Claim profile
2000–2099

The 21st century

Whose names filled the books of the 21st 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 21st century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1Thomas MannThomas Mann1875–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers8.5
  2. 2Frederick William of Saxe-MeiningenFrederick William of Saxe-Meiningen1679–1746 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures6.9
  3. 3Frederick William, Margrave of Brandenburg-SchwedtFrederick William, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt1700–1771 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany6.9
  4. 4Frederick William, Prince of Hohenzollern-HechingenFrederick William, Prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen1663–1735 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures6.9
  5. 5Frederick William, Elector of BrandenburgFrederick William, Elector of Brandenburg1620–1688 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures6.9
  6. 6Max WeberMax Weber1864–1920 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics4.4
  7. 7NovalisNovalis1772–1801 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers3.9
  8. 8Johann Georg, Duke of Saxe-WeissenfelsJohann Georg, Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels1677–1712 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures3.3
  9. 9John George, Elector of BrandenburgJohn George, Elector of Brandenburg1525–1598 · 16th century · Religious Figures3.3
  10. 10John Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgJohn Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1625–1679 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures3.3
  11. 11John Frederick, Duke of WürttembergJohn Frederick, Duke of Württemberg1582–1628 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures3.3
  12. 12John Frederick, Count Palatine of Sulzbach-HilpoltsteinJohn Frederick, Count Palatine of Sulzbach-Hilpoltstein1587–1644 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany3.3
  13. 13John Frederick, Prince of Schwarzburg-RudolstadtJohn Frederick, Prince of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt1721–1767 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures3.3
  14. 14John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-AnsbachJohn Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach1654–1686 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models3.3
  15. 15John Frederick, Duke of PomeraniaJohn Frederick, Duke of Pomerania1542–1600 · 16th century · Religious Figures3.3
  16. 16Karl MarxKarl Marx1818–1883 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics3.2
  17. 17Jean PaulJean Paul1763–1825 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers2.9
  18. 18Martin LutherMartin Luther1483–1546 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Religious Figures2.7
  19. 19Frederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-HomburgFrederick II, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg1633–1708 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.7
  20. 20Friedrich II, Grand Duke of BadenFriedrich II, Grand Duke of Baden1857–1928 · 19th century · Historical Figures2.7
  21. 21Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1676–1732 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians2.7
  22. 22Frederick II, Elector PalatineFrederick II, Elector Palatine1482–1556 · 16th century2.7
  23. 23Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgFrederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1418–1478 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.7
  24. 24Frederick II of LegnicaFrederick II of Legnica1480–1547 · 16th century2.7
  25. 25Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians2.6
  26. 26William II, Duke of BavariaWilliam II, Duke of Bavaria1365–1417 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.2
  27. 27Wilhelm II, German EmperorWilhelm II, German Emperor1859–1941 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.2
  28. 28WIWilliam II, Count of Weimar930–1003 · 10th century · 🇩🇪 Germany2.2
  29. 29William II, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgWilliam II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1300–1369 · 14th century · Historical Figures2.2
  30. 30WIWilliam II of Jülich1200–1207 · 13th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.2
  31. 31William II, Duke of JülichWilliam II, Duke of Jülich1325–1393 · 14th century · Historical Figures2.2
  32. 32WIWilliam II, Margrave of Meissen1371–1425 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.2
  33. 33Wilhelm II of WürttembergWilhelm II of Württemberg1848–1921 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures2.2
  34. 34William II of Hesse-KasselWilliam II of Hesse-Kassel1777–1847 · 19th century · Historical Figures2.2
  35. 35Richard WagnerRichard Wagner1813–1883 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Musicians2.1
  36. 36Sigmund FreudSigmund Freud1856–1939 · 19th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Writers2.0
  37. 37Heinrich HeineHeinrich Heine1797–1856 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.9
  38. 38Willy BrandtWilly Brandt1913–1992 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.9
  39. 39Walter BenjaminWalter Benjamin1892–1940 · 20th century · Academics1.9
  40. 40ParacelsusParacelsus1493–1541 · 16th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Doctors1.9
  41. 41Friedrich NietzscheFriedrich Nietzsche1844–1900 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics1.9
  42. 42Helmut KohlHelmut Kohl1930–2017 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.8
  43. 43Gerhard SchröderGerhard Schröderborn 1944 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.8
  44. 44Hannah ArendtHannah Arendt1906–1975 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics1.7
  45. 45Immanuel KantImmanuel Kant1724–1804 · 18th century · Academics1.7
  46. 46Jürgen HabermasJürgen Habermas1929–2026 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics1.7
  47. 47Maria TheresaMaria Theresa1717–1780 · 18th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Historical Figures1.6
  48. 48Heinrich MannHeinrich Mann1871–1950 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.6
