Claim profile
1900–1999

The 20th century

Whose names filled the books of the 20th 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 German books during the 20th century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish28,219German4,127French3,913Italian2,072Spanish1,601Russian838Chinese282Hebrew149
  1. 1Frederick William, Margrave of Brandenburg-SchwedtFrederick William, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt1700–1771 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany8.0
  2. 2Frederick William, Elector of BrandenburgFrederick William, Elector of Brandenburg1620–1688 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures8.0
  3. 3Frederick William, Prince of Hohenzollern-HechingenFrederick William, Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen1663–1735 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures8.0
  4. 4Frederick William of Saxe-MeiningenFrederick William of Saxe-Meiningen1679–1746 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures8.0
  5. 5Thomas MannThomas Mann1875–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers6.1
  6. 6NovalisNovalis1772–1801 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers5.5
  7. 7Karl MarxKarl Marx1818–1883 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics4.7
  8. 8Jean PaulJean Paul1763–1825 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers4.3
  9. 9Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1676–1732 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians3.3
  10. 10Frederick II, Elector PalatineFrederick II, Elector Palatine1482–1556 · 16th century3.3
  11. 11Frederick II of LegnicaFrederick II of Legnica1480–1547 · 16th century3.3
  12. 12Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgFrederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1418–1478 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures3.3
  13. 13Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-HomburgFrederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg1633–1708 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany3.3
  14. 14Friedrich II, Grand Duke of BadenFriedrich II, Grand Duke of Baden1857–1928 · 19th century · Historical Figures3.3
  15. 15Johann Georg, Duke of Saxe-WeissenfelsJohann Georg, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels1677–1712 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.9
  16. 16John George, Elector of BrandenburgJohn George, Elector of Brandenburg1525–1598 · 16th century · Religious Figures2.9
  17. 17John Frederick, Count Palatine of Sulzbach-HilpoltsteinJohn Frederick, Count Palatine of Sulzbach-Hilpoltstein1587–1644 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.8
  18. 18John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-AnsbachJohn Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach1654–1686 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models2.8
  19. 19John Frederick, Prince of Schwarzburg-RudolstadtJohn Frederick, Prince of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt1721–1767 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.8
  20. 20John Frederick, Duke of WürttembergJohn Frederick, Duke of Württemberg1582–1628 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.8
  21. 21John Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgJohn Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1625–1679 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.8
  22. 22John Frederick, Duke of PomeraniaJohn Frederick, Duke of Pomerania1542–1600 · 16th century · Religious Figures2.8
  23. 23Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians2.6
  24. 24William II, Duke of JülichWilliam II, Duke of Jülich1325–1393 · 14th century · Historical Figures2.6
  25. 25William II of Hesse-KasselWilliam II of Hesse-Kassel1777–1847 · 19th century · Historical Figures2.6
  26. 26Wilhelm II, German EmperorWilhelm II, German Emperor1859–1941 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.6
  27. 27WIWilliam II, Margrave of Meissen1371–1425 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.6
  28. 28WIWilliam II of Jülich1200–1207 · 13th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.6
  29. 29William II, Duke of BavariaWilliam II, Duke of Bavaria1365–1417 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.6
  30. 30WIWilliam II, Count of Weimar930–1003 · 10th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.6
  31. 31Wilhelm II of WürttembergWilhelm II of Württemberg1848–1921 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.6
