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. 1Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politicians73M
  2. 2Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 21st century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers67.9M
  3. 3Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers64.3M
  4. 4Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926–2022 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures50.9M
  5. 5Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians47.1M
  6. 6Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians41.8M
  7. 7Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians39M
  8. 8Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers38.4M
  9. 9Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders37.1M
  10. 10Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians34.7M
  11. 11Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians34.7M
  12. 12Frida KahloFrida Kahlo1907–1954 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Artists34M
  13. 13Simón BolívarSimón Bolívar1783–1830 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians32M
  14. 14Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians30.5M
  15. 15ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians30.5M
  16. 16Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr Zelenskyborn 1978 · 21st century · Politicians30.4M
  17. 17Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians29.7M
  18. 18NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures29M
  19. 19Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures28.1M
  20. 20Alexander PushkinAlexander Pushkin1799–1837 · 19th century · Writers27.1M
  21. 21Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin1870–1924 · 20th century · Politicians26.9M
  22. 22Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors26.1M
  23. 23Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured25.5M
  24. 24CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures25.1M
  25. 25Peter the GreatPeter the Great1672–1725 · 18th century · Politicians24.5M
  26. 26Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976–2024 · 21st century · Politicians23.7M
  27. 27Angela MerkelAngela Merkelborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians23.5M
  28. 28Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists23.3M
  29. 29Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players23.2M
  30. 30Louis XIV of FranceLouis XIV of France1638–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures22.2M
  31. 31Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom22M
  32. 32Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev1931–2022 · 20th century · Politicians21.5M
  33. 33Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes21.4M
  34. 34Pablo PicassoPablo Picasso1881–1973 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists21.3M
  35. 35Alla PugachevaAlla Pugachevaborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Musicians20.9M
  36. 36Yevgeny PrigozhinYevgeny Prigozhin1961–2023 · 20th century · Foundersnot measured20.6M
  37. 37NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers20.6M
  38. 38Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians20.4M
  39. 39Gabriel García MárquezGabriel García Márquez1927–2014 · 20th century · Writers20.4M
  40. 40Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists20.3M
  41. 41Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors20.2M
  42. 42Nicholas II of RussiaNicholas II of Russia1868–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures20M
  43. 43Jeffrey DahmerJeffrey Dahmer1960–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures20M
  44. 44Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors19.8M
  45. 45Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors19.7M
  46. 46Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors19.6M
  47. 47Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers19.5M
  48. 48Diego MaradonaDiego Maradona1960–2020 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers19M
  49. 49Princess Margaret, Countess of SnowdonPrincess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon1930–2002 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures19M
  50. 50Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.9M
  51. 51Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players18.8M
  52. 52Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.6M
  53. 53Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians18.5M
  54. 54Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin1934–1968 · 20th century · Politicians18.4M
  55. 55Terence HillTerence Hillborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors18.4M
  56. 56Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors18.4M
  57. 57Wolfgang Amadeus MozartWolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756–1791 · 18th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians18.4M
  58. 58Ivan the TerribleIvan the Terrible1530–1584 · 16th century · Politicians18.2M
  59. 59José de San MartínJosé de San Martín1778–1850 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians18.1M
  60. 60Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players18M
  61. 61Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers17.9M
  62. 62Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured17.9M
  63. 63EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.9M
  64. 64Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers17.8M
  65. 65Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians17.8M
  66. 66Victor HugoVictor Hugo1802–1885 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers17.8M
  67. 67Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures17.8M
  68. 68Romy SchneiderRomy Schneider1938–1982 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors17.6M
  69. 69Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors17.5M
