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 Hebrew books during the 1980s — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish26,996German4,056French3,779Italian2,019Spanish1,530Russian789Chinese279Hebrew145
  1. 1HaggaiHaggaiborn 550 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures10
  2. 2Moshe DayanMoshe Dayan1915–1981 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians8.7
  3. 3Menachem BeginMenachem Begin1913–1992 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians8.5
  4. 4Rav AshiRav Ashi352–427 · 4th century8.4
  5. 5Ahad Ha'amAhad Ha'am1856–1927 · 19th century · Writers8.3
  6. 6Shimon PeresShimon Peres1923–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians7.6
  7. 7JosephusJosephus37–100 · 1st century · Writers7.5
  8. 8Sabbatai ZeviSabbatai Zevi1626–1676 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Religious Figures7.4
  9. 9Saadia GaonSaadia Gaon882–942 · 10th century · Academics7.1
  10. 10Golda MeirGolda Meir1898–1978 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians6.3
  11. 11JBJudah ben Samuel of Regensburg1150–1217 · 12th century · Academics4.4
  12. 12Moshe SharettMoshe Sharett1894–1965 · 20th century · Politicians4.3
  13. 13YYanaiborn 600 · 7th century · Writers4.1
  14. 14Paul the ApostlePaul the Apostle5–66 · 1st century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers4.1
  15. 15Hai GaonHai Gaon939–1038 · 10th century · Writers3.9
  16. 16Yitzhak RabinYitzhak Rabin1922–1995 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.9
  17. 17Levi EshkolLevi Eshkol1895–1969 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.8
  18. 18HabakkukHabakkuk626 BC–600 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures3.4
  19. 19Rabbeinu TamRabbeinu Tam1100–1171 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers3.3
  20. 20Johanan ben ZakaiJohanan ben Zakai50 BC–70 · 1st millennium BC3.3
  21. 21Yitzhak ShamirYitzhak Shamir1915–2012 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians3.1
  22. 22NTNathan the Babylonianborn 101 · 2nd century2.9
  23. 23Moses SoferMoses Sofer1762–1839 · 18th century2.9
  24. 24Hayyim ben Joseph VitalHayyim ben Joseph Vital1542–1620 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Musicians2.7
  25. 25SISamuel ibn Naghrillah993–1055 · 11th century · Writers2.7
  26. 26Shimon bar YochaiShimon bar Yochai100–160 · 2nd century2.6
  27. 27SBSimeon ben Gamliel IIborn 100 · 2nd century2.6
  28. 28Ariel SharonAriel Sharon1928–2014 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians2.5
  29. 29Amos OzAmos Oz1939–2018 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Writers2.4
  30. 30Ehud OlmertEhud Olmertborn 1945 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians2.3
  31. 31Nachman of BreslovNachman of Breslov1772–1810 · 19th century1.9
  32. 32Isaac AbrabanelIsaac Abrabanel1437–1508 · 15th century · Academics1.8
  33. 33Nathan of GazaNathan of Gaza1644–1680 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers1.7
  34. 34Chaim HerzogChaim Herzog1918–1997 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians1.6
  35. 35Hillel the ElderHillel the Elder50 BC–100 · 1st millennium BC1.6
  36. 36Jacob EmdenJacob Emden1697–1776 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.6
  37. 37Reuven RivlinReuven Rivlinborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians1.6
  38. 38Moses ben Jacob CordoveroMoses ben Jacob Cordovero1522–1570 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Actors1.3
  39. 39SBSimeon ben Zomadied 200 · 2nd century1.3
  40. 40Mendele Mocher SforimMendele Mocher Sforim1835–1917 · 19th century · Writers1.2
  41. 41Shneur Zalman of LiadiShneur Zalman of Liadi1745–1812 · 18th century · Academics1.2
  42. 42Judas MaccabeusJudas Maccabeus500 BC–160 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures1.2
  43. 43Amram GaonAmram Gaon810–875 · 9th century1.1
  44. 44Baal Shem TovBaal Shem Tov1698–1760 · 18th century1.1
  45. 45Chaim ibn AttarChaim ibn Attar1696–1743 · 18th century0.95
  46. 46Jonathan EybeschutzJonathan Eybeschutz1690–1764 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.91
  47. 47Chaim Joseph David AzulaiChaim Joseph David Azulai1724–1806 · 18th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Historical Figures0.73
  48. 48Hasdai CrescasHasdai Crescas1340–1410 · 14th century · Academics0.73
  49. 49Shlomo Halevi AlkabetzShlomo Halevi Alkabetz1505–1576 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.72