  32. 32William II, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgWilliam II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1300–1369 · 14th century · Historical Figures2.6
  33. 33Maria TheresaMaria Theresa1717–1780 · 18th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures2.5
  34. 34Max WeberMax Weber1864–1920 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics2.5
  35. 35ParacelsusParacelsus1493–1541 · 16th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Doctors2.5
  36. 36Richard WagnerRichard Wagner1813–1883 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians2.4
  37. 37Friedrich EngelsFriedrich Engels1820–1895 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics2.3
  38. 38William, Landgrave of Hesse-RotenburgWilliam, Landgrave of Hesse-Rotenburg1648–1725 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.0
  39. 39William I, German EmperorWilliam I, German Emperor1797–1888 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.0
  40. 40William the SilentWilliam the Silent1533–1584 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians2.0
  41. 41WIWilliam I of Weimar900–963 · 10th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.0
  42. 42William I, Elector of HesseWilliam I, Elector of Hesse1743–1821 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.0
  43. 43William I, Count of Nassau-SiegenWilliam I, Count of Nassau-Siegen1487–1559 · 16th century2.0
  44. 44William I, Duke of BavariaWilliam I, Duke of Bavaria1330–1389 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians2.0
  45. 45William IWilliam I1343–1407 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.0
  46. 46Wilhelm I of WürttembergWilhelm I of Württemberg1781–1864 · 19th century · Historical Figures2.0
  47. 47Friedrich SchlegelFriedrich Schlegel1772–1829 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.8
  48. 48Henry IV, Duke of MecklenburgHenry IV, Duke of Mecklenburg1417–1477 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.8
  49. 49HIHenry IV, Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen1460–1526 · 15th century · Historical Figures1.8
  50. 50HIHenry IV, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg1397–1427 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.8
  51. 51Erich HoneckerErich Honecker1912–1994 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.7
  52. 52Heinrich MannHeinrich Mann1871–1950 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.7
  53. 53Martin LutherMartin Luther1483–1546 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Religious Figures1.6
  54. 54Karl Frederick, Prince of Anhalt-BernburgKarl Frederick, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg1668–1721 · 18th century · Historical Figures1.6
  55. 55Charles Frederick, Duke of Saxe-MeiningenCharles Frederick, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen1712–1743 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.6
  56. 56Carl Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-EisenachCarl Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach1783–1853 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.6
  57. 57Heinrich HeineHeinrich Heine1797–1856 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.6
  58. 58Frederick III, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick III, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1699–1772 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  59. 59Frederick III, Burgrave of NurembergFrederick III, Burgrave of Nuremberg1220–1297 · 13th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  60. 60Frederick III, Prince of Salm-KyrburgFrederick III, Prince of Salm-Kyrburg1744–1794 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  61. 61Frederick III of LegnicaFrederick III of Legnica1520–1570 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  62. 62Frederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-GottorpFrederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp1597–1659 · 17th century · Historical Figures1.5
  63. 63Frederick III, German EmperorFrederick III, German Emperor1831–1888 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.5
  64. 64Frederick III, Landgrave of Hesse-HomburgFrederick III, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg1673–1746 · 18th century · Politicians1.5
  65. 65Friedrich III, Margrave of Brandenburg-BayreuthFriedrich III, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth1711–1763 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.5
