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

In books written inEnglish18,114German3,599French3,347Italian1,787Spanish1,162Russian325Hebrew105Chinese9
  1. 1Zhu XiZhu Xi1130–1200 · 12th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers870
  2. 2Li HongzhangLi Hongzhang1823–1901 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians149
  3. 3Zhang ZhidongZhang Zhidong1837–1909 · 19th century · Politicians86
  4. 4Zuo ZongtangZuo Zongtang1812–1885 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians43
  5. 5Ban GuBan Gu32–92 · 1st century · Writers40
  6. 6Ge HongGe Hong284–364 · 4th century · Academics40
  7. 7CSChen Shou233–297 · 3rd century · Writers14
  8. 8Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians12
  9. 9Lu XunLu Xun1881–1936 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers11

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. 1Simón BolívarSimón Bolívar1783–1830 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians21 decades
  2. 2Antoni GaudíAntoni Gaudí1852–1926 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Architects5 decades
  3. 3José MartíJosé Martí1853–1895 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers16 decades
  4. 4Miguel de UnamunoMiguel de Unamuno1864–1936 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers14 decades
  5. 5Isabella II of SpainIsabella II of Spain1830–1904 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Models11 decades
  6. 6Ferdinand VII of SpainFerdinand VII of Spain1784–1833 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Models19 decades
  7. 7Santiago Ramón y CajalSantiago Ramón y Cajal1852–1934 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Scientists13 decades
  8. 8Gustavo Adolfo BécquerGustavo Adolfo Bécquer1836–1870 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers13 decades
  9. 9Alfonso XII of SpainAlfonso XII of Spain1857–1885 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0 decades
  10. 10Benito Pérez GaldósBenito Pérez Galdós1843–1920 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers14 decades
  11. 11Bernardo O'HigginsBernardo O'Higgins1778–1842 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians21 decades
  12. 12Agustín I of MexicoAgustín I of Mexico1783–1824 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0 decades
  13. 13Rosalía de CastroRosalía de Castro1837–1885 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers13 decades
  14. 14George SantayanaGeorge Santayana1863–1952 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics9 decades
  15. 15Isaac AlbénizIsaac Albéniz1860–1909 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians12 decades
  16. 16Maria Christina of AustriaMaria Christina of Austria1858–1929 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politiciansnot measured—
  17. 17Joaquín SorollaJoaquín Sorolla1863–1923 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists13 decades
  18. 18Francisco de Asís, Duke of CádizFrancisco de Asís, Duke of Cádiz1822–1902 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures5 decades
  19. 19Carlota Joaquina of SpainCarlota Joaquina of Spain1775–1830 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures14 decades
  20. 20Ferdinand II of the Two SiciliesFerdinand II of the Two Sicilies1810–1859 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politiciansnot measured—
  21. 21Francisco TárregaFrancisco Tárrega1852–1909 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians16 decades
  22. 22Pablo de SarasatePablo de Sarasate1844–1908 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians11 decades
  23. 23Emilia Pardo BazánEmilia Pardo Bazán1851–1921 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers14 decades
  24. 24Manuel GodoyManuel Godoy1767–1851 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians22 decades
  25. 25Carlos de Borbón y Borbón-ParmaCarlos de Borbón y Borbón-Parma1788–1855 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians14 decades
  26. 26Juan Prim, 1st Marquis of los CastillejosJuan Prim, 1st Marquis of los Castillejos1814–1870 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians18 decades
  27. 27Antonio Cánovas del CastilloAntonio Cánovas del Castillo1828–1897 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians17 decades
  28. 28Mercedes of OrléansMercedes of Orléans1860–1878 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  29. 29Francisco MorazánFrancisco Morazán1792–1842 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians14 decades
