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. 1NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures22 decades
  2. 2Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  3. 3Wilhelm II, German EmperorWilhelm II, German Emperor1859–1941 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures17 decades
  4. 4Alexander I of RussiaAlexander I of Russia1777–1825 · Historical Figures21 decades
  5. 5Alexander von HumboldtAlexander von Humboldt1769–1859 · Historical Figures8 decades
  6. 6Alexander II of RussiaAlexander II of Russia1818–1881 · Historical Figures17 decades
  7. 7Edward VIIEdward VII1841–1910 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures13 decades
  8. 8Alexander III of RussiaAlexander III of Russia1845–1894 · Historical Figures16 decades
  9. 9Franz Joseph I of AustriaFranz Joseph I of Austria1830–1916 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures18 decades
  10. 10Empress Dowager CixiEmpress Dowager Cixi1835–1908 · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures5 decades
  11. 11Leopold II of BelgiumLeopold II of Belgium1835–1909 · Historical Figures9 decades
  12. 12Empress Elisabeth of AustriaEmpress Elisabeth of Austria1837–1898 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  13. 13William I, German EmperorWilliam I, German Emperor1797–1888 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  14. 14William IV of the United KingdomWilliam IV of the United Kingdom1765–1837 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures22 decades
  15. 15Victor Emmanuel II of ItalyVictor Emmanuel II of Italy1820–1878 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures12 decades
  16. 16Ludwig II of BavariaLudwig II of Bavaria1845–1886 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures18 decades
  17. 17Umberto I of ItalyUmberto I of Italy1844–1900 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures14 decades
  18. 18Albert, Prince ConsortAlbert, Prince Consort1819–1861 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  19. 19Ferdinand FochFerdinand Foch1851–1929 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures7 decades
  20. 20Abdul Hamid IIAbdul Hamid II1842–1918 · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Historical Figures13 decades
  21. 21Leopold I of BelgiumLeopold I of Belgium1790–1865 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  22. 22Alfonso XII of SpainAlfonso XII of Spain1857–1885 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0 decades
  23. 23David LivingstoneDavid Livingstone1813–1873 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures17 decades
  24. 24Marie Louise, Duchess of ParmaMarie Louise, Duchess of Parma1791–1847 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures18 decades
  25. 25Emperor MeijiEmperor Meiji1852–1912 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Historical Figures11 decades
  26. 26ShakaShaka1787–1828 · Historical Figures22 decades
  27. 27Maria FeodorovnaMaria Feodorovna1847–1928 · Historical Figures17 decades
  28. 28Frederick William III of PrussiaFrederick William III of Prussia1770–1840 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures22 decades
  29. 29Mehmed VIMehmed VI1861–1926 · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Historical Figures0 decades
  30. 30Pedro I of BrazilPedro I of Brazil1798–1834 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Historical Figures0 decades
  31. 31Pedro II of BrazilPedro II of Brazil1825–1891 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Historical Figures0 decades
  32. 32George Armstrong CusterGeorge Armstrong Custer1839–1876 · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures7 decades
  33. 33Alfred Russel WallaceAlfred Russel Wallace1823–1913 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures15 decades
  34. 34Alexandra of DenmarkAlexandra of Denmark1844–1925 · Historical Figures2 decades
  35. 35Eugénie de MontijoEugénie de Montijo1826–1920 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures17 decades
  36. 36George I of GreeceGeorge I of Greece1845–1913 · Historical Figures0 decades
  37. 37Gustaf V of SwedenGustaf V of Sweden1858–1950 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  38. 38Mahmud IIMahmud II1785–1839 · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Historical Figures14 decades
  39. 39Nikolay PrzhevalskyNikolay Przhevalsky1839–1888 · Historical Figures9 decades
  40. 40Christian IX of DenmarkChristian IX of Denmark1818–1906 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures16 decades
  41. 41Amadeo I of SpainAmadeo I of Spain1845–1890 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  42. 42Pyotr BagrationPyotr Bagration1765–1812 · Historical Figures7 decades
  43. 43Marie Thérèse of FranceMarie Thérèse of France1778–1851 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures8 decades
  44. 44ChulalongkornChulalongkorn1853–1910 · Historical Figures13 decades
  45. 45Otto of GreeceOtto of Greece1815–1867 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures0 decades
  46. 46Oscar II of SwedenOscar II of Sweden1829–1907 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  47. 47Edward SmithEdward Smith1850–1912 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures17 decades
  48. 48Richard Francis BurtonRichard Francis Burton1821–1890 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures2 decades
  49. 49Charles XV of SwedenCharles XV of Sweden1826–1872 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  50. 50Oscar I of SwedenOscar I of Sweden1799–1859 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures0 decades
  51. 51William I of the NetherlandsWilliam I of the Netherlands1772–1843 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Historical Figures0 decades
  52. 52Charles de FoucauldCharles de Foucauld1858–1916 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures11 decades
  53. 53Charles Albert of SardiniaCharles Albert of Sardinia1798–1849 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures18 decades
