Claim profile
1960–1969

The 1960s

Whose names filled the books of the 1960s — 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 Hebrew books during the 1960s — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish24,578German3,951French3,665Italian1,962Spanish1,386Russian727Chinese146Hebrew141
  1. 1Rav AshiRav Ashi352–427 · 4th century12
  2. 2HaggaiHaggaiborn 550 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures10
  3. 3Ahad Ha'amAhad Ha'am1856–1927 · 19th century · Writers8.9
  4. 4Saadia GaonSaadia Gaon882–942 · 10th century · Academics7.6
  5. 5SBSimeon ben Gamliel IIborn 100 · 2nd century7.3
  6. 6Sabbatai ZeviSabbatai Zevi1626–1676 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Religious Figures7.2
  7. 7JosephusJosephus37–100 · 1st century · Writers6.5
  8. 8Paul the ApostlePaul the Apostle5–66 · 1st century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers5.1
  9. 9Johanan ben ZakaiJohanan ben Zakai50 BC–70 · 1st millennium BC5.0
  10. 10HabakkukHabakkuk626 BC–600 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures4.7
  11. 11Moshe DayanMoshe Dayan1915–1981 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians4.1
  12. 12NTNathan the Babylonianborn 101 · 2nd century3.9
  13. 13JBJudah ben Samuel of Regensburg1150–1217 · 12th century · Academics3.3
  14. 14Hai GaonHai Gaon939–1038 · 10th century · Writers3.3
  15. 15Menachem BeginMenachem Begin1913–1992 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.0
  16. 16Levi EshkolLevi Eshkol1895–1969 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.0
  17. 17Moshe SharettMoshe Sharett1894–1965 · 20th century · Politicians2.8
  18. 18SISamuel ibn Naghrillah993–1055 · 11th century · Writers2.7
  19. 19Hillel the ElderHillel the Elder50 BC–100 · 1st millennium BC2.5
  20. 20YYanaiborn 600 · 7th century · Writers2.5
  21. 21Judas MaccabeusJudas Maccabeus500 BC–160 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures2.5
  22. 22Shimon bar YochaiShimon bar Yochai100–160 · 2nd century2.3
  23. 23SBSimeon ben Zomadied 200 · 2nd century2.1
  24. 24Rabbeinu TamRabbeinu Tam1100–1171 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.8
  25. 25Baal Shem TovBaal Shem Tov1698–1760 · 18th century1.7
  26. 26Moses SoferMoses Sofer1762–1839 · 18th century1.6
  27. 27Isaac AbrabanelIsaac Abrabanel1437–1508 · 15th century · Academics1.5
  28. 28Golda MeirGolda Meir1898–1978 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians1.5
  29. 29Mendele Mocher SforimMendele Mocher Sforim1835–1917 · 19th century · Writers1.5
  30. 30Nathan of GazaNathan of Gaza1644–1680 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers1.5
  31. 31Hayyim ben Joseph VitalHayyim ben Joseph Vital1542–1620 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Musicians1.4
  32. 32Nachman of BreslovNachman of Breslov1772–1810 · 19th century1.2
  33. 33Jacob EmdenJacob Emden1697–1776 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.1
  34. 34Joseph AlboJoseph Albo1380–1444 · 15th century · Academics1.0
  35. 35Hasdai CrescasHasdai Crescas1340–1410 · 14th century · Academics0.99
  36. 36Amram GaonAmram Gaon810–875 · 9th century0.96
  37. 37Immanuel the RomanImmanuel the Roman1260–1328 · 13th century · Writers0.93
  38. 38Shimon PeresShimon Peres1923–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.87
  39. 39Solomon MolchoSolomon Molcho1500–1532 · 16th century · Academics0.84
  40. 40Yitzhak RabinYitzhak Rabin1922–1995 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.83
  41. 41Azariah dei RossiAzariah dei Rossi1513–1578 · 16th century · Writers0.80
  42. 42Shneur Zalman of LiadiShneur Zalman of Liadi1745–1812 · 18th century · Academics0.78
  43. 43Menasseh Ben IsraelMenasseh Ben Israel1604–1657 · 17th century · Academics0.77
  44. 44Moshe AlshichMoshe Alshich1508–1593 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey0.74
  45. 45Yehuda AlhariziYehuda Alharizi1165–1225 · 13th century · Writers0.71
  46. 46JNJoseph Nasi1524–1579 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.71
  47. 47Moses ben Jacob CordoveroMoses ben Jacob Cordovero1522–1570 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Actors0.70
  48. 48MYMordecai Yoffe1530–1612 · 16th century0.70
  49. 49JKJoseph Kimhi1105–1170 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.67
  50. 50Baruch SpinozaBaruch Spinoza1632–1677 · 17th century · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics0.66
  51. 51Chaim Joseph David AzulaiChaim Joseph David Azulai1724–1806 · 18th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Historical Figures0.65
  52. 52Chaim WeizmannChaim Weizmann1874–1952 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.63
