
  66. 66OthoOtho32–69 · 1st century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians2.6
  67. 67SolonSolon630 BC–560 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers2.6
  68. 68Richard IIRichard II963–1026 · 10th century · 🇫🇷 France2.6
  69. 69PindarPindar517 BC–437 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers2.5
  70. 70PolybiusPolybius200 BC–120 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers2.5
  71. 71AlcibiadesAlcibiades450 BC–404 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians2.5
  72. 72BedeBede672–735 · 8th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers2.4
  73. 73VespasianVespasian9–79 · 1st century · Politicians2.4
  74. 74EuclidEuclid333 BC–285 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics2.4
  75. 75SophoclesSophocles496 BC–406 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers2.3
  76. 76Isaac NewtonIsaac Newton1642–1727 · 17th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics2.3
  77. 77Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great356 BC–323 BC · 1st millennium BC · Historical Figures2.2
  78. 78AhabAhab918 BC–852 BC · 1st millennium BC · Models2.2
  79. 79HippocratesHippocrates460 BC–370 BC · 1st millennium BC · Doctors2.2
  80. 80ArrianArrian89–175 · 2nd century · Writers2.0
  81. 81LucanLucan39–65 · 1st century · Writers2.0
  82. 82ThemistoclesThemistocles524 BC–459 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians1.9
  83. 83George II, Duke of Münsterberg-OelsGeorge II, Duke of Münsterberg-Oels1512–1553 · 16th century1.9
  84. 84George II, Duke of Württemberg-MontbéliardGeorge II, Duke of Württemberg-Montbéliard1626–1699 · 17th century1.9
  85. 85George II, Duke of BriegGeorge II, Duke of Brieg1523–1586 · 16th century1.9
  86. 86LucretiusLucretius94 BC–55 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.9
  87. 87HesiodHesiodborn 776 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers1.8
  88. 88John SmithJohn Smith1580–1631 · 17th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures1.8
  89. 89William JonesWilliam Jones1746–1794 · 18th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics1.8
  90. 90William the ConquerorWilliam the Conqueror1028–1087 · 11th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures1.7
  91. 91GalenGalen129–300 · 2nd century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Doctors1.7
  92. 92SuetoniusSuetonius70–126 · 2nd century · Writers1.7
  93. 93Oliver CromwellOliver Cromwell1599–1658 · 17th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians1.7
  94. 94EpicurusEpicurus342 BC–270 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics1.7
  95. 95DomitianDomitian51–96 · 1st century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.6
  96. 96IrenaeusIrenaeus130–202 · 2nd century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Academics1.6
  97. 97Adam SmithAdam Smith1723–1790 · 18th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics1.6
  98. 98BelisariusBelisarius505–565 · 6th century · Politicians1.6
  99. 99AnacreonAnacreon570 BC–485 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers1.6
  100. 100Richard IIIRichard III1001–1027 · 11th century1.6

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 1820s, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

  1. 1Arthur SchopenhauerArthur Schopenhauer1788–1860 · Academics20 decades
  2. 2Franz SchubertFranz Schubert1797–1828 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians22 decades
  3. 3Lord ByronLord Byron1788–1824 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers22 decades
  4. 4Pope Pius IXPope Pius IX1792–1878 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Religious Figures18 decades
  5. 5James BuchananJames Buchanan1791–1868 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians22 decades
  6. 6Alessandro ManzoniAlessandro Manzoni1785–1873 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers22 decades
  7. 7Gioachino RossiniGioachino Rossini1792–1868 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Musicians20 decades
  8. 8Alphonse de LamartineAlphonse de Lamartine1790–1869 · 🇫🇷 France · Writers20 decades
  9. 9Michael FaradayMichael Faraday1791–1867 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists20 decades
  10. 10Jean-François ChampollionJean-François Champollion1790–1832 · 🇫🇷 France · Academics6 decades
  11. 11Percy Bysshe ShelleyPercy Bysshe Shelley1792–1822 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers21 decades
  12. 12Nikolai LobachevskyNikolai Lobachevsky1792–1856 · Academics9 decades
