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 Hebrew books during the 19th century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish18,114German3,599French3,347Italian1,787Spanish1,162Russian325Hebrew105Chinese9
  1. 1Rav AshiRav Ashi352–427 · 4th century13
  2. 2HaggaiHaggaiborn 550 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures12
  3. 3SBSimeon ben Gamliel IIborn 100 · 2nd century12
  4. 4NTNathan the Babylonianborn 101 · 2nd century11
  5. 5HabakkukHabakkuk626 BC–600 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures7.3
  6. 6Johanan ben ZakaiJohanan ben Zakai50 BC–70 · 1st millennium BC4.8
  7. 7Saadia GaonSaadia Gaon882–942 · 10th century · Academics3.7
  8. 8SBSimeon ben Zomadied 200 · 2nd century3.4
  9. 9Hai GaonHai Gaon939–1038 · 10th century · Writers2.9
  10. 10Hillel the ElderHillel the Elder50 BC–100 · 1st millennium BC2.9
  11. 11Sabbatai ZeviSabbatai Zevi1626–1676 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Religious Figures2.3
  12. 12Ahad Ha'amAhad Ha'am1856–1927 · 19th century · Writers2.2
  13. 13SISamuel ibn Naghrillah993–1055 · 11th century · Writers2.1
  14. 14Isaac AbrabanelIsaac Abrabanel1437–1508 · 15th century · Academics1.6
  15. 15JBJudah ben Samuel of Regensburg1150–1217 · 12th century · Academics1.5
  16. 16Judas MaccabeusJudas Maccabeus500 BC–160 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures1.3
  17. 17HBHanina ben Dosa40–75 · 1st century1.3
  18. 18Menasseh Ben IsraelMenasseh Ben Israel1604–1657 · 17th century · Academics1.2
  19. 19JKJoseph Kimhi1105–1170 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  20. 20YYanaiborn 600 · 7th century · Writers0.99
  21. 21EBEliezer ben Hurcanus100–200 · 2nd century0.89
  22. 22Rabbeinu TamRabbeinu Tam1100–1171 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.83
  23. 23JosephusJosephus37–100 · 1st century · Writers0.74
  24. 24Amram GaonAmram Gaon810–875 · 9th century0.67
  25. 25Chaim Joseph David AzulaiChaim Joseph David Azulai1724–1806 · 18th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Historical Figures0.66
  26. 26EBEleazar ben Arach100–200 · 2nd century0.65
  27. 27Azariah dei RossiAzariah dei Rossi1513–1578 · 16th century · Writers0.64
  28. 28ZHZerachiah haLevi of Girona1130–1186 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.63
  29. 29Abraham bar HiyyaAbraham bar Hiyya1070–1136 · 12th century · Academics0.61
  30. 30Hasdai CrescasHasdai Crescas1340–1410 · 14th century · Academics0.59
  31. 31Joseph AlboJoseph Albo1380–1444 · 15th century · Academics0.58
  32. 32MKMoses Kimhi1127–1190 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France0.56
  33. 33Dunash ben LabratDunash ben Labrat920–990 · 10th century · Writers0.53
  34. 34JCJoseph Caspi1280–1345 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.50
  35. 35Hayyim ben Joseph VitalHayyim ben Joseph Vital1542–1620 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Musicians0.50
  36. 36MYMordecai Yoffe1530–1612 · 16th century0.49
  37. 37Yehuda AlhariziYehuda Alharizi1165–1225 · 13th century · Writers0.47
  38. 38Shabbethai DonnoloShabbethai Donnoloborn 913 · 10th century · Scientists0.47
  39. 39Jacob EmdenJacob Emden1697–1776 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.37
  40. 40Eleazar ben KillirEleazar ben Killir600–700 · 7th century · Writers0.36
  41. 41Jonathan EybeschutzJonathan Eybeschutz1690–1764 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.35
  42. 42JBJedaiah ben Abraham Bedersi1270–1340 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.30
  43. 43Nathan of GazaNathan of Gaza1644–1680 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.29
  44. 44Isaac the BlindIsaac the Blind1160–1235 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.26
  45. 45Moshe AlshichMoshe Alshich1508–1593 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey0.26
  46. 46Yonah GerondiYonah Gerondi1210–1263 · 13th century · Academics0.26
  47. 47Solomon MolchoSolomon Molcho1500–1532 · 16th century · Academics0.25
  48. 48Immanuel the RomanImmanuel the Roman1260–1328 · 13th century · Writers0.25
  49. 49PDProfiat Duran1350–1415 · 14th century · Musicians0.23
  50. 50IBIsaac ben Moses Arama1420–1494 · 15th century0.22
  51. 51MBMenahem ben Aaron ibn Zerah1310–1385 · 14th century · Writers0.22
  52. 52OBObadiah ben Jacob Sforno1470–1549 · 16th century · Doctors0.22
  53. 53Joel SirkisJoel Sirkis1561–1640 · 16th century0.21
  54. 54Abraham ben Mordecai FarissolAbraham ben Mordecai Farissol1451–1525 · 15th century · Musicians0.20
  55. 55Paul the ApostlePaul the Apostle5–66 · 1st century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.19
  56. 56RRashbam1080–1158 · 12th century0.18
  57. 57Moses SoferMoses Sofer1762–1839 · 18th century0.17
  58. 58Shlomo Halevi AlkabetzShlomo Halevi Alkabetz1505–1576 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.17
  59. 59Shimon bar YochaiShimon bar Yochai100–160 · 2nd century0.16