  49. 49Carl SchmittCarl Schmitt1888–1985 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics1.5
  50. 50Bertolt BrechtBertolt Brecht1898–1956 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.5
  51. 51Carl Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-EisenachCarl Friedrich I, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach1783–1853 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  52. 52Karl Frederick, Prince of Anhalt-BernburgKarl Frederick, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg1668–1721 · 18th century · Historical Figures1.5
  53. 53Charles Frederick, Duke of Saxe-MeiningenCharles Frederick, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen1712–1743 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  54. 54Angela MerkelAngela Merkelborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.5
  55. 55William the SilentWilliam the Silent1533–1584 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.5
  56. 56William I, Count of Nassau-SiegenWilliam I, Count of Nassau-Siegen1487–1559 · 16th century1.5
  57. 57William, Landgrave of Hesse-RotenburgWilliam, Landgrave of Hesse-Rotenburg1648–1725 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  58. 58Wilhelm I of WürttembergWilhelm I of Württemberg1781–1864 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.5
  59. 59WIWilliam I of Weimar900–963 · 10th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  60. 60William I, Elector of HesseWilliam I, Elector of Hesse1743–1821 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  61. 61William I, Duke of BavariaWilliam I, Duke of Bavaria1330–1389 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.5
  62. 62William I, German EmperorWilliam I, German Emperor1797–1888 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  63. 63William IWilliam I1343–1407 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  64. 64Frederick Augustus II, Grand Duke of OldenburgFrederick Augustus II, Grand Duke of Oldenburg1852–1931 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  65. 65Frederick Augustus, Prince of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-OelsFrederick Augustus, Prince of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Oels1740–1805 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.5
  66. 66Frederick Augustus, Prince of Anhalt-ZerbstFrederick Augustus, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst1734–1793 · 18th century · Historical Figures1.5
  67. 67Frederick August I, Duke of OldenburgFrederick August I, Duke of Oldenburg1711–1785 · 18th century · Models1.5
  68. 68Frederick Augustus, Duke of Württemberg-NeuenstadtFrederick Augustus, Duke of Württemberg-Neuenstadt1654–1716 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.5
  69. 69Franz KafkaFranz Kafka1883–1924 · 20th century · Writers1.4
  70. 70Helmut SchmidtHelmut Schmidt1918–2015 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.4
  71. 71Friedrich SchillerFriedrich Schiller1759–1805 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.4
  72. 72Günter GrassGünter Grass1927–2015 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.4
  73. 73Karl KrausKarl Kraus1874–1936 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Writers1.4
  74. 74George Frederick of Waldeck-EisenbergGeorge Frederick of Waldeck-Eisenberg1620–1692 · 17th century · Models1.3
  75. 75Friedrich EngelsFriedrich Engels1820–1895 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics1.3
  76. 76Martin HeideggerMartin Heidegger1889–1976 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Academics1.3
  77. 77Hermann HesseHermann Hesse1877–1962 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.3
  78. 78Friedrich SchlegelFriedrich Schlegel1772–1829 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.3
  79. 79Theodor W. AdornoTheodor W. Adorno1903–1969 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics1.3
  80. 80Frederick III of LegnicaFrederick III of Legnica1520–1570 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  81. 81Frederick III, Prince of Salm-KyrburgFrederick III, Prince of Salm-Kyrburg1744–1794 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  82. 82Frederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-GottorpFrederick III, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp1597–1659 · 17th century · Historical Figures1.3
  83. 83Frederick III of the PalatinateFrederick III of the Palatinate1515–1576 · 16th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.3
  84. 84Friedrich III, Margrave of Brandenburg-BayreuthFriedrich III, Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth1711–1763 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.3
  85. 85Frederick III, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-AltenburgFrederick III, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg1699–1772 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.3
  86. 86Frederick III, Margrave of BadenFrederick III, Margrave of Baden1327–1353 · 14th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Models1.3
  87. 87Frederick III, Landgrave of Hesse-HomburgFrederick III, Landgrave of Hesse-Homburg1673–1746 · 18th century · Politicians1.3
  88. 88Frederick III, Burgrave of NurembergFrederick III, Burgrave of Nuremberg1220–1297 · 13th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.3
  89. 89Frederick III, German EmperorFrederick III, German Emperor1831–1888 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.3
  90. 90Konrad AdenauerKonrad Adenauer1876–1967 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians1.2
  91. 91Christa WolfChrista Wolf1929–2011 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.2
  92. 92George William, Count Palatine of Zweibrücken-BirkenfeldGeorge William, Count Palatine of Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld1591–1669 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.2
  93. 93George William of Brunswick-Lüneburg-CelleGeorge William of Brunswick-Lüneburg-Celle1624–1705 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.2
  94. 94Augustus William, Duke of Brunswick-LüneburgAugustus William, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1662–1731 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.2