  13. 13Leopold I of BelgiumLeopold I of Belgium1790–1865 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  14. 14Charles BabbageCharles Babbage1791–1871 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics20 decades
  15. 15Antonio López de Santa AnnaAntonio López de Santa Anna1794–1876 · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians18 decades
  16. 16Marie Louise, Duchess of ParmaMarie Louise, Duchess of Parma1791–1847 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures18 decades
  17. 17John KeatsJohn Keats1795–1821 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers21 decades
  18. 18Alexander GriboyedovAlexander Griboyedov1795–1829 · Politicians13 decades
  19. 19John TylerJohn Tyler1790–1862 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians22 decades
  20. 20Carl Maria von WeberCarl Maria von Weber1786–1826 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians21 decades
  21. 21ShakaShaka1787–1828 · Historical Figures22 decades
  22. 22Ferdinand I of AustriaFerdinand I of Austria1793–1875 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politiciansnot measured—
  23. 23Jacob GrimmJacob Grimm1785–1863 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics21 decades
  24. 24Georg OhmGeorg Ohm1789–1854 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists12 decades
  25. 25Samuel MorseSamuel Morse1791–1872 · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists0 decades
  26. 26Ludwig I of BavariaLudwig I of Bavaria1786–1868 · 🇫🇷 France · Writers5 decades
  27. 27James Fenimore CooperJames Fenimore Cooper1789–1851 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers18 decades
  28. 28Théodore GéricaultThéodore Géricault1791–1824 · 🇫🇷 France · Artists7 decades
  29. 29Louis DaguerreLouis Daguerre1787–1851 · 🇫🇷 France · Scientists1 decades
  30. 30Mahmud IIMahmud II1785–1839 · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Historical Figures14 decades
  31. 31François AragoFrançois Arago1786–1853 · 🇫🇷 France · Academics18 decades
  32. 32Augustin-Louis CauchyAugustin-Louis Cauchy1789–1857 · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0 decades
  33. 33Joseph von EichendorffJoseph von Eichendorff1788–1857 · Writers15 decades
  34. 34Juan Manuel de RosasJuan Manuel de Rosas1793–1877 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians20 decades
  35. 35John HerschelJohn Herschel1792–1871 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics0 decades
  36. 36François GuizotFrançois Guizot1787–1874 · 🇫🇷 France · Writers14 decades
  37. 37Niels Henrik AbelNiels Henrik Abel1802–1829 · 🇳🇴 Norway · Academics1 decades
  38. 38Davy CrockettDavy Crockett1786–1836 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians19 decades
  39. 39John VianneyJohn Vianney1786–1859 · 🇫🇷 France · Religious Figures10 decades
  40. 40Guadalupe VictoriaGuadalupe Victoria1786–1845 · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians21 decades
  41. 41Wilhelm HauffWilhelm Hauff1802–1827 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers20 decades
  42. 42Robert PeelRobert Peel1788–1850 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians22 decades
  43. 43Wilhelm GrimmWilhelm Grimm1786–1859 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers22 decades
  44. 44Cornelius VanderbiltCornelius Vanderbilt1794–1877 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders18 decades
  45. 45William II of the NetherlandsWilliam II of the Netherlands1792–1849 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Politicians0 decades
  46. 46John James AudubonJohn James Audubon1785–1851 · 🇺🇸 United States · Artists19 decades
  47. 47Sam HoustonSam Houston1793–1863 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians20 decades
  48. 48Christian VIII of DenmarkChristian VIII of Denmark1786–1848 · Historical Figures0 decades
  49. 49George EverestGeorge Everest1790–1866 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures2 decades
  50. 50Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-SaalfeldPrincess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld1786–1861 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  51. 51Maria Leopoldina of AustriaMaria Leopoldina of Austria1797–1826 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Historical Figures0 decades
  52. 52Carl CzernyCarl Czerny1791–1857 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians15 decades
  53. 53John FranklinJohn Franklin1786–1847 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures22 decades
  54. 54Ibrahim Pasha of EgyptIbrahim Pasha of Egypt1789–1848 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Politicians0 decades