  60. 60Baruch SpinozaBaruch Spinoza1632–1677 · 17th century · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Academics0.15
  61. 61Onias IIIOnias III300 BC–170 BC · 1st millennium BC0.14
  62. 62JIJacob ibn Habib1450–1516 · 15th century0.14
  63. 63Menaḥem ben Shelomoh MeʾiriMenaḥem ben Shelomoh Meʾiri1249–1306 · 13th century · 🇫🇷 France · Musicians0.14
  64. 64Moses ben JoshuaMoses ben Joshua1300–1362 · 14th century · Academics0.13
  65. 65Chaim ibn AttarChaim ibn Attar1696–1743 · 18th century0.12
  66. 66JNJoseph Nasi1524–1579 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.11
  67. 67Baal Shem TovBaal Shem Tov1698–1760 · 18th century0.11
  68. 68SOShemariah of Negropont1275–1352 · 14th century · Academics0.11
  69. 69BBBahya ben Asher1255–1340 · 13th century · Writers0.11
  70. 70ABAbraham ben Samuel ibn Hasdai ha-Levi1180–1240 · 13th century · Writers0.10
  71. 71TBTobiah ben Eliezer1080–1150 · 12th century · Actors0.10
  72. 72IAIsaac Albalag1300–1300 · 14th century · Academics0.09
  73. 73Joseph ibn TzaddikJoseph ibn Tzaddik1075–1149 · 12th century · Academics0.09
  74. 74Moses ben Jacob CordoveroMoses ben Jacob Cordovero1522–1570 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Actors0.08
  75. 75Eliezer ben NathanEliezer ben Nathan1090–1170 · 12th century · Writers0.08
  76. 76Herod ArchelausHerod Archelaus23 BC–18 · 1st century · Models0.07
  77. 77ADAbraham de Balmes1440–1523 · 15th century · Doctors0.07
  78. 78Mendele Mocher SforimMendele Mocher Sforim1835–1917 · 19th century · Writers0.07
  79. 79IIIsaac ibn Ezra1114–1158 · 12th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.06
  80. 80Jacob ben AsherJacob ben Asher1269–1343 · 14th century · Writers0.05
  81. 81Tzvi AshkenaziTzvi Ashkenazi1660–1718 · 17th century0.05
  82. 82Ben SiraBen Sira300 BC–150 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.05
  83. 83CBChananel ben Chushiel990–1053 · 11th century · Actors0.05
  84. 84Shneur Zalman of LiadiShneur Zalman of Liadi1745–1812 · 18th century · Academics0.05
  85. 85Benjamin of TudelaBenjamin of Tudela1130–1174 · 12th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.04
  86. 86LBLevi ben Abraham ben Hayyimborn 1245 · 13th century · Writers0.04
  87. 87Joseph ben Judah ibn AkninJoseph ben Judah ibn Aknin1150–1266 · 12th century · Academics0.03
  88. 88Daniel BombergDaniel Bomberg1483–1549 · 16th century0.03
  89. 89BHBerechiah ha-Nakdan1200–1300 · 13th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.03
  90. 90Shalom ShabaziShalom Shabazi1619–1719 · 17th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.03
  91. 91NBNissim ben Jacob990–1062 · 11th century · Writers0.03
  92. 92YBYefet ben Ali950–1010 · 10th century · Actors0.03
  93. 93IBIsrael ben Moses Najara1555–1628 · 16th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.03
  94. 94Menahem RecanatiMenahem Recanati1250–1310 · 13th century · Musicians0.03
  95. 95Elia del MedigoElia del Medigo1458–1497 · 15th century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Academics0.03
  96. 96ISIbn Shaprutborn 1400 · 15th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors0.03
  97. 97Judah ben David HayyujJudah ben David Hayyuj945–1000 · 10th century · Writers0.02
  98. 98IBIsaac ben Moses of Vienna1180–1250 · 13th century · Writers0.02
  99. 99Ishtori HaparchiIshtori Haparchi1280–1337 · 14th century · Scientists0.02
  100. 100Nachman of BreslovNachman of Breslov1772–1810 · 19th century0.02

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. 1Wilhelm II, German EmperorWilhelm II, German Emperor1859–1941 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures17 decades
  2. 2Empress Elisabeth of AustriaEmpress Elisabeth of Austria1837–1898 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  3. 3William I, German EmperorWilliam I, German Emperor1797–1888 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  4. 4Ludwig II of BavariaLudwig II of Bavaria1845–1886 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures18 decades
  5. 5Albert, Prince ConsortAlbert, Prince Consort1819–1861 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  6. 6Leopold I of BelgiumLeopold I of Belgium1790–1865 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  7. 7Frederick William III of PrussiaFrederick William III of Prussia1770–1840 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  8. 8Christian IX of DenmarkChristian IX of Denmark1818–1906 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures16 decades
  9. 9Louise of Mecklenburg-StrelitzLouise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz1776–1810 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  10. 10August von MackensenAugust von Mackensen1849–1945 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2 decades
  11. 11Carol I of RomaniaCarol I of Romania1839–1914 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures19 decades