  66. 66Frederick III, Margrave of BadenFrederick III, Margrave of Baden1327–1353 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.5
  67. 67Frederick III of the PalatinateFrederick III of the Palatinate1515–1576 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.5
  68. 68Charles Augustus, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-EisenachCharles Augustus, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach1757–1828 · 18th century · Politicians1.5
  69. 69Karl KrausKarl Kraus1874–1936 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Writers1.5
  70. 70Walter UlbrichtWalter Ulbricht1893–1973 · 20th century · Politicians1.4
  71. 71Hans SachsHans Sachs1494–1576 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.4
  72. 72William IV, Landgrave of Hesse-KasselWilliam IV, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel1532–1592 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists1.4
  73. 73Gottfried KellerGottfried Keller1819–1890 · 19th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Writers1.4
  74. 74Rosa LuxemburgRosa Luxemburg1871–1919 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Activists1.4
  75. 75Gerhart HauptmannGerhart Hauptmann1862–1946 · 19th century · Writers1.4
  76. 76Gustav Adolph, Duke of Mecklenburg-GüstrowGustav Adolph, Duke of Mecklenburg-Güstrow1633–1695 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.3
  77. 77Frederick IFrederick I1425–1476 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.3
  78. 78Frederick I, Duke of Brunswick-WolfenbüttelFrederick I, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel1357–1400 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.3
  79. 79Frederick I of PrussiaFrederick I of Prussia1657–1713 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.3
  80. 80Frederick I of LiegnitzFrederick I of Liegnitz1446–1488 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  81. 81Friedrich I, Grand Duke of BadenFriedrich I, Grand Duke of Baden1826–1907 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.3
  82. 82Frederick I, Elector of BrandenburgFrederick I, Elector of Brandenburg1371–1440 · 15th century1.3
  83. 83Duke Friedrich I, Duke of AnhaltDuke Friedrich I, Duke of Anhalt1831–1904 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.3
  84. 84Frederick I, Landgrave of Hesse-HomburgFrederick I, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg1585–1638 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  85. 85Frederick I of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick I of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1646–1691 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.3
  86. 86Frederick I, Count Palatine of SimmernFrederick I, Count Palatine of Simmern1417–1480 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  87. 87TannhäuserTannhäuser1300–1300 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.3
  88. 88Henry II, Landgrave of HesseHenry II, Landgrave of Hesse1299–1376 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  89. 89HIHenry II, Count of Gorizia1150–1150 · 12th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  90. 90Henry II, Duke of BavariaHenry II, Duke of Bavaria951–995 · 10th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  91. 91HIHenry II, Margrave of Meissen1103–1123 · 12th century · Models1.3
  92. 92HIHenry II of Augsburg1001–1063 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Religious Figures1.3
  93. 93Henry II, Count of Reuss-GeraHenry II, Count of Reuss-Gera1572–1635 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  94. 94HIHenry II, Lord of Mecklenburg1262–1329 · 13th century · Historical Figures1.3
  95. 95HIHenry II, Duke of Limburg1110–1167 · 12th century · Historical Figures1.3
  96. 96Henry V, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgHenry V, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1489–1568 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  97. 97Charles IV, Holy Roman EmperorCharles IV, Holy Roman Emperor1316–1378 · 14th century · Historical Figures1.3
  98. 98Augustus William, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgAugustus William, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1662–1731 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.2
  99. 99Augustus William, Duke of Brunswick-BevernAugustus William, Duke of Brunswick-Bevern1715–1781 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.2
