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. 1Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians4 decades
  2. 2Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  3. 3Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians7 decades
  4. 4Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  5. 5Bob DylanBob Dylanborn 1941 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians6 decades
  6. 6John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians11 decades
  7. 7Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians2 decades
  8. 8Pope Leo XIVPope Leo XIVborn 1955 · 🇺🇸 United States · Religious Figures0 decades
  9. 9MadonnaMadonnaborn 1958 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians7 decades
  10. 10Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King Jr.1929–1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers6 decades
  11. 11Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  12. 12Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955–2011 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders4 decades
  13. 13Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt1882–1945 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians10 decades
  14. 14Steven SpielbergSteven Spielbergborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors5 decades
  15. 15Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  16. 16Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians4 decades
  17. 17Jackie ChanJackie Chanborn 1954 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  18. 18George W. BushGeorge W. Bushborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians4 decades
  19. 19Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors6 decades
  20. 20Robert De NiroRobert De Niroborn 1943 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  21. 21Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  22. 22Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians9 decades
  23. 23Bill GatesBill Gatesborn 1955 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders4 decades
  24. 24Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  25. 25Whitney HoustonWhitney Houston1963–2012 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians4 decades
  26. 26J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists8 decades
  27. 27Bill ClintonBill Clintonborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians4 decades
  28. 28Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942–2016 · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes8 decades
  29. 29Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  30. 30Neil ArmstrongNeil Armstrong1930–2012 · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics6 decades
  31. 31Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  32. 32Stephen KingStephen Kingborn 1947 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers8 decades
  33. 33Meryl StreepMeryl Streepborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  34. 34Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians7 decades
  35. 35George ClooneyGeorge Clooneyborn 1961 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  36. 36Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  37. 37Al PacinoAl Pacinoborn 1940 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  38. 38Jim CarreyJim Carreyborn 1962 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  39. 39Marlon BrandoMarlon Brando1924–2004 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  40. 40Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  41. 41Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantinoborn 1963 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors3 decades
  42. 42Judy GarlandJudy Garland1922–1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors9 decades
  43. 43Sandra BullockSandra Bullockborn 1964 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  44. 44Michael JordanMichael Jordanborn 1963 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players4 decades
  45. 45Ernest HemingwayErnest Hemingway1899–1961 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers10 decades
  46. 46Woody AllenWoody Allenborn 1935 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors6 decades
  47. 47Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur1971–1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians3 decades
  48. 48Stanley KubrickStanley Kubrick1928–1999 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors6 decades
  49. 49Jack NicholsonJack Nicholsonborn 1937 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  50. 50Richard NixonRichard Nixon1913–1994 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians8 decades
  51. 51Kurt CobainKurt Cobain1967–1994 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians3 decades
  52. 52Nicolas CageNicolas Cageborn 1964 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  53. 53George H. W. BushGeorge H. W. Bush1924–2018 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians2 decades
  54. 54Morgan FreemanMorgan Freemanborn 1937 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  55. 55Dwight D. EisenhowerDwight D. Eisenhower1890–1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians9 decades
  56. 56Walt DisneyWalt Disney1901–1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors10 decades
  57. 57Jeff BezosJeff Bezosborn 1964 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders2 decades
  58. 58Harrison FordHarrison Fordborn 1942 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  59. 59Mel GibsonMel Gibsonborn 1956 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  60. 60Jodie FosterJodie Fosterborn 1962 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  61. 61Dolly PartonDolly Parton1946–2026 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  62. 62Chuck NorrisChuck Norris1940–2026 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  63. 63Andy WarholAndy Warhol1928–1987 · 🇺🇸 United States · Artists6 decades
  64. 64Warren BuffettWarren Buffettborn 1930 · 🇺🇸 United States · Investors3 decades
  65. 65Jim MorrisonJim Morrison1943–1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  66. 66John TravoltaJohn Travoltaborn 1954 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  67. 67Frank SinatraFrank Sinatra1915–1998 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians8 decades
  68. 68Anthony HopkinsAnthony Hopkinsborn 1937 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  69. 69Kevin CostnerKevin Costnerborn 1955 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  70. 70Rosa ParksRosa Parks1913–2005 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers6 decades
  71. 71Malcolm XMalcolm X1925–1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians6 decades
  72. 72David LynchDavid Lynch1946–2025 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors4 decades
  73. 73Denzel WashingtonDenzel Washingtonborn 1954 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  74. 74CherCherborn 1946 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musiciansnot measured—
  75. 75Harry S. TrumanHarry S. Truman1884–1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians9 decades
  76. 76Demi MooreDemi Mooreborn 1962 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  77. 77Sigourney WeaverSigourney Weaverborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors4 decades
  78. 78PrincePrince1958–2016 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musiciansnot measured—
  79. 79John WayneJohn Wayne1907–1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors9 decades
  80. 80Noam ChomskyNoam Chomskyborn 1928 · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics6 decades
  81. 81Tina TurnerTina Turner1939–2023 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  82. 82Jimi HendrixJimi Hendrix1942–1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  83. 83Grace KellyGrace Kelly1929–1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  84. 84Johnny CashJohnny Cash1932–2003 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians6 decades
  85. 85Bruce SpringsteenBruce Springsteenborn 1949 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians5 decades
  86. 86Jane FondaJane Fondaborn 1937 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors6 decades
  87. 87Lyndon B. JohnsonLyndon B. Johnson1908–1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians8 decades
  88. 88Robert RedfordRobert Redford1936–2025 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  89. 89Diane KeatonDiane Keaton1946–2025 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors5 decades
  90. 90Martin ScorseseMartin Scorseseborn 1942 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors5 decades
  91. 91Kamala HarrisKamala Harrisborn 1964 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1 decades
  92. 92Katharine HepburnKatharine Hepburn1907–2003 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors9 decades
  93. 93Jacqueline Kennedy OnassisJacqueline Kennedy Onassis1929–1994 · 🇺🇸 United States · Journalists4 decades
  94. 94Hillary ClintonHillary Clintonborn 1947 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians3 decades
  95. 95Dustin HoffmanDustin Hoffmanborn 1937 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors6 decades
  96. 96Barbra StreisandBarbra Streisandborn 1942 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians6 decades
  97. 97Steven SeagalSteven Seagalborn 1952 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  98. 98Paul NewmanPaul Newman1925–2008 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors7 decades
  99. 99Al CaponeAl Capone1899–1947 · 🇺🇸 United States9 decades
  100. 100Gerald FordGerald Ford1913–2006 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians6 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.