  12. 12Helmuth von Moltke the YoungerHelmuth von Moltke the Younger1848–1916 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  13. 13Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-SaalfeldPrincess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld1786–1861 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  14. 14Princess Victoria of Hesse and by RhinePrincess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine1863–1950 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  15. 15Princess Elisabeth of Hesse and by RhinePrincess Elisabeth of Hesse and by Rhine1864–1918 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  16. 16Maria AlexandrovnaMaria Alexandrovna1824–1880 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  17. 17Victoria of BadenVictoria of Baden1862–1930 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  18. 18Louise of Hesse-KasselLouise of Hesse-Kassel1817–1898 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  19. 19Elizabeth AlexeievnaElizabeth Alexeievna1779–1826 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  20. 20Adolphe, Grand Duke of LuxembourgAdolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg1817–1905 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures3 decades
  21. 21Luitpold, Prince Regent of BavariaLuitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria1821–1912 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures19 decades
  22. 22Prince Louis of BattenbergPrince Louis of Battenberg1854–1921 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  23. 23Sophia of NassauSophia of Nassau1836–1913 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  24. 24Maria Sophie of BavariaMaria Sophie of Bavaria1841–1925 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  25. 25Princess Ludovika of BavariaPrincess Ludovika of Bavaria1808–1892 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  26. 26Princess Mary Adelaide of CambridgePrincess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge1833–1897 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  27. 27Augusta of Saxe-Weimar-EisenachAugusta of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach1811–1890 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  28. 28Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and GothaErnest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha1818–1893 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures21 decades
  29. 29Princess Charlotte of PrussiaPrincess Charlotte of Prussia1860–1919 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures15 decades
  30. 30Friedrich August II of SaxonyFriedrich August II of Saxony1797–1854 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures21 decades
  31. 31Wilhelm II of WürttembergWilhelm II of Württemberg1848–1921 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures18 decades
  32. 32Feodora of LeiningenFeodora of Leiningen1807–1872 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  33. 33Ernest Augustus, Crown Prince of HanoverErnest Augustus, Crown Prince of Hanover1845–1923 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures14 decades
  34. 34Caroline of BadenCaroline of Baden1776–1841 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  35. 35Princess Alexandra of Saxe-AltenburgPrincess Alexandra of Saxe-Altenburg1830–1911 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  36. 36Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg-SchwerinDuchess Marie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin1854–1920 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  37. 37Caroline Augusta of BavariaCaroline Augusta of Bavaria1792–1873 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  38. 38Princess Helena, Duchess of AlbanyPrincess Helena, Duchess of Albany1861–1922 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  39. 39Princess Louise Margaret, Duchess of Connaught and StrathearnPrincess Louise Margaret, Duchess of Connaught and Strathearn1860–1917 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  40. 40Princess Louise of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgPrincess Louise of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1800–1831 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  41. 41Duchess Sophie Charlotte in BavariaDuchess Sophie Charlotte in Bavaria1847–1897 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  42. 42Duchess Helene in BavariaDuchess Helene in Bavaria1834–1890 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  43. 43Wilhelmine of Prussia, Queen of the NetherlandsWilhelmine of Prussia, Queen of the Netherlands1774–1837 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  44. 44Carl RitterCarl Ritter1779–1859 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  45. 45Amalia of OldenburgAmalia of Oldenburg1818–1875 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  46. 