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 of Saxe-MeiningenFrederick William of Saxe-Meiningen1679–1746 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures8.0
  2. 2Frederick William, Margrave of Brandenburg-SchwedtFrederick William, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt1700–1771 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany8.0
  3. 3Frederick William, Elector of BrandenburgFrederick William, Elector of Brandenburg1620–1688 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures8.0
  4. 4Frederick William, Prince of Hohenzollern-HechingenFrederick William, Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen1663–1735 · 17th 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 of LegnicaFrederick II of Legnica1480–1547 · 16th century3.3
  10. 10Friedrich II, Grand Duke of BadenFriedrich II, Grand Duke of Baden1857–1928 · 19th century · Historical Figures3.3
  11. 11Frederick II, Elector PalatineFrederick II, Elector Palatine1482–1556 · 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. 14Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1676–1732 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians3.3
  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, Duke of PomeraniaJohn Frederick, Duke of Pomerania1542–1600 · 16th century · Religious Figures2.8
  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, Margrave of Brandenburg-AnsbachJohn Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach1654–1686 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models2.8
  22. 22John Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgJohn Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1625–1679 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.8
  23. 23Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians2.6
  24. 24William II, Duke of BavariaWilliam II, Duke of Bavaria1365–1417 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.6
  25. 25Wilhelm II of WürttembergWilhelm II of Württemberg1848–1921 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.6
  26. 26William II of Hesse-KasselWilliam II of Hesse-Kassel1777–1847 · 19th century · Historical Figures2.6
  27. 27WIWilliam II of Jülich1200–1207 · 13th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.6
  28. 28WIWilliam II, Margrave of Meissen1371–1425 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.6
  29. 29WIWilliam II, Count of Weimar930–1003 · 10th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.6
  30. 30Wilhelm II, German EmperorWilhelm II, German Emperor1859–1941 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.6
  31. 31William II, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgWilliam II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1300–1369 · 14th century · Historical Figures2.6
  32. 32William II, Duke of JülichWilliam II, Duke of Jülich1325–1393 · 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 I, Count of Nassau-SiegenWilliam I, Count of Nassau-Siegen1487–1559 · 16th century2.0
  39. 39William I, Elector of HesseWilliam I, Elector of Hesse1743–1821 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.0
  40. 40William IWilliam I1343–1407 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.0
  41. 41William the SilentWilliam the Silent1533–1584 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians2.0
  42. 42William, Landgrave of Hesse-RotenburgWilliam, Landgrave of Hesse-Rotenburg1648–1725 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.0
  43. 43William I, German EmperorWilliam I, German Emperor1797–1888 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.0
  44. 44WIWilliam I of Weimar900–963 · 10th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.0
  45. 45Wilhelm I of WürttembergWilhelm I of Württemberg1781–1864 · 19th century · Historical Figures2.0
  46. 46William I, Duke of BavariaWilliam I, Duke of Bavaria1330–1389 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians2.0
  47. 47Friedrich SchlegelFriedrich Schlegel1772–1829 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.8
  48. 48HIHenry IV, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg1397–1427 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.8
  49. 49Henry IV, Duke of MecklenburgHenry IV, Duke of Mecklenburg1417–1477 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.8
  50. 50HIHenry IV, Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen1460–1526 · 15th century · 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 of LegnicaFrederick III of Legnica1520–1570 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  59. 59Frederick III, Margrave of BadenFrederick III, Margrave of Baden1327–1353 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.5
  60. 60Friedrich III, Margrave of Brandenburg-BayreuthFriedrich III, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth1711–1763 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.5
  61. 61Frederick III, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick III, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1699–1772 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  62. 62Frederick III of the PalatinateFrederick III of the Palatinate1515–1576 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.5
  63. 63Frederick III, Burgrave of NurembergFrederick III, Burgrave of Nuremberg1220–1297 · 13th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  64. 64Frederick III, Prince of Salm-KyrburgFrederick III, Prince of Salm-Kyrburg1744–1794 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  65. 65Frederick III, German EmperorFrederick III, German Emperor1831–1888 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.5
  66. 66Frederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-GottorpFrederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp1597–1659 · 17th century · Historical Figures1.5
  67. 67Frederick III, Landgrave of Hesse-HomburgFrederick III, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg1673–1746 · 18th century · Politicians1.5
  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 of PrussiaFrederick I of Prussia1657–1713 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.3
  79. 79Frederick I, Count Palatine of SimmernFrederick I, Count Palatine of Simmern1417–1480 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  80. 80Frederick I of LiegnitzFrederick I of Liegnitz1446–1488 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  81. 81Duke Friedrich I, Duke of AnhaltDuke Friedrich I, Duke of Anhalt1831–1904 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.3
  82. 82Frederick I of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick I of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1646–1691 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.3
