Claim profile
1920–1929

The 1920s

Whose names filled the books of the 1920s — 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 Spanish books during the 1920s — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish19,366German3,585French3,302Italian1,816Spanish1,202Russian535Hebrew109Chinese13
  1. 1Lope de VegaLope de Vega1562–1635 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers7.1
  2. 2John of GodJohn of God1495–1550 · 16th century · 🇵🇹 Portugal6.6
  3. 3Francis XavierFrancis Xavier1506–1552 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers4.6
  4. 4Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures3.8
  5. 5Simón BolívarSimón Bolívar1783–1830 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians3.3
  6. 6Rubén DaríoRubén Darío1867–1916 · 20th century · Writers2.9
  7. 7Hernán CortésHernán Cortés1485–1547 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures2.5
  8. 8Bartolomé MitreBartolomé Mitre1821–1906 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians2.5
  9. 9JFJuan Fernández1529–1602 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures2.3
  10. 10Teresa of ÁvilaTeresa of Ávila1515–1582 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers2.1
  11. 11Gonzalo PizarroGonzalo Pizarro1502–1548 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures2.0
  12. 12Francisco PizarroFrancisco Pizarro1478–1541 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.9
  13. 13Bernardino RivadaviaBernardino Rivadavia1780–1845 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians1.6
  14. 14Andrés BelloAndrés Bello1781–1865 · 19th century · Politicians1.6
  15. 15Juan Vicente GómezJuan Vicente Gómez1857–1935 · 19th century · Politicians1.6
  16. 16John of AustriaJohn of Austria1547–1578 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians1.6
  17. 17Nicolás AntonioNicolás Antonio1617–1684 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians1.5
  18. 18Porfirio DíazPorfirio Díaz1830–1915 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians1.5
  19. 19Francisco de Toledo, Count of OropesaFrancisco de Toledo, Count of Oropesa1515–1582 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians1.5
  20. 20John of the CrossJohn of the Cross1542–1591 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.3
  21. 21Carlos PellegriniCarlos Pellegrini1846–1906 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Journalists1.3
  22. 22Luis de LeónLuis de León1527–1591 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.3
  23. 23Tirso de MolinaTirso de Molina1583–1648 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.2
  24. 24Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of GandíaFrancis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía1510–1572 · 16th century · Politicians1.2
  25. 25Francisco de BorjaFrancisco de Borja1441–1511 · 15th century · Writers1.2
  26. 26Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.2
  27. 27José de San MartínJosé de San Martín1778–1850 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians1.2
  28. 28Bartolomé de las CasasBartolomé de las Casas1484–1566 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.2
  29. 29Pedro de AlvaradoPedro de Alvarado1486–1541 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.2
  30. 30Ignatius of LoyolaIgnatius of Loyola1491–1556 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures1.2
  31. 31John I of FranceJohn I of France1316–1316 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures1.2
  32. 32Pedro de ValdiviaPedro de Valdivia1497–1553 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians1.1
  33. 33Francis SolanusFrancis Solanus1549–1610 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain1.1
  34. 34Pope Alexander VIPope Alexander VI1431–1503 · 15th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures1.1
  35. 35Garcilaso de la VegaGarcilaso de la Vega1503–1536 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.1
  36. 36Benito JuárezBenito Juárez1806–1872 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians1.0
  37. 37Ricardo PalmaRicardo Palma1833–1919 · 19th century · Writers1.0
  38. 38Antonio José de SucreAntonio José de Sucre1795–1830 · 19th century · Politicians1.0
  39. 39Gabriela MistralGabriela Mistral1889–1957 · 20th century · Writers0.99
  40. 40Vincent FerrerVincent Ferrer1350–1419 · 14th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures0.97
  41. 41Fernán González of CastileFernán González of Castile910–970 · 10th century0.97
  42. 42Manuel BelgranoManuel Belgrano1770–1820 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.93
  43. 43Diego de AlmagroDiego de Almagro1475–1538 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.91
  44. 44Diego VelázquezDiego Velázquez1599–1660 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists0.87
  45. 45María de JesúsMaría de Jesús1560–1640 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain0.82
  46. 46Miguel de UnamunoMiguel de Unamuno1864–1936 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.82
  47. 47Francisco I. MaderoFrancisco I. Madero1873–1913 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Activists0.82
  48. 48Francisco de AguirreFrancisco de Aguirre1507–1581 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.78