  95. 95Augustus William, Duke of Brunswick-BevernAugustus William, Duke of Brunswick-Bevern1715–1781 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany1.2
  96. 96Charles Augustus, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-EisenachCharles Augustus, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach1757–1828 · 18th century · Politicians1.2
  97. 97Karl MayKarl May1842–1912 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.2
  98. 98Theodor FontaneTheodor Fontane1819–1898 · 19th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Writers1.1
  99. 99JWJohn William, Duke of Saxe-Jena1675–1690 · 17th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.1
  100. 100John William III of Saxe-EisenachJohn William III of Saxe-Eisenach1666–1729 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures1.1

Most read

Who people actually looked up in the 21st century, across the Wikipedia editions we measure (2015–2026 only — readership is measured from July 2015).

  1. 1Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians335M
  2. 2CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures282.5M
  3. 3Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926–2022 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures222.7M
  4. 4Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 21st century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers210.9M
  5. 5Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders207.1M
  6. 6Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers177.9M
  7. 7Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politicians135.6M
  8. 8Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians123.7M
  9. 9Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians122.3M
  10. 10Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians118M
  11. 11Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians117.2M
  12. 12Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians115.4M
  13. 13Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians113.5M
  14. 14Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors110.8M
  15. 15Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured105.1M
  16. 16Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors102.9M
  17. 17Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians99.3M
  18. 18LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players99M
  19. 19Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors98.7M
  20. 20Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians97.7M
  21. 21Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors94.5M
  22. 22Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91.4M
  23. 23Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91M
  24. 24Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists89.6M
  25. 25Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures89.2M
  26. 26EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians86.7M
  27. 27Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors86.5M
  28. 28Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers84.9M
  29. 29John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians83.4M
  30. 30Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · 21st century · Models83M
  31. 31Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians82.9M
  32. 32Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists82.8M
  33. 33ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors81.9M
  34. 34Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors80.6M
  35. 35Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians80.1M
  36. 36Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians78.8M
  37. 37Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians78.3M
  38. 38Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942–2016 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes77.8M
  39. 39Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors76.9M
  40. 40Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955–2011 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders76.2M
  41. 41Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors75.2M
  42. 42Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi1869–1948 · 20th century · 🇮🇳 India · Activists74.9M
  43. 43David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians74.5M
  44. 44Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors73.1M
  45. 45NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures72.9M
  46. 46Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors72.4M
  47. 47Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians71.8M
  48. 48Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors70.9M
  49. 49Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians70.1M
  50. 50Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  51. 51Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  52. 52Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  53. 53Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  54. 54Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  55. 55Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  56. 56ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  57. 57Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  58. 58Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  59. 59Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  60. 60Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  61. 61RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  62. 62J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  63. 63Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  64. 64Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  65. 65Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  66. 66Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  67. 67BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  68. 68Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures64.1M
  69. 69Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors64M
  70. 70Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt1882–1945 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians62.8M
  71. 71Ben AffleckBen Affleckborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors61.8M
  72. 72Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players61.7M
  73. 73George W. BushGeorge W. Bushborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians61.1M
