Claim profile
1980–1989

The 1980s

Whose names filled the books of the 1980s — 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 French books during the 1980s — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish26,996German4,056French3,779Italian2,019Spanish1,530Russian789Chinese279Hebrew145
  1. 1VoltaireVoltaire1694–1778 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers22
  2. 2StendhalStendhal1783–1842 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers14
  3. 3Louis XIV of FranceLouis XIV of France1638–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures11
  4. 4François MitterrandFrançois Mitterrand1916–1996 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians8.6
  5. 5MolièreMolière1622–1673 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers8.3
  6. 6Victor HugoVictor Hugo1802–1885 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers6.7
  7. 7MontesquieuMontesquieu1689–1755 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics6.6
  8. 8Louis XVI of FranceLouis XVI of France1754–1793 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures6.5
  9. 9Louis XV of FranceLouis XV of France1710–1774 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures4.9
  10. 10Jacques ChiracJacques Chirac1932–2019 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians4.0
  11. 11Joan of ArcJoan of Arc1412–1431 · 15th century · 🇫🇷 France3.4
  12. 12George SandGeorge Sand1804–1876 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.9
  13. 13François FénelonFrançois Fénelon1651–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Religious Figures2.9
  14. 14Le CorbusierLe Corbusier1887–1965 · 20th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Architects2.8
  15. 15Georges PompidouGeorges Pompidou1911–1974 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.7
  16. 16Napoleon IIINapoleon III1808–1873 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.7
  17. 17Valéry Giscard d'EstaingValéry Giscard d'Estaing1926–2020 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.6
  18. 18André GideAndré Gide1869–1951 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.5
  19. 19Henry II of FranceHenry II of France1519–1559 · 16th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.5
  20. 20HIHenry II, Count of Euborn 1160 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France2.5
  21. 21Léon BlumLéon Blum1872–1950 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.4
  22. 22Pierre de MarivauxPierre de Marivaux1688–1763 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.4
  23. 23Benjamin ConstantBenjamin Constant1767–1830 · 19th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Politicians2.1
  24. 24Jules VerneJules Verne1828–1905 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.1
  25. 25André BretonAndré Breton1896–1966 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.0
  26. 26Paul ValéryPaul Valéry1871–1945 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.0
  27. 27Marcel ProustMarcel Proust1871–1922 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.0
  28. 28Louis XVIII of FranceLouis XVIII of France1755–1824 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.9
  29. 29Pierre MauroyPierre Mauroy1928–2013 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.8
  30. 30Marie AntoinetteMarie Antoinette1755–1793 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures1.7
  31. 31Roland BarthesRoland Barthes1915–1980 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.7
  32. 32Anatole FranceAnatole France1844–1924 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.6
  33. 33Charles V, Holy Roman EmperorCharles V, Holy Roman Emperor1500–1558 · 16th century · Historical Figures1.6
  34. 34André MalrauxAndré Malraux1901–1976 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.6
  35. 35Charles de GaulleCharles de Gaulle1890–1970 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.6
  36. 36Jean-Jacques RousseauJean-Jacques Rousseau1712–1778 · 18th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Academics1.5
  37. 37Paul ClaudelPaul Claudel1868–1955 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.5
  38. 38Simone de BeauvoirSimone de Beauvoir1908–1986 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.5
  39. 39François MauriacFrançois Mauriac1885–1970 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.4
  40. 40Jean CocteauJean Cocteau1889–1963 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.4
  41. 41Saint-John PerseSaint-John Perse1887–1975 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.4
  42. 42Raymond AronRaymond Aron1905–1983 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.4
  43. 43Jules FerryJules Ferry1832–1893 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.4
  44. 44Théophile GautierThéophile Gautier1811–1872 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.4
  45. 45Romain RollandRomain Rolland1866–1944 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.4
  46. 46Charles X of FranceCharles X of France1757–1836 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.4
  47. 47Laurent FabiusLaurent Fabiusborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.3
