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. 1Alfred NobelAlfred Nobel1833–1896 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists13 decades
  2. 2Svante ArrheniusSvante Arrhenius1859–1927 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists6 decades
  3. 3Jöns Jacob BerzeliusJöns Jacob Berzelius1779–1848 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  4. 4Salomon August AndréeSalomon August Andrée1854–1897 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  5. 5John EricssonJohn Ericsson1803–1889 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists19 decades
  6. 6Anders Jonas ÅngströmAnders Jonas Ångström1814–1874 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  7. 7Lars Levi LæstadiusLars Levi Læstadius1800–1861 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  8. 8Gustaf de LavalGustaf de Laval1845–1913 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  9. 9Johannes RydbergJohannes Rydberg1854–1919 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  10. 10Lars Magnus EricssonLars Magnus Ericsson1846–1926 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  11. 11Elias Magnus FriesElias Magnus Fries1794–1878 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  12. 12Per Teodor ClevePer Teodor Cleve1840–1905 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  13. 13Johan August ArfwedsonJohan August Arfwedson1792–1841 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  14. 14Carl Gustaf MosanderCarl Gustaf Mosander1797–1858 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  15. 15Carl Adolph AgardhCarl Adolph Agardh1785–1859 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  16. 16Nils StrindbergNils Strindberg1872–1897 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  17. 17Knut FrænkelKnut Frænkel1870–1897 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  18. 18Johan Petter JohanssonJohan Petter Johansson1853–1943 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  19. 19Thorsten NordenfeltThorsten Nordenfelt1842–1920 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  20. 20Nils EricsonNils Ericson1802–1870 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  21. 21Carl Edvard JohanssonCarl Edvard Johansson1864–1943 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  22. 22Anders Gustaf EkebergAnders Gustaf Ekeberg1767–1813 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  23. 23Lars Fredrik NilsonLars Fredrik Nilson1840–1899 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  24. 24Emil Oskar NobelEmil Oskar Nobel1843–1864 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  25. 25Jacob Georg AgardhJacob Georg Agardh1813–1901 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  26. 26Carl Axel Magnus LindmanCarl Axel Magnus Lindman1856–1928 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  27. 27Amalia ErikssonAmalia Eriksson1824–1923 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  28. 28Nils Gabriel SefströmNils Gabriel Sefström1787–1845 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists0 decades
  29. 29Anders RetziusAnders Retzius1796–1860 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  30. 30Johan August BrinellJohan August Brinell1849–1925 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  31. 31Oskar BacklundOskar Backlund1846–1916 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  32. 32Knut ÅngströmKnut Ångström1857–1910 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  33. 33Carl Vilhelm Ludvig CharlierCarl Vilhelm Ludvig Charlier1862–1934 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  34. 34Johan August WahlbergJohan August Wahlberg1810–1856 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  35. 35Wilhelm HisingerWilhelm Hisinger1766–1852 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  36. 36Göran WahlenbergGöran Wahlenberg1780–1851 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  37. 37Per Georg ScheutzPer Georg Scheutz1785–1873 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  38. 38Jonas WenströmJonas Wenström1855–1893 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  39. 39Theodor Magnus FriesTheodor Magnus Fries1832–1913 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  40. 40Nils Gustaf EkholmNils Gustaf Ekholm1848–1923 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  41. 41Alfred Gabriel NathorstAlfred Gabriel Nathorst1850–1921 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  42. 42Otto Martin TorellOtto Martin Torell1828–1900 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  43. 43Anna SundströmAnna Sundström1785–1871 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  44. 44Albert AtterbergAlbert Atterberg1846–1916 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  45. 45Willgodt Theophil OdhnerWillgodt Theophil Odhner1845–1905 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  46. 46Per Axel RydbergPer Axel Rydberg1860–1931 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  47. 47Nils Christoffer DunérNils Christoffer Dunér1839–1914 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  48. 48Hugo GyldénHugo Gyldén1841–1896 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  49. 49Erik EdlundErik Edlund1819–1888 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  50. 50Hjalmar LundbohmHjalmar Lundbohm1855–1926 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  51. 