Claim profile
1800–1899

The 19th century

Whose names filled the books of the 19th century — 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 19th century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish18,114German3,599French3,347Italian1,787Spanish1,162Russian325Hebrew105Chinese9
  1. 1John of GodJohn of God1495–1550 · 16th century · 🇵🇹 Portugal5.8
  2. 2Lope de VegaLope de Vega1562–1635 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers5.3
  3. 3Francis XavierFrancis Xavier1506–1552 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers4.5
  4. 4John of AustriaJohn of Austria1547–1578 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians4.2
  5. 5Gonzalo PizarroGonzalo Pizarro1502–1548 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures3.3
  6. 6Nicolás AntonioNicolás Antonio1617–1684 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians2.3
  7. 7John I of FranceJohn I of France1316–1316 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures2.1
  8. 8Francisco PizarroFrancisco Pizarro1478–1541 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures2.0
  9. 9Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.9
  10. 10Diego de AlmagroDiego de Almagro1475–1538 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.7
  11. 11Vincent FerrerVincent Ferrer1350–1419 · 14th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures1.6
  12. 12Ambrosio de MoralesAmbrosio de Morales1513–1591 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.5
  13. 13Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of GandíaFrancis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía1510–1572 · 16th century · Politicians1.5
  14. 14Francisco de BorjaFrancisco de Borja1441–1511 · 15th century · Writers1.5
  15. 15Hernando PizarroHernando Pizarro1502–1578 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.4
  16. 16Pedro de ValdiviaPedro de Valdivia1497–1553 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians1.3
  17. 17Pedro de AlvaradoPedro de Alvarado1486–1541 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.3
  18. 18RecceswinthRecceswinthdied 672 · 7th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.2
  19. 19WittizaWittiza686–710 · 8th century · Historical Figures1.2
  20. 20Pope Alexander VIPope Alexander VI1431–1503 · 15th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures1.2
  21. 21Ignatius of LoyolaIgnatius of Loyola1491–1556 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures1.1
  22. 22Garcilaso de la VegaGarcilaso de la Vega1503–1536 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.0
  23. 23Francisco QuevedoFrancisco Quevedo1584–1645 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.00
  24. 24Juan López de PadillaJuan López de Padilla1490–1521 · 16th century · Activists0.90
  25. 25Gonzalo de SandovalGonzalo de Sandoval1497–1528 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.86
  26. 26Lope de RuedaLope de Rueda1505–1566 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.82
  27. 27Juan de HerreraJuan de Herrera1530–1597 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Architects0.82
  28. 28Bartolomé de las CasasBartolomé de las Casas1484–1566 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.81
  29. 29Jorge Juan y SantaciliaJorge Juan y Santacilia1713–1773 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Scientists0.80
  30. 30Antonio Cánovas del CastilloAntonio Cánovas del Castillo1828–1897 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.80
  31. 31Anna of Austria, Queen of SpainAnna of Austria, Queen of Spain1549–1580 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.77
  32. 32Manuel GodoyManuel Godoy1767–1851 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.76
  33. 33Melchor CanoMelchor Cano1509–1560 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.76
  34. 34Tirso de MolinaTirso de Molina1583–1648 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.75
  35. 35Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures0.75
  36. 36Francisco PachecoFrancisco Pacheco1564–1644 · 16th century · Artists0.74
  37. 37Teresa of ÁvilaTeresa of Ávila1515–1582 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.70
  38. 38Rodrigo de QuirogaRodrigo de Quiroga1512–1580 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.69
  39. 39Porfirio DíazPorfirio Díaz1830–1915 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.68
  40. 40Juan BravoJuan Bravo1483–1521 · 16th century · Politicians0.63
  41. 41Rodrigo CaroRodrigo Caro1573–1647 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.63
  42. 42Hernán CortésHernán Cortés1485–1547 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.62
  43. 43Práxedes Mateo SagastaPráxedes Mateo Sagasta1825–1903 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.61
  44. 44Alonso de AlvaradoAlonso de Alvarado1500–1556 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.57
  45. 45Francisco de Toledo, Count of OropesaFrancisco de Toledo, Count of Oropesa1515–1582 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.56
  46. 46JFJuan Fernández1529–1602 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.56
  47. 47Peter of AlcantaraPeter of Alcantara1499–1562 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain0.54