  48. 48Max JacobMax Jacob1876–1944 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.3
  49. 49Michel FoucaultMichel Foucault1926–1984 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.2
  50. 50Chrétien de TroyesChrétien de Troyes1135–1181 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.2
  51. 51Claude BernardClaude Bernard1813–1878 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.2
  52. 52Jacques DelorsJacques Delors1925–2023 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.1
  53. 53Francis de SalesFrancis de Sales1567–1622 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Religious Figures1.1
  54. 54AdunisAdunisborn 1930 · 20th century · Writers1.1
  55. 55Auguste ComteAuguste Comte1798–1857 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.1
  56. 56Louis XII of FranceLouis XII of France1462–1515 · 15th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures1.1
  57. 57Marguerite DurasMarguerite Duras1914–1996 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  58. 58Alexandre Dumas filsAlexandre Dumas fils1824–1895 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  59. 59Alexandre DumasAlexandre Dumas1802–1870 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  60. 60Robert SchumanRobert Schuman1886–1963 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.0
  61. 61Albert CamusAlbert Camus1913–1960 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.0
  62. 62Jean MonnetJean Monnet1888–1979 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.98
  63. 63Marguerite YourcenarMarguerite Yourcenar1903–1987 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.95
  64. 64Roger Martin du GardRoger Martin du Gard1881–1958 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.95
  65. 65Vincent de PaulVincent de Paul1581–1660 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Religious Figures0.94
  66. 66Jean-Paul SartreJean-Paul Sartre1905–1980 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.92
  67. 67Jean-Marie Le PenJean-Marie Le Pen1928–2025 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.88
  68. 68Jean GiraudouxJean Giraudoux1882–1944 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.84
  69. 69Gérard de NervalGérard de Nerval1808–1855 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.83
  70. 70Jacques MaritainJacques Maritain1882–1973 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.82
  71. 71Antonin ArtaudAntonin Artaud1896–1948 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.81
  72. 72Maine de BiranMaine de Biran1766–1824 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.79
  73. 73Pierre LavalPierre Laval1883–1945 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.76
  74. 74Jacques CartierJacques Cartier1491–1557 · 16th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures0.76
  75. 75Pierre de Bourdeille, seigneur de BrantômePierre de Bourdeille, seigneur de Brantôme1540–1614 · 16th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.76
  76. 76Jean JaurèsJean Jaurès1859–1914 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.75
  77. 77Léon BloyLéon Bloy1846–1917 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.73
  78. 78Simone WeilSimone Weil1909–1943 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.73
  79. 79Charles MaurrasCharles Maurras1868–1952 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.71
  80. 80Fernand BraudelFernand Braudel1902–1985 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.70
  81. 81Sacha GuitrySacha Guitry1885–1957 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.70
  82. 82Lionel JospinLionel Jospin1937–2026 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.70
  83. 83Guillaume ApollinaireGuillaume Apollinaire1880–1918 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.68
  84. 84Léopold Sédar SenghorLéopold Sédar Senghor1906–2001 · 20th century · Politicians0.67
  85. 85NostradamusNostradamus1503–1566 · 16th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.67
  86. 86Aimé CésaireAimé Césaire1913–2008 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.66
  87. 87Louis BlancLouis Blanc1811–1882 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.66
  88. 88Gabriel MarcelGabriel Marcel1889–1973 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.66
  89. 89Jean BodinJean Bodin1530–1596 · 16th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.66
  90. 90Philip V of SpainPhilip V of Spain1683–1746 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.66
  91. 91Georges BatailleGeorges Bataille1897–1962 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.66
  92. 92Joseph de MaistreJoseph de Maistre1753–1821 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.65
  93. 93Francis II of FranceFrancis II of France1544–1560 · 16th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.65
  94. 94Marie de' MediciMarie de' Medici1575–1642 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.65
  95. 95Raymond QueneauRaymond Queneau1903–1976 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.65