  74. 74Alexander HamiltonAlexander Hamilton1757–1804 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians61.1M
  75. 75Miley CyrusMiley Cyrusborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians61.1M
  76. 76Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models60.8M
  77. 77Mark WahlbergMark Wahlbergborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors60.7M
  78. 78William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare1564–1616 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers60.2M
  79. 79Bradley CooperBradley Cooperborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors60.2M
  80. 80Bill GatesBill Gatesborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders59.6M
  81. 81Bill ClintonBill Clintonborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians59.1M
  82. 82NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers58.7M
  83. 83Emily BluntEmily Bluntborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors58.4M
  84. 84Nicole KidmanNicole Kidmanborn 1967 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors58.2M
  85. 85Robert De NiroRobert De Niroborn 1943 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors58.1M
  86. 86Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King Jr.1929–1968 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers58M
  87. 87Frida KahloFrida Kahlo1907–1954 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Artists57.8M
  88. 88Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures57.7M
  89. 89Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers56.7M
  90. 90Charlize TheronCharlize Theronborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Actors56M
  91. 91Mark ZuckerbergMark Zuckerbergborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders55.6M
  92. 92John LennonJohn Lennon1940–1980 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians55.6M
  93. 93Bob DylanBob Dylanborn 1941 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians55.6M
  94. 94Serena WilliamsSerena Williamsborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Tennis Players55.2M
  95. 95Natalie PortmanNatalie Portmanborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors55.2M
  96. 96George WashingtonGeorge Washington1732–1799 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians55.1M
  97. 97Julia RobertsJulia Robertsborn 1967 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors55M
  98. 98Emma StoneEmma Stoneborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors54.9M
  99. 99Jason StathamJason Stathamborn 1967 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors54.7M
  100. 100Charlie KirkCharlie Kirk1993–2025 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Activists54.5M

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 21st century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇺🇸 United States🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇪🇸 Spain🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇨🇦 Canada🇧🇷 Brazil🇮🇹 Italy🇦🇷 Argentina🇦🇺 Australia
FieldAllActorsFootballersMusiciansPoliticiansAthletesTennis PlayersModelsDirectorsBasketball PlayersWriters
  1. 1Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamiltonborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes1 decades
  2. 2Lando NorrisLando Norrisborn 1999 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  3. 3Ronnie O'SullivanRonnie O'Sullivanborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  4. 4George RussellGeorge Russellborn 1998 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes3 decades
  5. 5Anthony JoshuaAnthony Joshuaborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  6. 6Tyson FuryTyson Furyborn 1988 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  7. 7Jenson ButtonJenson Buttonborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  8. 8David CoulthardDavid Coulthardborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  9. 9Keely HodgkinsonKeely Hodgkinsonborn 2002 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  10. 10Zara TindallZara Tindallborn 1981 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  11. 11Alexander AlbonAlexander Albonborn 1996 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  12. 12Mo FarahMo Farahborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  13. 13Oliver BearmanOliver Bearmanborn 2005 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  14. 14Colin McRaeColin McRae1968–2007 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  15. 15David HayeDavid Hayeborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  16. 16Drew McIntyreDrew McIntyreborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  17. 17Mark CavendishMark Cavendishborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  18. 18Arvid LindbladArvid Lindbladborn 2007 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  19. 19Christian HornerChristian Hornerborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  20. 20Ricky HattonRicky Hatton1978–2025 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  21. 21Colin JacksonColin Jacksonborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  22. 22Adam YatesAdam Yatesborn 1992 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  23. 23Eddie IrvineEddie Irvineborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  24. 24Amir KhanAmir Khanborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  25. 25Thomas PidcockThomas Pidcockborn 1999 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  26. 26PaigePaigeborn 1992 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  27. 27Joe RootJoe Rootborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  28. 28Amy HuntAmy Huntborn 2002 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  29. 29Wade BarrettWade Barrettborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  30. 30William RegalWilliam Regalborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  31. 31Chris HoyChris Hoyborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  32. 32Victoria PendletonVictoria Pendletonborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  33. 33Bradley WigginsBradley Wigginsborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes1 decades