  30. 30José EchegarayJosé Echegaray1832–1916 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers19 decades
  31. 31José de EsproncedaJosé de Espronceda1808–1842 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers19 decades
  32. 32Louis BlancLouis Blanc1811–1882 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians20 decades
  33. 33José Antonio PáezJosé Antonio Páez1790–1873 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians21 decades
  34. 34Rafael del RiegoRafael del Riego1784–1823 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians21 decades
  35. 35Infanta Isabel, Countess of GergentiInfanta Isabel, Countess of Gergenti1851–1931 · 🇪🇸 Spain0 decades
  36. 36Juan José FloresJuan José Flores1800–1864 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians21 decades
  37. 37Francisco FerrerFrancisco Ferrer1859–1909 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Educators12 decades
  38. 38Infante Francisco de Paula of SpainInfante Francisco de Paula of Spain1794–1865 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  39. 39Charles II, Duke of ParmaCharles II, Duke of Parma1799–1883 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0 decades
  40. 40Leopoldo AlasLeopoldo Alas1852–1901 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers4 decades
  41. 41Baldomero Espartero, Prince of VergaraBaldomero Espartero, Prince of Vergara1793–1879 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures22 decades
  42. 42Lluís Domènech i MontanerLluís Domènech i Montaner1850–1923 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Architectsnot measured—
  43. 43Maria Isabella of SpainMaria Isabella of Spain1789–1848 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0 decades
  44. 44Práxedes Mateo SagastaPráxedes Mateo Sagasta1825–1903 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians16 decades
  45. 45Mariano José de LarraMariano José de Larra1809–1837 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers19 decades
  46. 46José ZorrillaJosé Zorrilla1817–1893 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers21 decades
  47. 47Adelina PattiAdelina Patti1843–1919 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians16 decades
  48. 48Queen Maria Isabel of SpainQueen Maria Isabel of Spain1797–1818 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures20 decades
  49. 49Maria Josepha Amalia of SaxonyMaria Josepha Amalia of Saxony1803–1829 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures15 decades
  50. 50Fernando SorFernando Sor1778–1839 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians11 decades
  51. 51Luisa Fernanda of Spain, Duchess of MontpensierLuisa Fernanda of Spain, Duchess of Montpensier1832–1897 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures2 decades
  52. 52Francesc Macià i LlussàFrancesc Macià i Llussà1859–1933 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politiciansnot measured—
  53. 53Valentín Gómez FaríasValentín Gómez Farías1781–1858 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians15 decades
  54. 54Alejandro LerrouxAlejandro Lerroux1864–1949 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians13 decades
  55. 55Francisco Pi y MargallFrancisco Pi y Margall1824–1901 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians17 decades
  56. 56Carlos de Borbón y Austria-EsteCarlos de Borbón y Austria-Este1848–1909 · 🇪🇸 Spainnot measured—
  57. 57Ildefons CerdàIldefons Cerdà1815–1876 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Architects13 decades
  58. 58Carlos Manuel de Céspedes del CastilloCarlos Manuel de Céspedes del Castillo1819–1874 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musiciansnot measured—
  59. 59Francisco Serrano, 1st Duke of la TorreFrancisco Serrano, 1st Duke of la Torre1810–1885 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians12 decades
  60. 60Maria Luisa I, Duchess of LuccaMaria Luisa I, Duchess of Lucca1782–1824 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures15 decades
  61. 61Santiago Rusiñol i PratsSantiago Rusiñol i Prats1861–1931 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers13 decades
  62. 62Emilio CastelarEmilio Castelar1832–1899 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians17 decades
  63. 63Pablo Iglesias PossePablo Iglesias Posse1850–1925 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians2 decades
  64. 64Eduardo DatoEduardo Dato1856–1921 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians14 decades
  65. 65Marcelino Menéndez y PelayoMarcelino Menéndez y Pelayo1856–1912 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics14 decades