  96. 96Charles Marie René Leconte de LisleCharles Marie René Leconte de Lisle1818–1894 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.64
  97. 97Simone VeilSimone Veil1927–2017 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.64
  98. 98Paul BiyaPaul Biyaborn 1933 · 20th century · Politicians0.64
  99. 99Boris VianBoris Vian1920–1959 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.63
  100. 100Claude SimonClaude Simon1913–2005 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.62

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 1980s, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

  1. 1Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians4 decades
  2. 2Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · Politicians3 decades
  3. 3Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians3 decades
  4. 4Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians3 decades
  5. 5Angela MerkelAngela Merkelborn 1954 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians3 decades
  6. 6Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures8 decades
  7. 7Hugo ChávezHugo Chávez1954–2013 · Politicians3 decades
  8. 8Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  9. 9Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin Netanyahuborn 1949 · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians4 decades
  10. 10Steven SpielbergSteven Spielbergborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors5 decades
  11. 11Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors4 decades
  12. 12Alexander LukashenkoAlexander Lukashenkoborn 1954 · Politicians3 decades
  13. 13Bob MarleyBob Marley1945–1981 · Musicians5 decades
  14. 14Jackie ChanJackie Chanborn 1954 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  15. 15George W. BushGeorge W. Bushborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians4 decades
  16. 16François HollandeFrançois Hollandeborn 1954 · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians4 decades
  17. 17David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  18. 18Bill ClintonBill Clintonborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians4 decades
  19. 19Stephen KingStephen Kingborn 1947 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers8 decades
  20. 20Meryl StreepMeryl Streepborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  21. 21Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  22. 22Recep Tayyip ErdoğanRecep Tayyip Erdoğanborn 1954 · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Politicians1 decades
  23. 23Dolly PartonDolly Parton1946–2026 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  24. 24Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · Politicians4 decades
  25. 25Alla PugachevaAlla Pugachevaborn 1949 · 🇮🇱 Israel · Musicians5 decades
  26. 26Valery LeontievValery Leontievborn 1949 · Musicians4 decades
  27. 27John TravoltaJohn Travoltaborn 1954 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  28. 28Ozzy OsbourneOzzy Osbourne1948–2025 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians3 decades
  29. 29David LynchDavid Lynch1946–2025 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors4 decades
  30. 30Denzel WashingtonDenzel Washingtonborn 1954 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  31. 31CherCherborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musiciansnot measured—
  32. 32Elton JohnElton Johnborn 1947 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  33. 33Sigourney WeaverSigourney Weaverborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  34. 34Johan CruyffJohan Cruyff1947–2016 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Footballers4 decades
  35. 35Franz BeckenbauerFranz Beckenbauer1945–2024 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers5 decades
  36. 36Cristina Fernández de KirchnerCristina Fernández de Kirchnerborn 1953 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Lawyers2 decades
  37. 37Sergey LavrovSergey Lavrovborn 1950 · Politicians2 decades
  38. 38Viktor YanukovychViktor Yanukovychborn 1950 · Politicians2 decades
  39. 39Bruce SpringsteenBruce Springsteenborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  40. 40Pierce BrosnanPierce Brosnanborn 1953 · Actors3 decades
  41. 41Diane KeatonDiane Keaton1946–2025 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  42. 42James CameronJames Cameronborn 1954 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Directors7 decades
  43. 43Liam NeesonLiam Neesonborn 1952 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  44. 44Gérard DepardieuGérard Depardieuborn 1948 · 🇫🇷 France · Actors5 decades
  45. 45Hillary ClintonHillary Clintonborn 1947 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians3 decades
  46. 46Steven SeagalSteven Seagalborn 1952 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  47. 47Helen MirrenHelen Mirrenborn 1945 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors4 decades
  48. 48Charlotte RamplingCharlotte Ramplingborn 1946 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  49. 49Luiz Inácio Lula da SilvaLuiz Inácio Lula da Silvaborn 1945 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Politicians1 decades