  54. 54LiliʻuokalaniLiliʻuokalani1838–1917 · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  55. 55Daoguang EmperorDaoguang Emperor1782–1850 · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures4 decades
  56. 56Louise of Mecklenburg-StrelitzLouise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz1776–1810 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  57. 57William III of the NetherlandsWilliam III of the Netherlands1817–1890 · Historical Figures0 decades
  58. 58Robert PearyRobert Peary1856–1920 · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures3 decades
  59. 59Nicholas Miklouho-MaclayNicholas Miklouho-Maclay1846–1888 · Historical Figures5 decades
  60. 60August von MackensenAugust von Mackensen1849–1945 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2 decades
  61. 61Carol I of RomaniaCarol I of Romania1839–1914 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures19 decades
  62. 62Frederick VIII of DenmarkFrederick VIII of Denmark1843–1912 · Historical Figures0 decades
  63. 63Désirée ClaryDésirée Clary1777–1860 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures14 decades
  64. 64Carlota of MexicoCarlota of Mexico1840–1927 · Historical Figures0 decades
  65. 65Princess Alice of the United KingdomPrincess Alice of the United Kingdom1843–1878 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  66. 66Helmuth von Moltke the YoungerHelmuth von Moltke the Younger1848–1916 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  67. 67Ching ShihChing Shih1775–1844 · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  68. 68Jean LannesJean Lannes1769–1809 · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures1 decades
  69. 69Frederick VI of DenmarkFrederick VI of Denmark1768–1839 · Historical Figures0 decades
  70. 70Maria Christina of the Two SiciliesMaria Christina of the Two Sicilies1806–1878 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  71. 71SacagaweaSacagawea1788–1812 · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures9 decades
  72. 72Kamehameha IKamehameha I1800–1819 · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures13 decades
  73. 73Olga Constantinovna of RussiaOlga Constantinovna of Russia1851–1926 · Historical Figures16 decades
  74. 74MongkutMongkut1804–1868 · Historical Figures12 decades
  75. 75Gustav IV Adolf of SwedenGustav IV Adolf of Sweden1778–1837 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures8 decades
  76. 76Christian VIII of DenmarkChristian VIII of Denmark1786–1848 · Historical Figures0 decades
  77. 77Bahadur Shah ZafarBahadur Shah Zafar1775–1862 · 🇮🇳 India · Historical Figures6 decades
  78. 78Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-HolsteinAugusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein1858–1921 · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  79. 79George EverestGeorge Everest1790–1866 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures2 decades
  80. 80Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich of RussiaGrand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich of Russia1856–1929 · Historical Figures5 decades
  81. 81Naser al-Din Shah QajarNaser al-Din Shah Qajar1831–1896 · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  82. 82Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-SaalfeldPrincess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld1786–1861 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  83. 83Maria Leopoldina of AustriaMaria Leopoldina of Austria1797–1826 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Historical Figures0 decades
  84. 84Frederick VII of DenmarkFrederick VII of Denmark1808–1863 · Historical Figures0 decades
  85. 85Princess Victoria of Hesse and by RhinePrincess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine1863–1950 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  86. 86George Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of KedlestonGeorge Curzon, 1st Marquess Curzon of Kedleston1859–1925 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  87. 87Princess Charlotte of WalesPrincess Charlotte of Wales1796–1817 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures1 decades
  88. 88John FranklinJohn Franklin1786–1847 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures22 decades
  89. 89Archduke Franz Karl of AustriaArchduke Franz Karl of Austria1802–1878 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures0 decades
  90. 90Princess Elisabeth of Hesse and by RhinePrincess Elisabeth of Hesse and by Rhine1864–1918 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  91. 91Princess Beatrice of the United KingdomPrincess Beatrice of the United Kingdom1857–1944 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  92. 92Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and StrathearnPrince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn1767–1820 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  93. 93Francisco de Asís, Duke of CádizFrancisco de Asís, Duke of Cádiz1822–1902 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures5 decades
  94. 94Nicholas I of MontenegroNicholas I of Montenegro1841–1921 · Historical Figures0 decades
  95. 95Xianfeng EmperorXianfeng Emperor1831–1861 · Historical Figures0 decades
  96. 96Maria AlexandrovnaMaria Alexandrovna1824–1880 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0 decades
  97. 97Franz Conrad von HötzendorfFranz Conrad von Hötzendorf1852–1925 · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures5 decades
  98. 98James Clark RossJames Clark Ross1800–1862 · Historical Figures18 decades
  99. 99Carlota Joaquina of SpainCarlota Joaquina of Spain1775–1830 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures14 decades
  100. 100Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and GothaAlfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha1844–1900 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · 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.