  34. 34Susie WolffSusie Wolffborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  35. 35Joe CalzagheJoe Calzagheborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  36. 36Geraint ThomasGeraint Thomasborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  37. 37Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwardsborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  38. 38Allan McNishAllan McNishborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  39. 39Jamie ChadwickJamie Chadwickborn 1998 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  40. 40Naseem HamedNaseem Hamedborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  41. 41PacPacborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  42. 42Ben StokesBen Stokesborn 1991 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  43. 43Andrew FlintoffAndrew Flintoffborn 1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  44. 44Jolyon PalmerJolyon Palmerborn 1991 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  45. 45Cal CrutchlowCal Crutchlowborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  46. 46Justin WilsonJustin Wilson1978–2015 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  47. 47Jessica Ennis-HillJessica Ennis-Hillborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  48. 48Tony BellewTony Bellewborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  49. 49Layla ElLayla Elborn 1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  50. 50Tao Geoghegan HartTao Geoghegan Hartborn 1995 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  51. 51Dan WheldonDan Wheldon1978–2011 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  52. 52Nikki CrossNikki Crossborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  53. 53Laura KennyLaura Kennyborn 1992 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  54. 54Anthony DavidsonAnthony Davidsonborn 1979 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes0 decades
  55. 55Michael PageMichael Pageborn 1987 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  56. 56Benjamin WhittakerBenjamin Whittakerborn 1997 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  57. 57Chris EubankChris Eubankborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  58. 58Dario FranchittiDario Franchittiborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  59. 59Jack AitkenJack Aitkenborn 1995 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  60. 60Dina Asher-SmithDina Asher-Smithborn 1995 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  61. 61Paul di RestaPaul di Restaborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  62. 62Jake WightmanJake Wightmanborn 1994 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  63. 63Carl FrochCarl Frochborn 1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  64. 64Greg RutherfordGreg Rutherfordborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  65. 65Joseph JoyceJoseph Joyceborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  66. 66Nicola AdamsNicola Adamsborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  67. 67Max ChiltonMax Chiltonborn 1991 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  68. 68Iwan ThomasIwan Thomasborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  69. 69Imani-Lara LansiquotImani-Lara Lansiquotborn 1997 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  70. 70James AndersonJames Andersonborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  71. 71Mark BlundellMark Blundellborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  72. 72Josh KerrJosh Kerrborn 1997 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  73. 73Jann MardenboroughJann Mardenboroughborn 1991 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  74. 74Katarina Johnson-ThompsonKatarina Johnson-Thompsonborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  75. 75Chris Eubank JrChris Eubank Jrborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  76. 76Pete DunnePete Dunneborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  77. 77Derek ChisoraDerek Chisoraborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  78. 78Eddie HallEddie Hallborn 1988 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  79. 79Stuart BroadStuart Broadborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  80. 80Sally GunnellSally Gunnellborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  81. 81Denise LewisDenise Lewisborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  82. 82Nick AldisNick Aldisborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  83. 83Alistair BrownleeAlistair Brownleeborn 1988 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  84. 84Charlotte DujardinCharlotte Dujardinborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  85. 85Jason KennyJason Kennyborn 1988 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  86. 86Ethan HayterEthan Hayterborn 1998 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  87. 87Ciara MageeanCiara Mageeanborn 1992 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  88. 88Alastair CookAlastair Cookborn 1984 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  89. 89Will OspreayWill Ospreayborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  90. 90Graeme ObreeGraeme Obreeborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  91. 91Mason RyanMason Ryanborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  92. 92Luke CampbellLuke Campbellborn 1987 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  93. 93Laura MuirLaura Muirborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  94. 94Mike ConwayMike Conwayborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  95. 95James DeGaleJames DeGaleborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  96. 96Tyler BateTyler Bateborn 1997 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  97. 97Jonny BairstowJonny Bairstowborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  98. 98Georgia BellGeorgia Bellborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  99. 99Billy Joe SaundersBilly Joe Saundersborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot measured—
  100. 100Zharnel HughesZharnel Hughesborn 1995 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletesnot 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.