  70. 70Viktor TsoiViktor Tsoi1962–1990 · 20th century · Musicians17.4M
  71. 71Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.4M
  72. 72Bud SpencerBud Spencer1929–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors17.3M
  73. 73RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers17.3M
  74. 74Annalena BaerbockAnnalena Baerbockborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians17.2M
  75. 75Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians17.1M
  76. 76Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals17.1M
  77. 77Silvio BerlusconiSilvio Berlusconi1936–2023 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians17M
  78. 78Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.9M
  79. 79Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers16.9M
  80. 80Khabib NurmagomedovKhabib Nurmagomedovborn 1988 · 21st century · Actorsnot measured16.9M
  81. 81Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy1828–1910 · 19th century · Writers16.9M
  82. 82Che GuevaraChe Guevara1928–1967 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Activists16.7M
  83. 83Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models16.5M
  84. 84Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians16.4M
  85. 85Leonardo da VinciLeonardo da Vinci1452–1519 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists16.2M
  86. 86Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians16.2M
  87. 87Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantinoborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors16.1M
  88. 88Alain DelonAlain Delon1935–2024 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors16.1M
  89. 89Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.1M
  90. 90Paul I of RussiaPaul I of Russia1754–1801 · 18th century · Historical Figures16M
  91. 91Francisco FrancoFrancisco Franco1892–1975 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians15.9M
  92. 92Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers15.8M
  93. 93Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians15.8M
  94. 94Nicolás MaduroNicolás Maduroborn 1962 · 20th century · Politicians15.7M
  95. 95Ana de ArmasAna de Armasborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors15.6M
  96. 96Ramzan KadyrovRamzan Kadyrovborn 1976 · 21st century · Politicians15.6M
  97. 97Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  98. 98Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  99. 99Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians15.4M

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. 1Christopher NolanChristopher Nolanborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  2. 2Wes AndersonWes Andersonborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  3. 3Guy RitchieGuy Ritchieborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  4. 4Denis VilleneuveDenis Villeneuveborn 1967 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Directors0 decades
  5. 5Sofia CoppolaSofia Coppolaborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  6. 6Paul Thomas AndersonPaul Thomas Andersonborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  7. 7M. Night ShyamalanM. Night Shyamalanborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  8. 8J. J. AbramsJ. J. Abramsborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  9. 9Darren AronofskyDarren Aronofskyborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  10. 10Sam MendesSam Mendesborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors3 decades
  11. 11Michael BayMichael Bayborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  12. 12James WanJames Wanborn 1977 · Directors0 decades
  13. 13Bong Joon-hoBong Joon-hoborn 1969 · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Directors0 decades
  14. 14Zack SnyderZack Snyderborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  15. 15Taika WaititiTaika Waititiborn 1975 · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · Directors0 decades
  16. 16Kevin FeigeKevin Feigeborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  17. 17Kevin SmithKevin Smithborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors4 decades
  18. 18Robert RodriguezRobert Rodriguezborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors3 decades
  19. 19Bryan SingerBryan Singerborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  20. 20Jonathan NolanJonathan Nolanborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  21. 21Martin McDonaghMartin McDonaghborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  22. 22Chloé ZhaoChloé Zhaoborn 1982 · 🇨🇳 China · Directorsnot measured—
  23. 23Yorgos LanthimosYorgos Lanthimosborn 1973 · Directors0 decades
  24. 24Eli RothEli Rothborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  25. 25Princess Eugenie of YorkPrincess Eugenie of Yorkborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  26. 26Spike JonzeSpike Jonzeborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  27. 27Alex JonesAlex Jonesborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  28. 28Yuzuru HanyūYuzuru Hanyūborn 1994 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Directorsnot measured—
  29. 29Emma ThomasEmma Thomasborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  30. 30Makoto ShinkaiMakoto Shinkaiborn 1973 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Directors0 decades
  31. 31Damien ChazelleDamien Chazelleborn 1985 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  32. 32Ryan CooglerRyan Cooglerborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  33. 33Paolo SorrentinoPaolo Sorrentinoborn 1970 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Directors2 decades
  34. 34Shonda RhimesShonda Rhimesborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  35. 35Todd PhillipsTodd Phillipsborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  36. 36Luca GuadagninoLuca Guadagninoborn 1971 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Directors2 decades