51Christian Wilhelm BlomstrandChristian Wilhelm Blomstrand1826–1897 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  52. 52Gustaf Johan BillbergGustaf Johan Billberg1772–1844 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  53. 53Nils Johan AnderssonNils Johan Andersson1821–1880 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  54. 54Johan Wilhelm ZetterstedtJohan Wilhelm Zetterstedt1785–1874 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  55. 55Helge PalmcrantzHelge Palmcrantz1842–1880 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  56. 56Emil von SydowEmil von Sydow1812–1873 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  57. 57GEGustaf Erik Hasch1788–1862 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  58. 58Martin WibergMartin Wiberg1826–1905 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  59. 59GAGustavus Augustus Eisen1847–1940 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  60. 60Veit WittrockVeit Wittrock1839–1914 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  61. 61Albert Ulrik BååthAlbert Ulrik Bååth1853–1912 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  62. 62Otto PetterssonOtto Pettersson1848–1941 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  63. 63Louise HammarströmLouise Hammarström1849–1917 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  64. 64Johan Wilhelm PalmstruchJohan Wilhelm Palmstruch1770–1811 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  65. 65Sextus Otto LindbergSextus Otto Lindberg1835–1889 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  66. 66Carl Daniel EkmanCarl Daniel Ekman1845–1904 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  67. 67Robert ThalénRobert Thalén1827–1905 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  68. 68Hanna HammarströmHanna Hammarström1829–1914 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  69. 69Johan Erhard AreschougJohan Erhard Areschoug1811–1887 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  70. 70Frans Reinhold KjellmanFrans Reinhold Kjellman1846–1907 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  71. 71Axel MöllerAxel Möller1830–1896 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  72. 72Frans Wilhelm LindqvistFrans Wilhelm Lindqvist1862–1931 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  73. 73Nils Johan BerlinNils Johan Berlin1812–1891 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  74. 74Herman SchultzHerman Schultz1823–1890 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  75. 75Carl Fredrik NymanCarl Fredrik Nyman1820–1893 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  76. 76Karl StarbäckKarl Starbäck1863–1931 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  77. 77Carl Reinhold SahlbergCarl Reinhold Sahlberg1779–1860 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  78. 78Nils Conrad KindbergNils Conrad Kindberg1832–1910 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  79. 79Carl Johann HartmanCarl Johann Hartman1790–1849 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  80. 80Nils Gustaf von LagerheimNils Gustaf von Lagerheim1860–1926 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  81. 81CQConrad Quensel1767–1806 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  82. 82Sven BerggrenSven Berggren1837–1917 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  83. 83Hampus Wilhelm ArnellHampus Wilhelm Arnell1848–1932 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  84. 84Samuel OwenSamuel Owen1774–1854 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  85. 85Carl BovalliusCarl Bovallius1849–1907 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  86. 86JEJohan Emanuel Wikström1789–1856 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  87. 87HDHans Daniel Johan Wallengren1823–1894 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  88. 88Per Karl Hjalmar DusénPer Karl Hjalmar Dusén1855–1926 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  89. 89Anders Fredrik RegnellAnders Fredrik Regnell1807–1884 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  90. 90Henrik Gustaf SöderbaumHenrik Gustaf Söderbaum1862–1933 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  91. 91Peter Fredrik WahlbergPeter Fredrik Wahlberg1800–1877 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  92. 92GAGustav Adolf Hugo Dahlstedt1856–1934 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  93. 93Carl HartmanCarl Hartman1824–1884 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  94. 94Theofron MunktellTheofron Munktell1805–1887 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  95. 95Hilda Carolina EricssonHilda Carolina Ericsson1860–1941 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  96. 96Nils LiljaNils Lilja1808–1870 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  97. 97Nils Peter AngelinNils Peter Angelin1805–1876 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  98. 98Svante Samuel MurbeckSvante Samuel Murbeck1859–1946 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  99. 99Gustaf Oskar Andersson MalmeGustaf Oskar Andersson Malme1864–1937 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  100. 100JÅJohan Ångström1813–1879 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot 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.