  100. 100WIWilliam III, Count of Weimar1000–1039 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.2

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 20th century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇺🇸 United States🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇮🇹 Italy🇮🇳 India🇯🇵 Japan🇨🇳 China🇨🇦 Canada🇸🇪 Sweden
FieldAllActorsPoliticiansMusiciansWritersDirectorsHistorical FiguresAcademicsFootballersScientistsArtists
  1. 1Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians13 decades
  2. 2Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians3 decades
  3. 3Chiang Kai-shekChiang Kai-shek1887–1975 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4 decades
  4. 4Deng XiaopingDeng Xiaoping1909–1997 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians11 decades
  5. 514th Dalai Lama14th Dalai Lamaborn 1935 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  6. 6Sun Yat-senSun Yat-sen1866–1925 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians12 decades
  7. 7Hu JintaoHu Jintaoborn 1942 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians6 decades
  8. 8Jiang ZeminJiang Zemin1926–2022 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians9 decades
  9. 9Jet LiJet Liborn 1963 · 🇨🇳 China · Athletes4 decades
  10. 10Li KeqiangLi Keqiang1955–2023 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4 decades
  11. 11Zhou EnlaiZhou Enlai1898–1976 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians11 decades
  12. 12PuyiPuyi1906–1967 · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures8 decades
  13. 13Jack MaJack Maborn 1964 · 🇨🇳 China · Founders5 decades
  14. 14Wen JiabaoWen Jiabaoborn 1942 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians5 decades
  15. 15Donnie YenDonnie Yenborn 1963 · 🇨🇳 China · Actorsnot measured—
  16. 16Zhao ZiyangZhao Ziyang1919–2005 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians7 decades
  17. 17Zhu RongjiZhu Rongjiborn 1928 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians3 decades
  18. 18Hua GuofengHua Guofeng1921–2008 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians7 decades
  19. 19Lu XunLu Xun1881–1936 · 🇨🇳 China · Writers13 decades
  20. 20Li QiangLi Qiangborn 1959 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians7 decades
  21. 21Jiang QingJiang Qing1914–1991 · 🇨🇳 China · Actors9 decades
  22. 22Wong Kar-waiWong Kar-waiborn 1958 · 🇨🇳 China · Directors3 decades
  23. 23Chow Yun-fatChow Yun-fatborn 1955 · 🇨🇳 China · Actors2 decades
  24. 24Liu XiaoboLiu Xiaobo1955–2017 · 🇨🇳 China · Writers4 decades
  25. 25Ip ManIp Man1893–1972 · 🇨🇳 Chinanot measured—
  26. 26Chiang Ching-kuoChiang Ching-kuo1910–1988 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians9 decades
  27. 27Liu ShaoqiLiu Shaoqi1898–1969 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians10 decades
  28. 28Leslie CheungLeslie Cheung1956–2003 · 🇨🇳 China · Musicians4 decades
  29. 29Lin BiaoLin Biao1907–1971 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians11 decades
  30. 30Soong Ching-lingSoong Ching-ling1893–1981 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians10 decades
  31. 31Li PengLi Peng1928–2019 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians9 decades
  32. 32Stephen ChowStephen Chowborn 1962 · 🇨🇳 China · Actorsnot measured—
  33. 33Hu YaobangHu Yaobang1915–1989 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  34. 34Ai WeiweiAi Weiweiborn 1957 · 🇨🇳 China · Artists2 decades
  35. 35Peng LiyuanPeng Liyuanborn 1962 · 🇨🇳 China · Academicsnot measured—
  36. 36Ma Ying-jeouMa Ying-jeouborn 1950 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians3 decades
  37. 37John WooJohn Wooborn 1946 · 🇨🇳 China · Directorsnot measured—
  38. 38Andy LauAndy Lauborn 1961 · 🇨🇳 China · Actorsnot measured—
  39. 39Zhang YimouZhang Yimouborn 1950 · 🇨🇳 China · Directors4 decades
  40. 40Liu CixinLiu Cixinborn 1963 · 🇨🇳 China · Writersnot measured—
  41. 41Wang JingweiWang Jingwei1883–1944 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  42. 42Tu YouyouTu Youyouborn 1930 · 🇨🇳 China · Scientistsnot measured—
  43. 43Tony LeungTony Leungborn 1962 · 🇨🇳 China · Actorsnot measured—
  44. 44Sammo HungSammo Hungborn 1952 · 🇨🇳 China · Actorsnot measured—
  45. 45Bo XilaiBo Xilaiborn 1949 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  46. 46Guangxu EmperorGuangxu Emperor1871–1908 · 🇨🇳 China7 decades
  47. 47Wang YiWang Yiborn 1953 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4 decades