  49. 49Francisco de Paula SantanderFrancisco de Paula Santander1792–1840 · 19th century · Politicians0.76
  50. 50Juan de GarayJuan de Garay1528–1583 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain0.75
  51. 51Marcelino Menéndez y PelayoMarcelino Menéndez y Pelayo1856–1912 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.75
  52. 52Lope de RuedaLope de Rueda1505–1566 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.74
  53. 53Ambrosio de MoralesAmbrosio de Morales1513–1591 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.73
  54. 54Jorge Juan y SantaciliaJorge Juan y Santacilia1713–1773 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Scientists0.72
  55. 55Ramón de la CruzRamón de la Cruz1731–1794 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.70
  56. 56Nicolás AvellanedaNicolás Avellaneda1837–1885 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Journalists0.68
  57. 57Juan Manuel de RosasJuan Manuel de Rosas1793–1877 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.68
  58. 58Jose Miguel CarreraJose Miguel Carrera1785–1821 · 19th century · Politicians0.68
  59. 59Juan AndrésJuan Andrés1740–1817 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.66
  60. 60Roque Sáenz PeñaRoque Sáenz Peña1851–1914 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.66
  61. 61Manuel MonttManuel Montt1809–1880 · 19th century · Politicians0.65
  62. 62Luis de GóngoraLuis de Góngora1561–1627 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.63
  63. 63Juan de ValdésJuan de Valdés1505–1541 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors0.63
  64. 64Fernán CaballeroFernán Caballero1796–1877 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.63
  65. 65Peter of AlcantaraPeter of Alcantara1499–1562 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain0.62
  66. 66Ángel de Saavedra, 3rd Duke of RivasÁngel de Saavedra, 3rd Duke of Rivas1791–1865 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.62
  67. 67Venustiano CarranzaVenustiano Carranza1859–1920 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.61
  68. 68Sor Juana Inés de la CruzSor Juana Inés de la Cruz1651–1695 · 17th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Writers0.61
  69. 69Francisco QuevedoFrancisco Quevedo1584–1645 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.61
  70. 70Jacinto BenaventeJacinto Benavente1866–1954 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.60
  71. 71Justo José de UrquizaJusto José de Urquiza1801–1870 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.60
  72. 72Pío BarojaPío Baroja1872–1956 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.58
  73. 73Rafael UrdanetaRafael Urdaneta1788–1845 · 19th century · Politicians0.57
  74. 74Hernando PizarroHernando Pizarro1502–1578 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.56
  75. 75Cornelio SaavedraCornelio Saavedra1759–1829 · 18th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.56
  76. 76José HernándezJosé Hernández1834–1886 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writers0.56
  77. 77Antonio MauraAntonio Maura1853–1925 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.56
  78. 78Juan MontalvoJuan Montalvo1832–1889 · 19th century · Writers0.54
  79. 79Florentino AmeghinoFlorentino Ameghino1853–1911 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Academics0.54
  80. 80Juan de la CosaJuan de la Cosa1450–1510 · 15th century · Historical Figures0.53
  81. 81García Fernández of CastileGarcía Fernández of Castile938–995 · 10th century · Politicians0.52
  82. 82Vasco Núñez de BalboaVasco Núñez de Balboa1475–1519 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.52
  83. 83Francisco de VitoriaFrancisco de Vitoria1480–1546 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.51
  84. 84Bernal Díaz del BrawlBernal Díaz del Brawl1492–1584 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.51
  85. 85Gil VicenteGil Vicente1465–1536 · 16th century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Writers0.51
  86. 86Alonso CanoAlonso Cano1601–1667 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists0.49
  87. 87Juan de HerreraJuan de Herrera1530–1597 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Architects0.47
  88. 88Mateo AlemánMateo Alemán1547–1614 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.47
  89. 89Manuel OribeManuel Oribe1792–1857 · 19th century · Politicians0.47
  90. 90Fructuoso RiveraFructuoso Rivera1784–1854 · 19th century · Politicians0.46
  91. 91Bernardo O'HigginsBernardo O'Higgins1778–1842 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.46
  92. 92Francisco PachecoFrancisco Pacheco1564–1644 · 16th century · Artists0.45
  93. 93Luis de GranadaLuis de Granada1504–1588 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors0.45
  94. 94Juan José FloresJuan José Flores1800–1864 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.44
  95. 95Esteban Echeverría MamaniEsteban Echeverría Mamani1805–1851 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writers0.44
  96. 96Tomás Estrada PalmaTomás Estrada Palma1835–1908 · 19th century · Politicians0.44