  66. 66Leopoldo O'Donnell, 1st Duke of TetuanLeopoldo O'Donnell, 1st Duke of Tetuan1809–1867 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians18 decades
  67. 67Maria Antonia of Naples and SicilyMaria Antonia of Naples and Sicily1784–1806 · 🇪🇸 Spain10 decades
  68. 68Mariano Fortuny MarsalMariano Fortuny Marsal1838–1874 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists15 decades
  69. 69Juan Donoso CortésJuan Donoso Cortés1809–1853 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers19 decades
  70. 70Carlos Luis de Borbón y BragançaCarlos Luis de Borbón y Bragança1818–1861 · 🇪🇸 Spainnot measured—
  71. 71Jacint VerdaguerJacint Verdaguer1845–1902 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers15 decades
  72. 72Concepción Arenal PonteConcepción Arenal Ponte1820–1893 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers16 decades
  73. 73Estanislao FiguerasEstanislao Figueras1819–1882 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians16 decades
  74. 74Antonio MauraAntonio Maura1853–1925 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians16 decades
  75. 75Princess María Isabel of OrléansPrincess María Isabel of Orléans1848–1919 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politiciansnot measured—
  76. 76Anthony Mary ClaretAnthony Mary Claret1807–1870 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures16 decades
  77. 77Eusebio GüellEusebio Güell1846–1918 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Foundersnot measured—
  78. 78Álvaro de Figueroa, 1st Count of RomanonesÁlvaro de Figueroa, 1st Count of Romanones1863–1950 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0 decades
  79. 79Juan de Borbón y BragançaJuan de Borbón y Bragança1822–1887 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists0 decades
  80. 80Infanta Eulalia, Duchess of GallieraInfanta Eulalia, Duchess of Galliera1864–1958 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers9 decades
  81. 81Leonardo Torres QuevedoLeonardo Torres Quevedo1852–1936 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Scientists11 decades
  82. 82Thérésa TallienThérésa Tallien1773–1835 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists11 decades
  83. 83José CanalejasJosé Canalejas1854–1912 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians16 decades
  84. 84Princess Luisa Carlotta of the Two SiciliesPrincess Luisa Carlotta of the Two Sicilies1804–1844 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politiciansnot measured—
  85. 85Juan Crisóstomo de ArriagaJuan Crisóstomo de Arriaga1806–1826 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians1 decades
  86. 86Alfonso Carlos de BorbónAlfonso Carlos de Borbón1849–1936 · 🇪🇸 Spainnot measured—
  87. 87Agustina de AragónAgustina de Aragón1786–1857 · 🇪🇸 Spain13 decades
  88. 88Fernán CaballeroFernán Caballero1796–1877 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers18 decades
  89. 89Pedro Antonio de AlarcónPedro Antonio de Alarcón1833–1891 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers14 decades
  90. 90Miguel de BragançaMiguel de Bragança1853–1927 · 🇪🇸 Spain7 decades
  91. 91Infanta Maria Francisca of PortugalInfanta Maria Francisca of Portugal1800–1834 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures4 decades
  92. 92Simón RodríguezSimón Rodríguez1769–1853 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Educatorsnot measured—
  93. 93Infanta María de la Paz of SpainInfanta María de la Paz of Spain1862–1946 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists6 decades
  94. 94Juan ValeraJuan Valera1824–1905 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1 decades
  95. 95Luis Ricardo FaleroLuis Ricardo Falero1851–1896 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artistsnot measured—
  96. 96Arsenio Martínez-Campos y AntónArsenio Martínez-Campos y Antón1831–1900 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians15 decades
  97. 97Nicolás SalmerónNicolás Salmerón1838–1908 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics16 decades
  98. 98Miguel Ricardo de Álava y EsquivelMiguel Ricardo de Álava y Esquivel1772–1843 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians1 decades
  99. 99Ramón María Narváez, 1st Duke of ValenciaRamón María Narváez, 1st Duke of Valencia1800–1868 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers14 decades
  100. 100Ángel de Saavedra, 3rd Duke of RivasÁngel de Saavedra, 3rd Duke of Rivas1791–1865 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers22 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.