  48. 48Francisco VerdugoFrancisco Verdugo1537–1595 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.53
  49. 49Alonso CanoAlonso Cano1601–1667 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists0.52
  50. 50Juan de MarianaJuan de Mariana1536–1624 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.52
  51. 51Francisco de VillagraFrancisco de Villagra1511–1563 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.50
  52. 52Francis SolanusFrancis Solanus1549–1610 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain0.48
  53. 53Thomas of VillanovaThomas of Villanova1488–1555 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.47
  54. 54Hernando de SotoHernando de Soto1500–1542 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.46
  55. 55Isidore of SevilleIsidore of Seville560–636 · 6th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.46
  56. 56SampiroSampiro956–1041 · 10th century · Politicians0.44
  57. 57Andrés BelloAndrés Bello1781–1865 · 19th century · Politicians0.44
  58. 58Diego de OrdazDiego de Ordaz1480–1532 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Scientists0.43
  59. 59John of the CrossJohn of the Cross1542–1591 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.42
  60. 60Francisco de AguirreFrancisco de Aguirre1507–1581 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.41
  61. 61Emilio CastelarEmilio Castelar1832–1899 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.41
  62. 62Ángel de Saavedra, 3rd Duke of RivasÁngel de Saavedra, 3rd Duke of Rivas1791–1865 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.40
  63. 63Juan de RiberaJuan de Ribera1532–1611 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors0.39
  64. 64Antonio de UlloaAntonio de Ulloa1716–1795 · 18th century · Writers0.39
  65. 65Jose Miguel CarreraJose Miguel Carrera1785–1821 · 19th century · Politicians0.38
  66. 66Juan de CastroJuan de Castro1431–1506 · 15th century0.38
  67. 67Leopoldo O'Donnell, 1st Duke of TetuanLeopoldo O'Donnell, 1st Duke of Tetuan1809–1867 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.38
  68. 68Gaspar Melchor de JovellanosGaspar Melchor de Jovellanos1744–1811 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.38
  69. 69Juan AndrésJuan Andrés1740–1817 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.37
  70. 70María de PadillaMaría de Padilla1334–1361 · 14th century0.37
  71. 71Elisabeth FarneseElisabeth Farnese1692–1766 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.36
  72. 72Emilia Pardo BazánEmilia Pardo Bazán1851–1921 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.36
  73. 73Juan de GrijalvaJuan de Grijalva1490–1527 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain0.36
  74. 74Francisco de CarvajalFrancisco de Carvajal1464–1548 · 15th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.36
  75. 75Fernando de HerreraFernando de Herrera1534–1597 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.35
  76. 76AlfonsoAlfonso1453–1468 · 15th century · Politicians0.34
  77. 77HDHernando del Pulgar1436–1492 · 15th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.34
  78. 78Vicente GuerreroVicente Guerrero1782–1831 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.34
  79. 79Fernán González of CastileFernán González of Castile910–970 · 10th century0.34
  80. 80Juan de la CosaJuan de la Cosa1450–1510 · 15th century · Historical Figures0.34
  81. 81Alexander Farnese, Duke of ParmaAlexander Farnese, Duke of Parma1545–1592 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.34
  82. 82Alonso de ErcillaAlonso de Ercilla1533–1595 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.33
  83. 83Bartolomé MitreBartolomé Mitre1821–1906 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.33
  84. 84Juan de GarayJuan de Garay1528–1583 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain0.33
  85. 85Luis de GóngoraLuis de Góngora1561–1627 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.32
  86. 86Michael de SanctisMichael de Sanctis1591–1625 · 17th century · Religious Figures0.32
  87. 87Francisco de Montejo y LeónFrancisco de Montejo y León1479–1553 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.31
  88. 88Bernardino de MendozaBernardino de Mendoza1540–1604 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.30
  89. 89Bernardo O'HigginsBernardo O'Higgins1778–1842 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.30
  90. 90Gil VicenteGil Vicente1465–1536 · 16th century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Writers0.30
  91. 91Manuel José QuintanaManuel José Quintana1772–1857 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.30
  92. 92Simón BolívarSimón Bolívar1783–1830 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.30
  93. 93Isabella of Castile, Queen of AragonIsabella of Castile, Queen of Aragon1283–1328 · 14th century0.29
  94. 94Pedro TenorioPedro Tenorio1328–1399 · 14th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures0.29
  95. 95Luis de GranadaLuis de Granada1504–1588 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors0.28
  96. 96Pedro de VillagraPedro de Villagra1513–1577 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.28