  50. 50Menasseh Ben IsraelMenasseh Ben Israel1604–1657 · 17th century · Academics0.71
  51. 51Benjamin of TudelaBenjamin of Tudela1130–1174 · 12th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.70
  52. 52JNJoseph Nasi1524–1579 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.70
  53. 53Joseph AlboJoseph Albo1380–1444 · 15th century · Academics0.69
  54. 54IBIsrael ben Moses Najara1555–1628 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.67
  55. 55Immanuel the RomanImmanuel the Roman1260–1328 · 13th century · Writers0.64
  56. 56Shalom ShabaziShalom Shabazi1619–1719 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.63
  57. 57MYMordecai Yoffe1530–1612 · 16th century0.62
  58. 58Solomon MolchoSolomon Molcho1500–1532 · 16th century · Academics0.61
  59. 59Yehuda AlhariziYehuda Alharizi1165–1225 · 13th century · Writers0.59
  60. 60Chaim WeizmannChaim Weizmann1874–1952 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.57
  61. 61Moshe AlshichMoshe Alshich1508–1593 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey0.52
  62. 62Azariah dei RossiAzariah dei Rossi1513–1578 · 16th century · Writers0.49
  63. 63IBIsaac ben Moses Arama1420–1494 · 15th century0.47
  64. 64Abraham bar HiyyaAbraham bar Hiyya1070–1136 · 12th century · Academics0.47
  65. 65Baruch SpinozaBaruch Spinoza1632–1677 · 17th century · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics0.46
  66. 66BBBahya ben Asher1255–1340 · 13th century · Writers0.46
  67. 67Ishtori HaparchiIshtori Haparchi1280–1337 · 14th century · Scientists0.45
  68. 68Isaac the BlindIsaac the Blind1160–1235 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.44
  69. 69ZHZerachiah haLevi of Girona1130–1186 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.44
  70. 70Shmuel Yosef AgnonShmuel Yosef Agnon1887–1970 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers0.42
  71. 71Menaḥem ben Shelomoh MeʾiriMenaḥem ben Shelomoh Meʾiri1249–1306 · 13th century · 🇫🇷 France · Musicians0.41
  72. 72JKJoseph Kimhi1105–1170 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.40
  73. 73HBHanina ben Dosa40–75 · 1st century0.38
  74. 74Gaon of VilniusGaon of Vilnius1720–1797 · 18th century0.38
  75. 75Moses ben JoshuaMoses ben Joshua1300–1362 · 14th century · Academics0.36
  76. 76Yonah GerondiYonah Gerondi1210–1263 · 13th century · Academics0.34
  77. 77JIJonah ibn Janah990–1050 · 11th century · Academics0.34
  78. 78EBEliezer ben Hurcanus100–200 · 2nd century0.33
  79. 79OBObadiah ben Jacob Sforno1470–1549 · 16th century · Doctors0.32
  80. 80Eleazar ben KillirEleazar ben Killir600–700 · 7th century · Writers0.31
  81. 81Dunash ben LabratDunash ben Labrat920–990 · 10th century · Writers0.31
  82. 82JCJoseph Caspi1280–1345 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.26
  83. 83Levi Yitzchok of BerditchevLevi Yitzchok of Berditchev1740–1809 · 18th century · Musicians0.22
  84. 84Judah ben David HayyujJudah ben David Hayyuj945–1000 · 10th century · Writers0.20
  85. 85Herod ArchelausHerod Archelaus23 BC–18 · 1st century · Models0.20
  86. 86JBJedaiah ben Abraham Bedersi1270–1340 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.18
  87. 87PDProfiat Duran1350–1415 · 14th century · Musicians0.18
  88. 88Abraham ben Mordecai FarissolAbraham ben Mordecai Farissol1451–1525 · 15th century · Musicians0.16
  89. 89Joseph ibn TzaddikJoseph ibn Tzaddik1075–1149 · 12th century · Academics0.16
  90. 90Ehud BarakEhud Barakborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.16
  91. 91Joel SirkisJoel Sirkis1561–1640 · 16th century0.14
  92. 92Shabbethai DonnoloShabbethai Donnoloborn 913 · 10th century · Scientists0.14
  93. 93RRashbam1080–1158 · 12th century0.14
  94. 94Jacob ben AsherJacob ben Asher1269–1343 · 14th century · Writers0.13
  95. 95Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin Netanyahuborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Politicians0.13
  96. 96EBEleazar ben Arach100–200 · 2nd century0.13
  97. 97David GrossmanDavid Grossmanborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Writers0.12
  98. 98IIIsaac ibn Ezra1114–1158 · 12th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.11
  99. 99MKMoses Kimhi1127–1190 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France0.11
  100. 100Mahmoud DarwishMahmoud Darwish1941–2008 · 20th century · Writers0.09

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.