  97. 97Pedro Calderón de la BarcaPedro Calderón de la Barca1600–1681 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.43
  98. 98Francisco de VillagraFrancisco de Villagra1511–1563 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.42
  99. 99Hernando de SotoHernando de Soto1500–1542 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.42
  100. 100Antonio MachadoAntonio Machado1875–1939 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.42

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 1920s, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

  1. 1Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians10 decades
  2. 2Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians13 decades
  3. 3Charles de GaulleCharles de Gaulle1890–1970 · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians9 decades
  4. 4Charlie ChaplinCharlie Chaplin1889–1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Comedians11 decades
  5. 5Nikita KhrushchevNikita Khrushchev1894–1971 · Politicians10 decades
  6. 6Chiang Kai-shekChiang Kai-shek1887–1975 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4 decades
  7. 7Agatha ChristieAgatha Christie1890–1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers10 decades
  8. 8J. R. R. TolkienJ. R. R. Tolkien1892–1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers7 decades
  9. 9Francisco FrancoFrancisco Franco1892–1975 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians9 decades
  10. 10Dwight D. EisenhowerDwight D. Eisenhower1890–1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians9 decades
  11. 11Hermann GöringHermann Göring1893–1946 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians9 decades
  12. 12Mikhail BulgakovMikhail Bulgakov1891–1940 · Writers8 decades
  13. 13Le CorbusierLe Corbusier1887–1965 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Architects10 decades
  14. 14Josip Broz TitoJosip Broz Tito1892–1980 · Activists8 decades
  15. 15Erwin RommelErwin Rommel1891–1944 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures8 decades
  16. 16Martin HeideggerMartin Heidegger1889–1976 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics10 decades
  17. 17Edward VIIIEdward VIII1894–1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures9 decades
  18. 18Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh1890–1969 · Politicians8 decades
  19. 19Antonio GramsciAntonio Gramsci1891–1937 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics9 decades
  20. 20Ludwig WittgensteinLudwig Wittgenstein1889–1951 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics8 decades
  21. 21Haile SelassieHaile Selassie1892–1975 · Historical Figures0 decades
  22. 22Niels BohrNiels Bohr1885–1962 · Scientists10 decades
  23. 23Vyacheslav MolotovVyacheslav Molotov1890–1986 · Politicians7 decades
  24. 24H. P. LovecraftH. P. Lovecraft1890–1937 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers6 decades
  25. 25Aldous HuxleyAldous Huxley1894–1963 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers10 decades
  26. 26Marc ChagallMarc Chagall1887–1985 · 🇫🇷 France · Artists10 decades
  27. 27Rudolf HessRudolf Hess1894–1987 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Politicians9 decades
  28. 28David Ben-GurionDavid Ben-Gurion1886–1973 · Politiciansnot measured—
  29. 29Karl DönitzKarl Dönitz1891–1980 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians8 decades
  30. 30Erwin SchrödingerErwin Schrödinger1887–1961 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Scientists11 decades
  31. 31Alfonso XIII of SpainAlfonso XIII of Spain1886–1941 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures7 decades
  32. 32Joachim von RibbentropJoachim von Ribbentrop1893–1946 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians9 decades
  33. 33Diego RiveraDiego Rivera1886–1957 · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Designers14 decades
  34. 34António de Oliveira SalazarAntónio de Oliveira Salazar1889–1970 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Politicians0 decades
  35. 35T. E. LawrenceT. E. Lawrence1888–1935 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics10 decades
  36. 36Srinivasa RamanujanSrinivasa Ramanujan1887–1920 · 🇮🇳 India · Academics0 decades
  37. 37George S. PattonGeorge S. Patton1885–1945 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers8 decades
  38. 38Jawaharlal NehruJawaharlal Nehru1889–1964 · 🇮🇳 India · Politicians10 decades
  39. 39Bernard MontgomeryBernard Montgomery1887–1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers5 decades
  40. 40Ezra PoundEzra Pound1885–1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers11 decades
  41. 41Jean CocteauJean Cocteau1889–1963 · 🇫🇷 France · Writers11 decades
  42. 42Ryūnosuke AkutagawaRyūnosuke Akutagawa1892–1927 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Writers0 decades
  43. 43Groucho MarxGroucho Marx1890–1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Comedians9 decades
  44. 44Rudolph ValentinoRudolph Valentino1895–1926 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors10 decades
  45. 45T. S. EliotT. S. Eliot1888–1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers11 decades
  46. 46Sergei YeseninSergei Yesenin1895–1925 · Writers11 decades