  53. 53Chaim ibn AttarChaim ibn Attar1696–1743 · 18th century0.62
  54. 54Jonathan EybeschutzJonathan Eybeschutz1690–1764 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.61
  55. 55HBHanina ben Dosa40–75 · 1st century0.59
  56. 56MKMoses Kimhi1127–1190 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France0.54
  57. 57Gaon of VilniusGaon of Vilnius1720–1797 · 18th century0.52
  58. 58EBEliezer ben Hurcanus100–200 · 2nd century0.49
  59. 59ZHZerachiah haLevi of Girona1130–1186 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.47
  60. 60Ishtori HaparchiIshtori Haparchi1280–1337 · 14th century · Scientists0.43
  61. 61Abraham bar HiyyaAbraham bar Hiyya1070–1136 · 12th century · Academics0.43
  62. 62Dunash ben LabratDunash ben Labrat920–990 · 10th century · Writers0.42
  63. 63Isaac the BlindIsaac the Blind1160–1235 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.41
  64. 64Shlomo Halevi AlkabetzShlomo Halevi Alkabetz1505–1576 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.39
  65. 65Shmuel Yosef AgnonShmuel Yosef Agnon1887–1970 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers0.38
  66. 66Levi Yitzchok of BerditchevLevi Yitzchok of Berditchev1740–1809 · 18th century · Musicians0.33
  67. 67Menaḥem ben Shelomoh MeʾiriMenaḥem ben Shelomoh Meʾiri1249–1306 · 13th century · 🇫🇷 France · Musicians0.32
  68. 68EBEleazar ben Arach100–200 · 2nd century0.32
  69. 69Amos OzAmos Oz1939–2018 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Writers0.32
  70. 70IBIsrael ben Moses Najara1555–1628 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.31
  71. 71Shalom ShabaziShalom Shabazi1619–1719 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.28
  72. 72IBIsaac ben Moses Arama1420–1494 · 15th century0.28
  73. 73Benjamin of TudelaBenjamin of Tudela1130–1174 · 12th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.27
  74. 74JBJedaiah ben Abraham Bedersi1270–1340 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.26
  75. 75Shabbethai DonnoloShabbethai Donnoloborn 913 · 10th century · Scientists0.25
  76. 76Yonah GerondiYonah Gerondi1210–1263 · 13th century · Academics0.22
  77. 77BBBahya ben Asher1255–1340 · 13th century · Writers0.21
  78. 78PDProfiat Duran1350–1415 · 14th century · Musicians0.21
  79. 79JIJonah ibn Janah990–1050 · 11th century · Academics0.19
  80. 80OBObadiah ben Jacob Sforno1470–1549 · 16th century · Doctors0.18
  81. 81Jacob ben AsherJacob ben Asher1269–1343 · 14th century · Writers0.17
  82. 82Eliezer ben NathanEliezer ben Nathan1090–1170 · 12th century · Writers0.16
  83. 83Chaim HerzogChaim Herzog1918–1997 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.15
  84. 84Onias IIIOnias III300 BC–170 BC · 1st millennium BC0.14
  85. 85JCJoseph Caspi1280–1345 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.14
  86. 86RRashbam1080–1158 · 12th century0.13
  87. 87Joseph ibn TzaddikJoseph ibn Tzaddik1075–1149 · 12th century · Academics0.12
  88. 88Joel SirkisJoel Sirkis1561–1640 · 16th century0.12
  89. 89Ariel SharonAriel Sharon1928–2014 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.09
  90. 90Abraham ben Mordecai FarissolAbraham ben Mordecai Farissol1451–1525 · 15th century · Musicians0.09
  91. 91Daniel BombergDaniel Bomberg1483–1549 · 16th century0.09
  92. 92JIJacob ibn Habib1450–1516 · 15th century0.08
  93. 93MBMenahem ben Aaron ibn Zerah1310–1385 · 14th century · Writers0.08
  94. 94Eleazar ben KillirEleazar ben Killir600–700 · 7th century · Writers0.07
  95. 95Herod ArchelausHerod Archelaus23 BC–18 · 1st century · Models0.06
  96. 96Moses ben JoshuaMoses ben Joshua1300–1362 · 14th century · Academics0.06
  97. 97Judah ben David HayyujJudah ben David Hayyuj945–1000 · 10th century · Writers0.06
  98. 98Yitzhak ShamirYitzhak Shamir1915–2012 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.05
  99. 99Tzvi AshkenaziTzvi Ashkenazi1660–1718 · 17th century0.05
  100. 100IAIsaac Albalag1300–1300 · 14th century · Academics0.05

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 1960s, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

  1. 1Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926–2022 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures8 decades
  2. 2Pope Benedict XVIPope Benedict XVI1927–2022 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Religious Figures2 decades
  3. 3Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  4. 4Che GuevaraChe Guevara1928–1967 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Activists7 decades
  5. 5Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev1931–2022 · Politicians4 decades
  6. 6Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin1934–1968 · Politicians6 decades