  37. 37Mathieu KassovitzMathieu Kassovitzborn 1967 · 🇫🇷 France · Directors3 decades
  38. 38Adam McKayAdam McKayborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  39. 39Xavier DolanXavier Dolanborn 1989 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Directors1 decades
  40. 40Paul W. S. AndersonPaul W. S. Andersonborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  41. 41Dan SchneiderDan Schneiderborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  42. 42Brett RatnerBrett Ratnerborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  43. 43Karan JoharKaran Joharborn 1972 · 🇮🇳 India · Directors0 decades
  44. 44Matthew VaughnMatthew Vaughnborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  45. 45Farhan AkhtarFarhan Akhtarborn 1974 · 🇮🇳 India · Directors0 decades
  46. 46Nicolas Winding RefnNicolas Winding Refnborn 1970 · Directorsnot measured—
  47. 47Antoine FuquaAntoine Fuquaborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  48. 48Andrew StantonAndrew Stantonborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  49. 49Robert EggersRobert Eggersborn 1983 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  50. 50Uwe BollUwe Bollborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Directorsnot measured—
  51. 51Baltasar KormákurBaltasar Kormákurborn 1966 · Directorsnot measured—
  52. 52Edgar WrightEdgar Wrightborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  53. 53Bam MargeraBam Margeraborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  54. 54Farah KhanFarah Khanborn 1965 · 🇮🇳 India · Directors0 decades
  55. 55Noah BaumbachNoah Baumbachborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  56. 56Sean BakerSean Bakerborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  57. 57Rian JohnsonRian Johnsonborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  58. 58Emerald FennellEmerald Fennellborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  59. 59Joachim TrierJoachim Trierborn 1974 · 🇳🇴 Norway · Directorsnot measured—
  60. 60Genndy TartakovskyGenndy Tartakovskyborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  61. 61Joe WrightJoe Wrightborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  62. 62Ari AsterAri Asterborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  63. 63Louis LeterrierLouis Leterrierborn 1973 · 🇫🇷 France · Directorsnot measured—
  64. 64Duncan JonesDuncan Jonesborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  65. 65S. S. RajamouliS. S. Rajamouliborn 1973 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  66. 66François OzonFrançois Ozonborn 1967 · 🇫🇷 France · Directors3 decades
  67. 67Uday ChopraUday Chopraborn 1973 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  68. 68Cristian MungiuCristian Mungiuborn 1968 · Directors1 decades
  69. 69Cary Joji FukunagaCary Joji Fukunagaborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  70. 70John SingletonJohn Singleton1968–2019 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  71. 71Jennifer LeeJennifer Leeborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  72. 72Fyodor BondarchukFyodor Bondarchukborn 1967 · Directors2 decades
  73. 73Scooter BraunScooter Braunborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  74. 74Francis LawrenceFrancis Lawrenceborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  75. 75Brady CorbetBrady Corbetborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  76. 76Ekta KapoorEkta Kapoorborn 1975 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  77. 77Destin Daniel CrettonDestin Daniel Crettonborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  78. 78Sam Taylor-JohnsonSam Taylor-Johnsonborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  79. 79Prabhu DevaPrabhu Devaborn 1973 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  80. 80David AyerDavid Ayerborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  81. 81Neill BlomkampNeill Blomkampborn 1979 · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Directorsnot measured—
  82. 82Mike FlanaganMike Flanaganborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  83. 83Shane DawsonShane Dawsonborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  84. 84Alejandro AmenábarAlejandro Amenábarborn 1972 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Directors3 decades
  85. 85Justine TrietJustine Trietborn 1978 · 🇫🇷 France · Directorsnot measured—
  86. 86Jason ReitmanJason Reitmanborn 1977 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Directorsnot measured—
  87. 87David LeitchDavid Leitchborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  88. 88Gauri KhanGauri Khanborn 1970 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  89. 89Kane ParsonsKane Parsonsborn 2005 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  90. 90Jonathan GlazerJonathan Glazerborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  91. 91Morgan SpurlockMorgan Spurlock1970–2024 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  92. 92Ruben ÖstlundRuben Östlundborn 1974 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Directors0 decades
  93. 93Aditya ChopraAditya Chopraborn 1971 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  94. 94Mamoru HosodaMamoru Hosodaborn 1967 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Directorsnot measured—
  95. 95Fatih AkinFatih Akinborn 1973 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Directors2 decades
  96. 96Tom TykwerTom Tykwerborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Directors3 decades
  97. 97Ti WestTi Westborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  98. 98Michel HazanaviciusMichel Hazanaviciusborn 1967 · 🇫🇷 France · Directors1 decades
  99. 99Coralie FargeatCoralie Fargeatborn 1976 · 🇫🇷 France · Directorsnot measured—
  100. 100Nancy KerriganNancy Kerriganborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot 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.