  47. 47Harold MacmillanHarold Macmillan1894–1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians9 decades
  48. 48Ernst RöhmErnst Röhm1887–1934 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians9 decades
  49. 49Walter BenjaminWalter Benjamin1892–1940 · Academics10 decades
  50. 50Boris PasternakBoris Pasternak1890–1960 · Writers0 decades
  51. 51John FordJohn Ford1894–1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors13 decades
  52. 52Heinz GuderianHeinz Guderian1888–1954 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers8 decades
  53. 53Mae WestMae West1893–1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors10 decades
  54. 54Vladimir MayakovskyVladimir Mayakovsky1893–1930 · Writers11 decades
  55. 55Erich von MansteinErich von Manstein1887–1973 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures7 decades
  56. 56D. H. LawrenceD. H. Lawrence1885–1930 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers11 decades
  57. 57Alfred RosenbergAlfred Rosenberg1893–1946 · Politicians10 decades
  58. 58Georgia O'KeeffeGeorgia O'Keeffe1887–1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Artists9 decades
  59. 59Joan MiróJoan Miró1893–1983 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists9 decades
  60. 60Maximilian KolbeMaximilian Kolbe1894–1941 · Academics1 decades
  61. 61Vidkun QuislingVidkun Quisling1887–1945 · 🇳🇴 Norway · Politicians1 decades
  62. 62Friedrich PaulusFriedrich Paulus1890–1957 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures7 decades
  63. 63Louis-Ferdinand CélineLouis-Ferdinand Céline1894–1961 · 🇫🇷 France · Writers9 decades
  64. 64Mary PickfordMary Pickford1892–1979 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors11 decades
  65. 65Marcel DuchampMarcel Duchamp1887–1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Artists10 decades
  66. 66J. Paul GettyJ. Paul Getty1892–1976 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers8 decades
  67. 67Eugene O'NeillEugene O'Neill1888–1953 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers10 decades
  68. 68C. V. RamanC. V. Raman1888–1970 · 🇮🇳 India · Scientists0 decades
  69. 69Sergei ProkofievSergei Prokofiev1891–1953 · Musicians9 decades
  70. 70Fritz LangFritz Lang1890–1976 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Directors9 decades
  71. 71Fernando PessoaFernando Pessoa1888–1935 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Writers8 decades
  72. 72Padre PioPadre Pio1887–1968 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Religious Figures7 decades
  73. 73Henry MillerHenry Miller1891–1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers13 decades
  74. 74Marina TsvetaevaMarina Tsvetaeva1892–1941 · Writers10 decades
  75. 75Dale CarnegieDale Carnegie1888–1955 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers9 decades
  76. 76Chester W. NimitzChester W. Nimitz1885–1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures8 decades
  77. 77Colonel SandersColonel Sanders1890–1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0 decades
  78. 78Nestor MakhnoNestor Makhno1888–1934 · Activists7 decades
  79. 79Edith SteinEdith Stein1891–1942 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics10 decades
  80. 80Raymond ChandlerRaymond Chandler1888–1959 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers8 decades
  81. 81Alfred JodlAlfred Jodl1890–1946 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians8 decades
  82. 82Anna AkhmatovaAnna Akhmatova1889–1966 · Writers11 decades
  83. 83Stan LaurelStan Laurel1890–1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  84. 84Walter UlbrichtWalter Ulbricht1893–1973 · Politicians9 decades
  85. 85Julius StreicherJulius Streicher1885–1946 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians9 decades
  86. 86Lillian GishLillian Gish1893–1993 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors10 decades
  87. 87Arthur Seyss-InquartArthur Seyss-Inquart1892–1946 · Politicians7 decades
  88. 88Max ErnstMax Ernst1891–1976 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Artists12 decades
  89. 89Ip ManIp Man1893–1972 · 🇨🇳 Chinanot measured—
  90. 90Princess Alice of BattenbergPrincess Alice of Battenberg1885–1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures0 decades
  91. 91Ernst ThälmannErnst Thälmann1886–1944 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians9 decades
  92. 92Marc BlochMarc Bloch1886–1944 · 🇫🇷 France · Writers12 decades
  93. 93Marcus GarveyMarcus Garvey1887–1940 · Founders10 decades
  94. 94Nikolai BukharinNikolai Bukharin1888–1938 · Politicians5 decades
  95. 95Mikhail TukhachevskyMikhail Tukhachevsky1893–1937 · Politicians7 decades
  96. 96Rafael TrujilloRafael Trujillo1891–1961 · Politicians9 decades
  97. 97Charles I of AustriaCharles I of Austria1887–1922 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures14 decades
  98. 98Faisal I of IraqFaisal I of Iraq1885–1933 · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Politicians0 decades
  99. 99Man RayMan Ray1890–1976 · 🇺🇸 United States · Artists10 decades
  100. 100Oliver HardyOliver Hardy1892–1957 · 🇺🇸 United States · Comedians5 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.