46Princess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg and GothaPrincess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha1781–1860 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  47. 47Infanta Maria Theresa of PortugalInfanta Maria Theresa of Portugal1855–1944 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  48. 48Ludwig III, Grand Duke of HesseLudwig III, Grand Duke of Hesse1806–1877 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  49. 49Queen Maria Theresa of BavariaQueen Maria Theresa of Bavaria1849–1919 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  50. 50Duchess Mathilde Ludovika in BavariaDuchess Mathilde Ludovika in Bavaria1843–1925 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  51. 51Frederick Augustus II, Grand Duke of OldenburgFrederick Augustus II, Grand Duke of Oldenburg1852–1931 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures17 decades
  52. 52Alfred, Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg and GothaAlfred, Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha1874–1899 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  53. 53Carl Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-EisenachCarl Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach1783–1853 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  54. 54Charles Emmanuel, Prince of CarignanoCharles Emmanuel, Prince of Carignano1770–1800 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  55. 55Prince Aribert of AnhaltPrince Aribert of Anhalt1864–1933 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  56. 56Princess Hilda of NassauPrincess Hilda of Nassau1864–1952 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  57. 57Duchess Louise Charlotte of Mecklenburg-SchwerinDuchess Louise Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Schwerin1779–1801 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  58. 58Queen Charlotte of WürttembergQueen Charlotte of Württemberg1864–1946 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  59. 59Duke Johann Albrecht of Mecklenburg-SchwerinDuke Johann Albrecht of Mecklenburg-Schwerin1857–1920 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  60. 60Princess Elisabeth of AnhaltPrincess Elisabeth of Anhalt1857–1933 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  61. 61Günther Victor, Prince of SchwarzburgGünther Victor, Prince of Schwarzburg1852–1925 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  62. 62Princess Marie of BadenPrincess Marie of Baden1782–1808 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  63. 63Duchess Helene of Mecklenburg-StrelitzDuchess Helene of Mecklenburg-Strelitz1857–1936 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  64. 64Albert von Le CoqAlbert von Le Coq1860–1930 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  65. 65Princess Louise of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-GlücksburgPrincess Louise of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg1858–1936 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  66. 66Duchess Luise of Mecklenburg-SchwerinDuchess Luise of Mecklenburg-Schwerin1824–1859 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  67. 67Karl von den SteinenKarl von den Steinen1855–1929 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  68. 68Duke Adam of WürttembergDuke Adam of Württemberg1792–1847 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  69. 69PAPrince Albrecht of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg1863–1948 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  70. 70Kurt von MorgenKurt von Morgen1858–1928 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  71. 71Albert GrünwedelAlbert Grünwedel1856–1935 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  72. 72Emil KörnerEmil Körner1846–1920 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  73. 73Ernst OppertErnst Oppert1832–1903 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  74. 74FHFriedrich Hornemann1772–1801 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  75. 75Wilhelm von HohenauWilhelm von Hohenau1854–1930 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  76. 76Paul GüssfeldtPaul Güssfeldt1840–1920 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  77. 77Joachim von PfeilJoachim von Pfeil1857–1924 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  78. 78Princess Mathilde of Schaumburg-LippePrincess Mathilde of Schaumburg-Lippe1818–1891 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  79. 79Carl Hugo HahnCarl Hugo Hahn1818–1895 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  80. 80Hugo ZöllerHugo Zöller1852–1933 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  81. 81Albrecht RoscherAlbrecht Roscher1836–1860 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  82. 82RBRichard Brenner1833–1874 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  83. 83Eduard DämelEduard Dämel1821–1900 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot 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.