  50. 50Tony BlairTony Blairborn 1953 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians3 decades
  51. 51George R. R. MartinGeorge R. R. Martinborn 1948 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1 decades
  52. 52StingStingborn 1951 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians7 decades
  53. 53Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals0 decades
  54. 54Narendra ModiNarendra Modiborn 1950 · 🇮🇳 India · Politicians2 decades
  55. 55Eric ClaptonEric Claptonborn 1945 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  56. 56Samuel L. JacksonSamuel L. Jacksonborn 1948 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  57. 57Phil CollinsPhil Collinsborn 1951 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians4 decades
  58. 58Haruki MurakamiHaruki Murakamiborn 1949 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Writers2 decades
  59. 59Susan SarandonSusan Sarandonborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  60. 60Salman RushdieSalman Rushdieborn 1947 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers4 decades
  61. 61Alan RickmanAlan Rickman1946–2016 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  62. 62VajiralongkornVajiralongkornborn 1952 · Historical Figures0 decades
  63. 63Daniel OrtegaDaniel Ortegaborn 1945 · Politiciansnot measured—
  64. 64Pedro AlmodóvarPedro Almodóvarborn 1949 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Directors4 decades
  65. 65Carl XVI Gustaf of SwedenCarl XVI Gustaf of Swedenborn 1946 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  66. 66Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfreyborn 1954 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  67. 67Shinzō AbeShinzō Abe1954–2022 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Politicians0 decades
  68. 68Liza MinnelliLiza Minnelliborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  69. 69Thomas SankaraThomas Sankara1949–1987 · Politicians4 decades
  70. 70Richard GereRichard Gereborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  71. 71Stevie WonderStevie Wonderborn 1950 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  72. 72Ted BundyTed Bundy1946–1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures4 decades
  73. 73Al GoreAl Goreborn 1948 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians4 decades
  74. 74Arsène WengerArsène Wengerborn 1949 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  75. 75Kassym-Jomart TokayevKassym-Jomart Tokayevborn 1953 · Politiciansnot measured—
  76. 76John GoodmanJohn Goodmanborn 1952 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  77. 77Aung San Suu KyiAung San Suu Kyiborn 1945 · Politicians4 decades
  78. 78Camilla, Duchess of CornwallCamilla, Duchess of Cornwallborn 1947 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Activists0 decades
  79. 79Brian MayBrian Mayborn 1947 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians3 decades
  80. 80Paulo CoelhoPaulo Coelhoborn 1947 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Musicians2 decades
  81. 81Patrick SwayzePatrick Swayze1952–2009 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  82. 82Gerd MüllerGerd Müller1945–2021 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers7 decades
  83. 83António GuterresAntónio Guterresborn 1949 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Politicians0 decades
  84. 84Jeff BridgesJeff Bridgesborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  85. 85Hulk HoganHulk Hogan1953–2025 · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes3 decades
  86. 86Kim BasingerKim Basingerborn 1953 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  87. 87Abdel Fattah el-SisiAbdel Fattah el-Sisiborn 1954 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Politicians0 decades
  88. 88Sally FieldSally Fieldborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  89. 89Bill MurrayBill Murrayborn 1950 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors6 decades
  90. 90Jean RenoJean Renoborn 1948 · 🇫🇷 France · Actors2 decades
  91. 91Masoud PezeshkianMasoud Pezeshkianborn 1954 · Politiciansnot measured—
  92. 92Glenn CloseGlenn Closeborn 1947 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  93. 93Jeremy IronsJeremy Ironsborn 1948 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors4 decades
  94. 94Tommy Lee JonesTommy Lee Jonesborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  95. 95Steve WozniakSteve Wozniakborn 1950 · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists4 decades
  96. 96Kathy BatesKathy Batesborn 1948 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  97. 97Zaha HadidZaha Hadid1950–2016 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Architects3 decades
  98. 98Agnetha FältskogAgnetha Fältskogborn 1950 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians0 decades
  99. 99Jessica LangeJessica Langeborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  100. 100Goldie HawnGoldie Hawnborn 1945 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 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.