  83. 83Frederick I, Landgrave of Hesse-HomburgFrederick I, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg1585–1638 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  84. 84Frederick I, Duke of Brunswick-WolfenbüttelFrederick I, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel1357–1400 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.3
  85. 85Frederick I, Elector of BrandenburgFrederick I, Elector of Brandenburg1371–1440 · 15th century1.3
  86. 86Friedrich I, Grand Duke of BadenFriedrich I, Grand Duke of Baden1826–1907 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.3
  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, Margrave of Meissen1103–1123 · 12th century · Models1.3
  90. 90Henry II, Duke of BavariaHenry II, Duke of Bavaria951–995 · 10th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  91. 91HIHenry II, Lord of Mecklenburg1262–1329 · 13th century · Historical Figures1.3
  92. 92HIHenry II of Augsburg1001–1063 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Religious Figures1.3
  93. 93HIHenry II, Count of Gorizia1150–1150 · 12th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  94. 94Henry II, Count of Reuss-GeraHenry II, Count of Reuss-Gera1572–1635 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  95. 95Henry V, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgHenry V, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1489–1568 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  96. 96HIHenry II, Duke of Limburg1110–1167 · 12th century · Historical Figures1.3
  97. 97Charles IV, Holy Roman EmperorCharles IV, Holy Roman Emperor1316–1378 · 14th century · Historical Figures1.3
  98. 98Augustus William, Duke of Brunswick-BevernAugustus William, Duke of Brunswick-Bevern1715–1781 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.2
  99. 99Augustus William, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgAugustus William, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1662–1731 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.2
  100. 100William IIIWilliam III1425–1482 · 15th 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. 1Ingrid BergmanIngrid Bergman1915–1982 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors8 decades
  2. 2Astrid LindgrenAstrid Lindgren1907–2002 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers6 decades
  3. 3Carl XVI Gustaf of SwedenCarl XVI Gustaf of Swedenborn 1946 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  4. 4Ingmar BergmanIngmar Bergman1918–2007 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Directors6 decades
  5. 5Greta GarboGreta Garbo1905–1990 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors10 decades
  6. 6Agnetha FältskogAgnetha Fältskogborn 1950 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians0 decades
  7. 7Björn BorgBjörn Borgborn 1956 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Tennis Players0 decades
  8. 8Dolph LundgrenDolph Lundgrenborn 1957 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors0 decades
  9. 9Anni-Frid LyngstadAnni-Frid Lyngstadborn 1945 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians0 decades
  10. 10Stellan SkarsgårdStellan Skarsgårdborn 1951 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors0 decades
  11. 11Max von SydowMax von Sydow1929–2020 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors6 decades
  12. 12Tove JanssonTove Jansson1914–2001 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  13. 13Björn UlvaeusBjörn Ulvaeusborn 1945 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians0 decades
  14. 14Olof PalmeOlof Palme1927–1986 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians5 decades
  15. 15Benny AnderssonBenny Anderssonborn 1946 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians0 decades
  16. 16Ulf KristerssonUlf Kristerssonborn 1963 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  17. 17Ann-MargretAnn-Margretborn 1941 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors6 decades
  18. 18Dag HammarskjöldDag Hammarskjöld1905–1961 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians7 decades
  19. 19Gustaf VI Adolf of SwedenGustaf VI Adolf of Sweden1882–1973 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  20. 20Stieg LarssonStieg Larsson1954–2004 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers1 decades
  21. 21Princess Märtha of SwedenPrincess Märtha of Sweden1901–1954 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  22. 22Queen Silvia of SwedenQueen Silvia of Swedenborn 1943 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  23. 23Anita EkbergAnita Ekberg1931–2015 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors4 decades
  24. 24Marie FredrikssonMarie Fredriksson1958–2019 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musiciansnot measured—
  25. 25Sven-Göran ErikssonSven-Göran Eriksson1948–2024 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers0 decades
  26. 26Ingvar KampradIngvar Kamprad1926–2018 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Founders1 decades
  27. 27Britt EklandBritt Eklandborn 1942 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actors1 decades
  28. 28Lena OlinLena Olinborn 1955 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  29. 29Raoul WallenbergRaoul Wallenbergborn 1912 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Architects4 decades
  30. 30Yngwie MalmsteenYngwie Malmsteenborn 1963 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musiciansnot measured—
  31. 31Mats WilanderMats Wilanderborn 1964 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Tennis Players0 decades
  32. 32Astrid of SwedenAstrid of Sweden1905–1935 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figures0 decades
  33. 33Keke RosbergKeke Rosbergborn 1948 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Athletes0 decades
  34. 34Ingrid of SwedenIngrid of Sweden1910–2000 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  35. 35Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of VästerbottenPrince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten1906–1947 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  36. 36Michael NyqvistMichael Nyqvist1960–2017 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  37. 37Björn AndrésenBjörn Andrésen1955–2025 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  38. 38Folke BernadotteFolke Bernadotte1895–1948 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  39. 39Henning MankellHenning Mankell1948–2015 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers1 decades
  40. 40Per "Dead" OhlinPer "Dead" Ohlin1969–1991 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musiciansnot measured—