  55. 55John Russell, 1st Earl RussellJohn Russell, 1st Earl Russell1792–1878 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politiciansnot measured—
  56. 56Adelaide of Saxe-MeiningenAdelaide of Saxe-Meiningen1792–1849 · 🇩🇪 Germany0 decades
  57. 57Chief SeattleChief Seattle1786–1866 · 🇺🇸 United States5 decades
  58. 58Matthew C. PerryMatthew C. Perry1794–1858 · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists9 decades
  59. 59Giacomo MeyerbeerGiacomo Meyerbeer1791–1864 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians15 decades
  60. 60Thomas De QuinceyThomas De Quincey1785–1859 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers17 decades
  61. 61Francesco HayezFrancesco Hayez1791–1882 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists20 decades
  62. 62Augustin-Jean FresnelAugustin-Jean Fresnel1788–1827 · 🇫🇷 France · Scientists15 decades
  63. 63Bettina von ArnimBettina von Arnim1785–1859 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers18 decades
  64. 64Joseph von FraunhoferJoseph von Fraunhofer1787–1826 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists4 decades
  65. 65Dost Mohammad KhanDost Mohammad Khan1793–1863 · Politicians0 decades
  66. 66Karl DraisKarl Drais1785–1851 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists0 decades
  67. 67Carlos de Borbón y Borbón-ParmaCarlos de Borbón y Borbón-Parma1788–1855 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians14 decades
  68. 68August Ferdinand MöbiusAugust Ferdinand Möbius1790–1868 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics3 decades
  69. 69Winfield ScottWinfield Scott1786–1866 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians21 decades
  70. 70Minh MạngMinh Mạng1791–1841 · Historical Figures0 decades
  71. 71Ranavalona IRanavalona I1788–1861 · Politicians0 decades
  72. 72Franz Xaver Wolfgang MozartFranz Xaver Wolfgang Mozart1791–1844 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians2 decades
  73. 73George M. DallasGeorge M. Dallas1792–1864 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians15 decades
  74. 74NangklaoNangklao1787–1851 · Historical Figures0 decades
  75. 75Jules Dumont d'UrvilleJules Dumont d'Urville1790–1842 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures1 decades
  76. 76Francisco de Paula SantanderFrancisco de Paula Santander1792–1840 · Politicians21 decades
  77. 77Abbas MirzaAbbas Mirza1789–1833 · Politicians10 decades
  78. 78Franz GrillparzerFranz Grillparzer1791–1872 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Writers20 decades
  79. 79Vuk KaradžićVuk Karadžić1787–1864 · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Academics0 decades
  80. 80James BarryJames Barry1789–1865 · Doctors22 decades
  81. 81Friedrich ListFriedrich List1789–1846 · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics18 decades
  82. 82DiponegoroDiponegoro1785–1855 · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · Politicians7 decades
  83. 83John William PolidoriJohn William Polidori1795–1821 · Writers0 decades
  84. 84Francisco MorazánFrancisco Morazán1792–1842 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians14 decades
  85. 85Anne ListerAnne Lister1791–1840 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers2 decades
  86. 86Lady Caroline LambLady Caroline Lamb1785–1828 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers20 decades
  87. 87Friedrich RückertFriedrich Rückert1788–1866 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers22 decades
  88. 88Lin Tse-hsuLin Tse-hsu1785–1850 · Politicians10 decades
  89. 89Sunjo of JoseonSunjo of Joseon1790–1834 · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Politiciansnot measured—
  90. 90José Antonio PáezJosé Antonio Páez1790–1873 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians21 decades
  91. 91Ludwig BörneLudwig Börne1786–1837 · Writers19 decades
  92. 92Horace VernetHorace Vernet1789–1863 · 🇫🇷 France · Artists22 decades
  93. 93Tokugawa IeyoshiTokugawa Ieyoshi1793–1853 · 🇯🇵 Japan0 decades
  94. 94Lucretia MottLucretia Mott1793–1880 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers18 decades
  95. 95Kamehameha IIKamehameha II1797–1824 · Historical Figures1 decades
  96. 96Edward EverettEdward Everett1794–1865 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians21 decades
  97. 97Sergey AksakovSergey Aksakov1791–1859 · Writers12 decades
  98. 98John MartinJohn Martin1789–1854 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Artists22 decades
  99. 99Alexander YpsilantisAlexander Ypsilantis1792–18280 decades
  100. 100George GreenGeorge Green1793–1841 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists22 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.