  97. 97EurosiaEurosia864–880 · 9th century0.28
  98. 98Juan de OrtegaJuan de Ortega1480–1568 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.28
  99. 99Manuel OribeManuel Oribe1792–1857 · 19th century · Politicians0.28
  100. 100Antonio de NebrijaAntonio de Nebrija1444–1522 · 15th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.28

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 19th century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇺🇸 United States🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 Italy🇪🇸 Spain🇯🇵 Japan🇦🇹 Austria🇹🇷 Turkey🇸🇪 Sweden
FieldAllPoliticiansWritersHistorical FiguresScientistsAcademicsArtistsMusiciansDoctorsFoundersJournalists
  1. 1Henry FordHenry Ford1863–1947 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders16 decades
  2. 2John D. RockefellerJohn D. Rockefeller1839–1937 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders14 decades
  3. 3Henry DunantHenry Dunant1828–1910 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Founders13 decades
  4. 4J. P. MorganJ. P. Morgan1837–1913 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders16 decades
  5. 5John BrownJohn Brown1800–1859 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders22 decades
  6. 6Levi StraussLevi Strauss1829–1902 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders11 decades
  7. 7Robert OwenRobert Owen1771–1858 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Founders22 decades
  8. 8Cornelius VanderbiltCornelius Vanderbilt1794–1877 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders18 decades
  9. 9Jamsetji TataJamsetji Tata1839–1904 · 🇮🇳 India · Founders0 decades
  10. 10J. Bruce IsmayJ. Bruce Ismay1862–1937 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Founders1 decades
  11. 11King C. GilletteKing C. Gillette1855–1932 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0 decades
  12. 12Henri NestléHenri Nestlé1814–1890 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Founders0 decades
  13. 13Iwasaki YatarōIwasaki Yatarō1835–1885 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Founders0 decades
  14. 14Thomas CookThomas Cook1808–1892 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Founders22 decades
  15. 15Elisha OtisElisha Otis1811–1861 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0 decades
  16. 16James Buchanan DukeJames Buchanan Duke1856–1925 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0 decades
  17. 17Pavel TretyakovPavel Tretyakov1832–1898 · Founders9 decades
  18. 18Henry J. HeinzHenry J. Heinz1844–1919 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0 decades
  19. 19Paul ReuterPaul Reuter1816–1899 · Founders0 decades
  20. 20Adam OpelAdam Opel1837–1895 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Founders12 decades
  21. 21Johns HopkinsJohns Hopkins1795–1873 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders21 decades
  22. 22FYFusajirō Yamauchi1859–1940 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Foundersnot measured—
  23. 23Jay GouldJay Gould1836–1892 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders17 decades
  24. 24Jean LafitteJean Lafitte1776–1826 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders12 decades
  25. 25William Crapo DurantWilliam Crapo Durant1861–1947 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0 decades
  26. 26Solomon R. GuggenheimSolomon R. Guggenheim1861–1948 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders8 decades
  27. 27Milton S. HersheyMilton S. Hershey1857–1945 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders6 decades
  28. 28Émile GalléÉmile Gallé1846–1904 · 🇫🇷 France · Founders7 decades
  29. 29Cäsar Johann RitzCäsar Johann Ritz1850–1918 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Founders2 decades
  30. 30Charles BoycottCharles Boycott1832–1897 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Founders0 decades
  31. 31Alfred KruppAlfred Krupp1812–1887 · Founders15 decades
  32. 32Shibusawa EiichiShibusawa Eiichi1840–1931 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Foundersnot measured—
  33. 33Margarete SteiffMargarete Steiff1847–1909 · Foundersnot measured—
  34. 34Basil ZaharoffBasil Zaharoff1849–1936 · 🇫🇷 France · Founders7 decades
  35. 35Emil JellinekEmil Jellinek1853–1918 · Founders1 decades
  36. 36Will Keith KelloggWill Keith Kellogg1860–1951 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  37. 37George PeabodyGeorge Peabody1795–1869 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders19 decades
  38. 38Eusebio GüellEusebio Güell1846–1918 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Foundersnot measured—
  39. 39Ransom E. OldsRansom E. Olds1864–1950 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0 decades
  40. 40Henry Clay FrickHenry Clay Frick1849–1919 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  41. 41Torakusu YamahaTorakusu Yamaha1851–1916 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Founders0 decades
  42. 42Marcus GoldmanMarcus Goldman1821–1904 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  43. 43Armand PeugeotArmand Peugeot1849–1915 · 🇫🇷 France · Foundersnot measured—
  44. 44Michael ThonetMichael Thonet1796–1871 · Founders0 decades
