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. 1Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926–2022 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures8 decades
  2. 2Charlie ChaplinCharlie Chaplin1889–1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Comedians11 decades
  3. 3Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians13 decades
  4. 4Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians3 decades
  5. 5Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures8 decades
  6. 6Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists4 decades
  7. 7John LennonJohn Lennon1940–1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians6 decades
  8. 8David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  9. 9Agatha ChristieAgatha Christie1890–1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers10 decades
  10. 10Alfred HitchcockAlfred Hitchcock1899–1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors9 decades
  11. 11J. R. R. TolkienJ. R. R. Tolkien1892–1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers7 decades
  12. 12Audrey HepburnAudrey Hepburn1929–1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors7 decades
  13. 13Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures0 decades
  14. 14Margaret ThatcherMargaret Thatcher1925–2013 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians6 decades
  15. 15Sean ConnerySean Connery1930–2020 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  16. 16George OrwellGeorge Orwell1903–1950 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers9 decades
  17. 17Paul McCartneyPaul McCartneyborn 1942 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians6 decades
  18. 18Alan TuringAlan Turing1912–1954 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics4 decades
  19. 19Elizabeth TaylorElizabeth Taylor1932–2011 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors9 decades
  20. 20Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom0 decades
  21. 21George VIGeorge VI1895–1952 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures10 decades
  22. 22Ozzy OsbourneOzzy Osbourne1948–2025 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians3 decades
  23. 23Keir StarmerKeir Starmerborn 1962 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians0 decades
  24. 24Rowan AtkinsonRowan Atkinsonborn 1955 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  25. 25Virginia WoolfVirginia Woolf1882–1941 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers10 decades
  26. 26Jane GoodallJane Goodall1934–2025 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics5 decades
  27. 27Elton JohnElton Johnborn 1947 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  28. 28George HarrisonGeorge Harrison1943–2001 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians8 decades
  29. 29Liam NeesonLiam Neesonborn 1952 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  30. 30Michael CaineMichael Caineborn 1933 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  31. 31Christopher LeeChristopher Lee1922–2015 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  32. 32George VGeorge V1865–1936 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures16 decades
  33. 33Edward VIIIEdward VIII1894–1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures9 decades
  34. 34George MichaelGeorge Michael1963–2016 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians6 decades
  35. 35Helen MirrenHelen Mirrenborn 1945 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors4 decades
  36. 36Gary OldmanGary Oldmanborn 1958 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  37. 37Ringo StarrRingo Starrborn 1940 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  38. 38Charlotte RamplingCharlotte Ramplingborn 1946 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  39. 39Daniel Day-LewisDaniel Day-Lewisborn 1957 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  40. 40Tony BlairTony Blairborn 1953 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians3 decades
  41. 41Mick JaggerMick Jaggerborn 1943 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  42. 42Maggie SmithMaggie Smith1934–2024 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  43. 43Ludwig WittgensteinLudwig Wittgenstein1889–1951 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics8 decades
  44. 44StingStingborn 1951 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians7 decades
  45. 45Eric ClaptonEric Claptonborn 1945 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  46. 46Phil CollinsPhil Collinsborn 1951 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians4 decades
  47. 47Salman RushdieSalman Rushdieborn 1947 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers4 decades
  48. 48Roger MooreRoger Moore1927–2017 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors7 decades
  49. 49Alan RickmanAlan Rickman1946–2016 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  50. 50Aldous HuxleyAldous Huxley1894–1963 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers10 decades
  51. 51Julie AndrewsJulie Andrewsborn 1935 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors7 decades
  52. 52Ridley ScottRidley Scottborn 1937 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors4 decades
  53. 53Judi DenchJudi Denchborn 1934 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors5 decades
  54. 54Rudyard KiplingRudyard Kipling1865–1936 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers13 decades
  55. 55Emma ThompsonEmma Thompsonborn 1959 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  56. 56H. G. WellsH. G. Wells1866–1946 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers16 decades
  57. 57Alex FergusonAlex Fergusonborn 1941 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers2 decades
  58. 58Bertrand RussellBertrand Russell1872–1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics13 decades
  59. 59Ian McKellenIan McKellenborn 1939 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors4 decades
  60. 60Tim Berners-LeeTim Berners-Leeborn 1955 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Developers3 decades
  61. 61Vivien LeighVivien Leigh1913–1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors8 decades
  62. 62Ralph FiennesRalph Fiennesborn 1962 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  63. 63C. S. LewisC. S. Lewis1898–1963 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers10 decades
  64. 64Hugh GrantHugh Grantborn 1960 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  65. 65Camilla, Duchess of CornwallCamilla, Duchess of Cornwallborn 1947 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Activists0 decades
  66. 66Brian MayBrian Mayborn 1947 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians3 decades
  67. 67Queen Elizabeth The Queen MotherQueen Elizabeth The Queen Mother1900–2002 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures6 decades
  68. 68Ian FlemingIan Fleming1908–1964 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers7 decades
  69. 69John Maynard KeynesJohn Maynard Keynes1883–1946 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics10 decades
  70. 70Ben KingsleyBen Kingsleyborn 1943 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors4 decades
  71. 71Peter O'ToolePeter O'Toole1932–2013 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors6 decades
  72. 72David AttenboroughDavid Attenboroughborn 1926 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors5 decades
  73. 73Neville ChamberlainNeville Chamberlain1869–1940 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians16 decades
  74. 74Colin FirthColin Firthborn 1960 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  75. 75Keith RichardsKeith Richardsborn 1943 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians4 decades
  76. 76Jeremy IronsJeremy Ironsborn 1948 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors4 decades
  77. 77T. E. LawrenceT. E. Lawrence1888–1935 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics10 decades
  78. 78Zaha HadidZaha Hadid1950–2016 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Architects3 decades
  79. 79Richard BurtonRichard Burton1925–1984 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors10 decades
  80. 80Laurence OlivierLaurence Olivier1907–1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors9 decades
  81. 81Hugh LaurieHugh Laurieborn 1959 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  82. 82Peter UstinovPeter Ustinov1921–2004 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors8 decades
  83. 83Joe CockerJoe Cocker1944–2014 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  84. 84Terry PratchettTerry Pratchett1948–2015 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers3 decades
  85. 85Alexander FlemingAlexander Fleming1881–1955 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists8 decades
  86. 86Alec GuinnessAlec Guinness1914–2000 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors8 decades
  87. 87Ian McShaneIan McShaneborn 1942 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  88. 88Rod StewartRod Stewartborn 1945 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  89. 89Prince Andrew, Duke of YorkPrince Andrew, Duke of Yorkborn 1960 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdomnot measured—
  90. 90Anne, Princess RoyalAnne, Princess Royalborn 1950 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures0 decades
  91. 91Andy SerkisAndy Serkisborn 1964 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  92. 92Richard BransonRichard Bransonborn 1950 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Founders4 decades
  93. 93David GilmourDavid Gilmourborn 1946 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians4 decades
  94. 94Douglas AdamsDouglas Adams1952–2001 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers4 decades
  95. 95Jimmy PageJimmy Pageborn 1944 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians3 decades
  96. 96Patrick StewartPatrick Stewartborn 1940 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors4 decades
  97. 97Kate BushKate Bushborn 1958 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians3 decades
  98. 98Olivia Newton-JohnOlivia Newton-John1948–2022 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians5 decades
  99. 99Anthony EdenAnthony Eden1897–1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians9 decades
  100. 100Terry GilliamTerry Gilliamborn 1940 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors4 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.