  48. 4813th Dalai Lama13th Dalai Lama1876–1933 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  49. 49Chen-ning YangChen-ning Yang1922–2025 · 🇨🇳 China · Scientists8 decades
  50. 50Carrie LamCarrie Lamborn 1957 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  51. 51Peng DehuaiPeng Dehuai1898–1974 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  52. 52Zhu DeZhu De1886–1976 · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians11 decades
  53. 53Tsui HarkTsui Harkborn 1951 · 🇨🇳 China · Directorsnot measured—
  54. 54Mo YanMo Yanborn 1955 · 🇨🇳 China · Writers4 decades
  55. 55Yang ShangkunYang Shangkun1907–1998 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  56. 56Jin YongJin Yong1924–2018 · 🇨🇳 China · Writersnot measured—
  57. 57Bolo YeungBolo Yeungborn 1946 · 🇨🇳 China · Actorsnot measured—
  58. 58Han ZhengHan Zhengborn 1954 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  59. 59Tung Chee HwaTung Chee Hwaborn 1937 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  60. 60Li XiannianLi Xiannian1909–1992 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  61. 61Xi ZhongxunXi Zhongxun1913–2002 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  62. 62Ye JianyingYe Jianying1897–1986 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  63. 63Jacky CheungJacky Cheungborn 1961 · 🇨🇳 China · Musiciansnot measured—
  64. 64Zhang ZuolinZhang Zuolin1875–1928 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  65. 65Chen DuxiuChen Duxiu1879–1942 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  66. 66Wang QishanWang Qishanborn 1948 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  67. 67Wang HuningWang Huningborn 1955 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  68. 68Zhang XueliangZhang Xueliang1901–2001 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  69. 69Robin ShouRobin Shouborn 1960 · 🇨🇳 China · Actorsnot measured—
  70. 70Qian XuesenQian Xuesen1911–2009 · 🇨🇳 China · Scientistsnot measured—
  71. 71Hu ShihHu Shih1891–1962 · 🇨🇳 China · Academicsnot measured—
  72. 72Gao XingjianGao Xingjianborn 1940 · 🇨🇳 China · Writers4 decades
  73. 73Empress WanrongEmpress Wanrong1906–1946 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  74. 74Sergei StepashinSergei Stepashinborn 1952 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  75. 75Chen KaigeChen Kaigeborn 1952 · 🇨🇳 China · Directorsnot measured—
  76. 76Jimmy LaiJimmy Laiborn 1947 · 🇨🇳 China · Foundersnot measured—
  77. 77Stanley HoStanley Ho1921–2020 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  78. 78Israel EpsteinIsrael Epstein1915–2005 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  79. 79Zhou YongkangZhou Yongkangborn 1942 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  80. 80Zhao LejiZhao Lejiborn 1957 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  81. 81Li HongzhiLi Hongzhiborn 1951 · 🇨🇳 Chinanot measured—
  82. 82Chen YunChen Yun1905–1995 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  83. 83Li Tsung-jenLi Tsung-jen1890–1969 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  84. 84Donald TsangDonald Tsangborn 1944 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  85. 85CY LeungCY Leungborn 1954 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  86. 86Yuen BiaoYuen Biaoborn 1957 · 🇨🇳 China · Actorsnot measured—
  87. 87Yoshiko KawashimaYoshiko Kawashima1907–1948 · 🇨🇳 Chinanot measured—
  88. 88Bogd KhanBogd Khan1869–1924 · 🇨🇳 China · Writersnot measured—
  89. 89Wang HongwenWang Hongwen1935–1992 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  90. 90Hou Hsiao-HsienHou Hsiao-Hsienborn 1947 · 🇨🇳 China · Directorsnot measured—
  91. 91Liang Chi-chaoLiang Chi-chao1873–1929 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  92. 92Lao SheLao She1899–1966 · 🇨🇳 China · Writersnot measured—
  93. 93Ren ZhengfeiRen Zhengfeiborn 1944 · 🇨🇳 China · Foundersnot measured—
  94. 94Guo MoruoGuo Moruo1892–1978 · 🇨🇳 China · Writersnot measured—
  95. 95Alexandra Manley, Countess of FrederiksborgAlexandra Manley, Countess of Frederiksborgborn 1964 · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  96. 96Yu HuaYu Huaborn 1960 · 🇨🇳 China · Writersnot measured—
  97. 97Feng YuxiangFeng Yuxiang1882–1948 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  98. 98Li ZhanshuLi Zhanshuborn 1950 · 🇨🇳 China · Politiciansnot measured—
  99. 99Lin YutangLin Yutang1895–1976 · 🇨🇳 China · Writers7 decades
  100. 100Mao AnyingMao Anying1922–1950 · 🇨🇳 Chinanot 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.