  45. 45Maurice de HirschMaurice de Hirsch1831–1896 · 🇫🇷 France · Founders3 decades
  46. 46William Henry VanderbiltWilliam Henry Vanderbilt1821–1885 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  47. 47Emil ŠkodaEmil Škoda1839–1900 · Founders0 decades
  48. 48August OetkerAugust Oetker1862–1918 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Foundersnot measured—
  49. 49Savva MamontovSavva Mamontov1841–1918 · Foundersnot measured—
  50. 50Harry Gordon SelfridgeHarry Gordon Selfridge1858–1947 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  51. 51Peter CooperPeter Cooper1791–1883 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders20 decades
  52. 52Madame Clicquot PonsardinMadame Clicquot Ponsardin1777–1866 · 🇫🇷 France · Foundersnot measured—
  53. 53Mikimoto KōkichiMikimoto Kōkichi1858–1954 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Foundersnot measured—
  54. 54Henry E. SteinwayHenry E. Steinway1797–1871 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Foundersnot measured—
  55. 55Friedrich KruppFriedrich Krupp1787–1826 · Foundersnot measured—
  56. 56Friedrich Alfred KruppFriedrich Alfred Krupp1854–1902 · Foundersnot measured—
  57. 57Fredrik IdestamFredrik Idestam1838–1916 · Foundersnot measured—
  58. 58Charles YerkesCharles Yerkes1837–1905 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  59. 59Antoine PatekAntoine Patek1812–1877 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Foundersnot measured—
  60. 60Samuel P. BushSamuel P. Bush1863–1948 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  61. 61John Philip HollandJohn Philip Holland1840–1914 · Foundersnot measured—
  62. 62Cyrus West FieldCyrus West Field1819–1892 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0 decades
  63. 63Lucas AlamánLucas Alamán1792–1853 · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Foundersnot measured—
  64. 64Dwarkanath TagoreDwarkanath Tagore1794–1846 · Foundersnot measured—
  65. 65Samuel CunardSamuel Cunard1787–1865 · Foundersnot measured—
  66. 66Julius MaggiJulius Maggi1846–1912 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Foundersnot measured—
  67. 67Albert BallinAlbert Ballin1857–1918 · Foundersnot measured—
  68. 68John Francis DodgeJohn Francis Dodge1864–1920 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  69. 69David SassoonDavid Sassoon1792–1864 · Foundersnot measured—
  70. 70Henry ColeHenry Cole1808–1882 · Foundersnot measured—
  71. 71Friedrich BayerFriedrich Bayer1825–1880 · Foundersnot measured—
  72. 72Robert NobelRobert Nobel1829–1896 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Foundersnot measured—
  73. 73William Pirrie, 1st Viscount PirrieWilliam Pirrie, 1st Viscount Pirrie1847–1924 · Foundersnot measured—
  74. 74Sergei ShchukinSergei Shchukin1854–1936 · Foundersnot measured—
  75. 75Daniel PeterDaniel Peter1836–1919 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Foundersnot measured—
  76. 76Georgios AveroffGeorgios Averoff1815–1899 · Founders0 decades
  77. 77Rodolphe LindtRodolphe Lindt1855–1909 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Foundersnot measured—
  78. 78Haji Zeynal Abdin TaghiyevHaji Zeynal Abdin Taghiyev1838–1924 · Foundersnot measured—
  79. 79William WrigleyWilliam Wrigley1861–1932 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  80. 80Paul MauserPaul Mauser1838–1914 · Foundersnot measured—
  81. 81Samuel InsullSamuel Insull1859–1938 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Foundersnot measured—
  82. 82Emil RathenauEmil Rathenau1838–1915 · Foundersnot measured—
  83. 83J. C. JacobsenJ. C. Jacobsen1811–1887 · Foundersnot measured—
  84. 84Julius RosenwaldJulius Rosenwald1862–1932 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  85. 85Karl WittgensteinKarl Wittgenstein1847–1913 · Foundersnot measured—
  86. 86Joseph AspdinJoseph Aspdin1778–1855 · Founders1 decades
  87. 87Charles Lewis TiffanyCharles Lewis Tiffany1812–1902 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  88. 88Eliphalet RemingtonEliphalet Remington1793–1861 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  89. 89William ColgateWilliam Colgate1783–1857 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  90. 90Savva Timofeyevich MorozovSavva Timofeyevich Morozov1862–1905 · Foundersnot measured—
  91. 91Charles Francis BrushCharles Francis Brush1849–1929 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  92. 92August BorsigAugust Borsig1804–1854 · Foundersnot measured—
  93. 93Gerard Adriaan HeinekenGerard Adriaan Heineken1841–1893 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Foundersnot measured—
  94. 94Johann Georg HalskeJohann Georg Halske1814–1890 · Foundersnot measured—
  95. 95Sir Henry TateSir Henry Tate1819–1899 · Foundersnot measured—
  96. 96François HennebiqueFrançois Hennebique1842–1921 · 🇫🇷 France · Foundersnot measured—
  97. 97Thomas BurberryThomas Burberry1835–1926 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Foundersnot measured—
  98. 98John CadburyJohn Cadbury1801–1889 · Foundersnot measured—
  99. 99William FargoWilliam Fargo1818–1881 · 🇺🇸 United States · Foundersnot measured—
  100. 100John CockerillJohn Cockerill1790–1840 · Foundersnot measured—

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.