  7. 7Gabriel García MárquezGabriel García Márquez1927–2014 · Writers7 decades
  8. 8Fidel CastroFidel Castro1926–2016 · Politicians10 decades
  9. 9Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King Jr.1929–1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers6 decades
  10. 10Brigitte BardotBrigitte Bardot1934–2025 · 🇫🇷 France · Actors7 decades
  11. 11Boris YeltsinBoris Yeltsin1931–2007 · Politicians4 decades
  12. 12Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors6 decades
  13. 13Jacques ChiracJacques Chirac1932–2019 · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians8 decades
  14. 14Audrey HepburnAudrey Hepburn1929–1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors7 decades
  15. 15Margaret ThatcherMargaret Thatcher1925–2013 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians6 decades
  16. 16Neil ArmstrongNeil Armstrong1930–2012 · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics6 decades
  17. 17Sean ConnerySean Connery1930–2020 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  18. 18Sophia LorenSophia Lorenborn 1934 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors7 decades
  19. 19Elizabeth TaylorElizabeth Taylor1932–2011 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors9 decades
  20. 20Stanley KubrickStanley Kubrick1928–1999 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors6 decades
  21. 21Andy WarholAndy Warhol1928–1987 · 🇺🇸 United States · Artists6 decades
  22. 22Warren BuffettWarren Buffettborn 1930 · 🇺🇸 United States · Investors3 decades
  23. 23Malcolm XMalcolm X1925–1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians6 decades
  24. 24Jane GoodallJane Goodall1934–2025 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics5 decades
  25. 25Yasser ArafatYasser Arafat1929–2004 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Politicians5 decades
  26. 26Helmut KohlHelmut Kohl1930–2017 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians6 decades
  27. 27Noam ChomskyNoam Chomskyborn 1928 · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics6 decades
  28. 28Valéry Giscard d'EstaingValéry Giscard d'Estaing1926–2020 · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians8 decades
  29. 29Grace KellyGrace Kelly1929–1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  30. 30Pol PotPol Pot1925–1998 · Politicians5 decades
  31. 31Johnny CashJohnny Cash1932–2003 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians6 decades
  32. 32Roman PolanskiRoman Polanskiborn 1933 · 🇫🇷 France · Directors6 decades
  33. 33Leonard CohenLeonard Cohen1934–2016 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians5 decades
  34. 34Patrice LumumbaPatrice Lumumba1925–1961 · Politicians8 decades
  35. 35Jiang ZeminJiang Zemin1926–2022 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians9 decades
  36. 36Jean-Paul BelmondoJean-Paul Belmondo1933–2021 · 🇫🇷 France · Actors6 decades
  37. 37Michael CaineMichael Caineborn 1933 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  38. 38Jacqueline Kennedy OnassisJacqueline Kennedy Onassis1929–1994 · 🇺🇸 United States · Journalists4 decades
  39. 39Michel FoucaultMichel Foucault1926–1984 · 🇫🇷 France · Academics8 decades
  40. 40Paul NewmanPaul Newman1925–2008 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  41. 41Umberto EcoUmberto Eco1932–2016 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers7 decades
  42. 42Raúl CastroRaúl Castroborn 1931 · Politicians9 decades
  43. 43Charles MansonCharles Manson1934–2017 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  44. 44Andrei TarkovskyAndrei Tarkovsky1932–1986 · Directors5 decades
  45. 45George SorosGeorge Sorosborn 1930 · 🇺🇸 United States · Investors3 decades
  46. 46Maggie SmithMaggie Smith1934–2024 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  47. 47Idi AminIdi Amin1925–2003 · Politicians5 decades
  48. 48Robert F. KennedyRobert F. Kennedy1925–1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians7 decades
  49. 49Robert DuvallRobert Duvall1931–2026 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  50. 50Gene HackmanGene Hackman1930–2025 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  51. 51Roger MooreRoger Moore1927–2017 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors7 decades
  52. 52Buzz AldrinBuzz Aldrinborn 1930 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers3 decades
  53. 53Judi DenchJudi Denchborn 1934 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors5 decades
  54. 54Yoko OnoYoko Onoborn 1933 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Artists5 decades
  55. 55Lev YashinLev Yashin1929–1990 · Footballersnot measured—
  56. 56Shirley MacLaineShirley MacLaineborn 1934 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors6 decades