  41. 41Neneh CherryNeneh Cherryborn 1964 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musiciansnot measured—
  42. 42Gunnar NordahlGunnar Nordahl1921–1995 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers0 decades
  43. 43Per GesslePer Gessleborn 1959 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musiciansnot measured—
  44. 44Anna LindhAnna Lindh1957–2003 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians1 decades
  45. 45Nils LiedholmNils Liedholm1922–2007 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballersnot measured—
  46. 46Lasse HallströmLasse Hallströmborn 1946 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Directorsnot measured—
  47. 47Maud AdamsMaud Adamsborn 1945 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  48. 48Ronnie PetersonRonnie Peterson1944–1978 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Athletesnot measured—
  49. 49Stefan LöfvenStefan Löfvenborn 1957 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  50. 50Bibi AnderssonBibi Andersson1935–2019 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  51. 51Carl BildtCarl Bildtborn 1949 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians3 decades
  52. 52Inger NilssonInger Nilssonborn 1959 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  53. 53Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and GothaPrincess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha1908–1972 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  54. 54Princess Margaretha, Mrs. AmblerPrincess Margaretha, Mrs. Amblerborn 1934 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  55. 55Joey TempestJoey Tempestborn 1963 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musiciansnot measured—
  56. 56Christer FuglesangChrister Fuglesangborn 1957 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientistsnot measured—
  57. 57Mikael PersbrandtMikael Persbrandtborn 1963 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  58. 58Ingvar CarlssonIngvar Carlssonborn 1934 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  59. 59Princess Christina, Mrs. MagnusonPrincess Christina, Mrs. Magnusonborn 1943 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  60. 60Mikkey DeeMikkey Deeborn 1963 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musiciansnot measured—
  61. 61Zarah LeanderZarah Leander1907–1981 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  62. 62Princess Birgitta of SwedenPrincess Birgitta of Sweden1937–2024 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  63. 63Svante PääboSvante Pääboborn 1955 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Scientists1 decades
  64. 64Tage ErlanderTage Erlander1901–1985 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  65. 65Ingrid ThulinIngrid Thulin1929–2004 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  66. 66Pernilla AugustPernilla Augustborn 1958 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  67. 67John BauerJohn Bauer1882–1918 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Artistsnot measured—
  68. 68Sven HedinSven Hedin1865–1952 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Artists13 decades
  69. 69Göran PerssonGöran Perssonborn 1949 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politicians0 decades
  70. 70Kurt HamrinKurt Hamrin1934–2024 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballersnot measured—
  71. 71Glenn StrömbergGlenn Strömbergborn 1960 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballersnot measured—
  72. 72Hans BlixHans Blixborn 1928 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  73. 73Jan GuillouJan Guillouborn 1944 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writersnot measured—
  74. 74Per Albin HanssonPer Albin Hansson1885–1946 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  75. 75Claes OldenburgClaes Oldenburg1929–2022 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Artistsnot measured—
  76. 76Carin GöringCarin Göring1888–1931 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  77. 77Désirée SilfverschiöldDésirée Silfverschiöld1938–2026 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Historical Figuresnot measured—
  78. 78Ingemar JohanssonIngemar Johansson1932–2009 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Athletesnot measured—
  79. 79Janet ÅgrenJanet Ågrenborn 1949 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  80. 80Harry MartinsonHarry Martinson1904–1978 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  81. 81Hans RoslingHans Rosling1948–2017 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Doctorsnot measured—
  82. 82Pia CramlingPia Cramlingborn 1963 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  83. 83May BrittMay Britt1934–2025 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  84. 84Birgit NilssonBirgit Nilsson1918–2005 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians6 decades
  85. 85Siw MalmkvistSiw Malmkvistborn 1936 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  86. 86Pär LagerkvistPär Lagerkvist1891–1974 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  87. 87Roy AnderssonRoy Anderssonborn 1943 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Directorsnot measured—
  88. 88Herbert BlomstedtHerbert Blomstedtborn 1927 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musiciansnot measured—
  89. 89Lennart JohanssonLennart Johansson1929–2019 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Politiciansnot measured—
  90. 90Thomas RavelliThomas Ravelliborn 1959 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballersnot measured—
  91. 91Karin BoyeKarin Boye1900–1941 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  92. 92Lars LagerbäckLars Lagerbäckborn 1948 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballersnot measured—
  93. 93Mai ZetterlingMai Zetterling1925–1994 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Actorsnot measured—
  94. 94Prince Bertil, Duke of HallandPrince Bertil, Duke of Halland1912–1997 · 🇸🇪 Swedennot measured—
  95. 95Janne AnderssonJanne Anderssonborn 1962 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballersnot measured—
  96. 96Ingemar StenmarkIngemar Stenmarkborn 1956 · 🇸🇪 Sweden0 decades
  97. 97Stig DagermanStig Dagerman1923–1954 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writersnot measured—
  98. 98Tomas TranströmerTomas Tranströmer1931–2015 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Writers0 decades
  99. 99Börje SalmingBörje Salming1951–2022 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Athletesnot measured—
  100. 100Gunnar MyrdalGunnar Myrdal1898–1987 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Academics8 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.