  57. 57AkihitoAkihitoborn 1933 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Historical Figures8 decades
  58. 58Ariel SharonAriel Sharon1928–2014 · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians6 decades
  59. 59Christopher PlummerChristopher Plummer1929–2021 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors7 decades
  60. 60Alfredo Di StéfanoAlfredo Di Stéfano1926–2014 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers4 decades
  61. 61Jean-Luc GodardJean-Luc Godard1930–2022 · 🇫🇷 France · Directors6 decades
  62. 62Miles DavisMiles Davis1926–1991 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians7 decades
  63. 63Mobutu Sese SekoMobutu Sese Seko1930–1997 · Politicians5 decades
  64. 64Ennio MorriconeEnnio Morricone1928–2020 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Musicians6 decades
  65. 65Ray CharlesRay Charles1930–2004 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians7 decades
  66. 66Peter O'ToolePeter O'Toole1932–2013 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  67. 67David AttenboroughDavid Attenboroughborn 1926 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors5 decades
  68. 68Ferenc PuskásFerenc Puskás1927–2006 · Footballers0 decades
  69. 69Steve McQueenSteve McQueen1930–1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors6 decades
  70. 70James BrownJames Brown1933–2006 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians9 decades
  71. 71Rupert MurdochRupert Murdochborn 1931 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders5 decades
  72. 72Bhumibol AdulyadejBhumibol Adulyadej1927–2016 · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures5 decades
  73. 73Yukio MishimaYukio Mishima1925–1970 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Writers6 decades
  74. 74Karl LagerfeldKarl Lagerfeld1933–2019 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Designers4 decades
  75. 75Sergio LeoneSergio Leone1929–1989 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Directors6 decades
  76. 76Omar SharifOmar Sharif1932–2015 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Actors6 decades
  77. 77Carl SaganCarl Sagan1934–1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists6 decades
  78. 78Richard BurtonRichard Burton1925–1984 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors10 decades
  79. 79Tony CurtisTony Curtis1925–2010 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  80. 80Chuck BerryChuck Berry1926–2017 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians6 decades
  81. 81Sylvia PlathSylvia Plath1932–1963 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers6 decades
  82. 82Philip K. DickPhilip K. Dick1928–1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers5 decades
  83. 83Sidney PoitierSidney Poitier1927–2022 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  84. 84John Forbes Nash Jr.John Forbes Nash Jr.1928–2015 · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics0 decades
  85. 85Hosni MubarakHosni Mubarak1928–2020 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Politicians4 decades
  86. 86Bud SpencerBud Spencer1929–2016 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors5 decades
  87. 87Maya AngelouMaya Angelou1928–2014 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers5 decades
  88. 88Leslie NielsenLeslie Nielsen1926–2010 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors5 decades
  89. 89John WilliamsJohn Williamsborn 1932 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians9 decades
  90. 90Ursula K. Le GuinUrsula K. Le Guin1929–2018 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers5 decades
  91. 91Shirley TempleShirley Temple1928–2014 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors9 decades
  92. 92William ShatnerWilliam Shatnerborn 1931 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors5 decades
  93. 93Mel BrooksMel Brooksborn 1926 · 🇺🇸 United States · Comedians5 decades
  94. 94Nina SimoneNina Simone1933–2003 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  95. 95Hafez al-AssadHafez al-Assad1930–2000 · Politicians5 decades
  96. 96Albert II of BelgiumAlbert II of Belgiumborn 1934 · Historical Figures0 decades
  97. 97Leonard NimoyLeonard Nimoy1931–2015 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  98. 98Toni MorrisonToni Morrison1931–2019 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers5 decades
  99. 99Angela LansburyAngela Lansbury1925–2022 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  100. 100DalidaDalida1933–1987 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Musicians8 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.