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 English books during the 21st century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1JesusJesus5 BC–30 · 1st century · Religious Figures102
  2. 2AristotleAristotle384 BC–322 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics13
  3. 3PlatoPlato428 BC–348 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics11
  4. 4SocratesSocrates470 BC–399 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Academics6.5
  5. 5HomerHomer900 BC–800 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers5.4
  6. 6CiceroCicero106 BC–43 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians4.2
  7. 7AugustusAugustus63 BC–14 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians4.1
  8. 8Johns HopkinsJohns Hopkins1795–1873 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders4.0
  9. 9RMRMborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Musicians3.6
  10. 10VirgilVirgil70 BC–19 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers3.3
  11. 11George WashingtonGeorge Washington1732–1799 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians3.0
  12. 12SealSealborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians2.5
  13. 13PinkPinkborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2.4
  14. 14MadonnaMadonnaborn 1958 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2.3
  15. 15George W. BushGeorge W. Bushborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians2.2
  16. 16OvidOvid43 BC–17 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers2.2
  17. 17PlutarchPlutarch40–120 · 1st century · Academics1.9
  18. 18Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson1743–1826 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.9
  19. 19CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures1.9
  20. 20Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.9
  21. 21GalenGalen129–300 · 2nd century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Doctors1.8
  22. 22Saddam HusseinSaddam Hussein1937–2006 · 20th century · Politicians1.7
  23. 23Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.7
  24. 24HerodotusHerodotus484 BC–425 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers1.6
  25. 25OrigenOrigen185–254 · 3rd century · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Academics1.5
  26. 26John the BaptistJohn the Baptist6 BC–30 · 1st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Religious Figures1.5
  27. 27Bill ClintonBill Clintonborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.5
  28. 28Adam SmithAdam Smith1723–1790 · 18th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics1.4
  29. 29Mark TwainMark Twain1835–1910 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1.4
  30. 30AhabAhab918 BC–852 BC · 1st millennium BC · Models1.3
  31. 31CharlemagneCharlemagne748–814 · 8th century · Historical Figures1.3
  32. 32John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.3
  33. 33IUIUborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Musicians1.3
  34. 34EuripidesEuripides480 BC–406 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers1.3
  35. 35ThucydidesThucydides460 BC–395 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers1.3
  36. 36HoseaHoseaborn 784 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures1.2
  37. 37Woodrow WilsonWoodrow Wilson1856–1924 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.2
  38. 38RembrandtRembrandt1606–1669 · 17th century · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists1.2
  39. 39Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.2
  40. 40LivyLivy59 BC–17 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.2
  41. 41HadrianHadrian76–138 · 2nd century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.1
  42. 42BedeBede672–735 · 8th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers1.1
  43. 43Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians1.1
  44. 44Walt DisneyWalt Disney1901–1966 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1.1
  45. 45Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas1225–1274 · 13th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics1.1
  46. 46Theodore RooseveltTheodore Roosevelt1858–1919 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.0
  47. 47EuclidEuclid333 BC–285 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics1.0
  48. 48Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin1706–1790 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.0
  49. 49Julius CaesarJulius Caesar100 BC–44 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.00
  50. 50SophoclesSophocles496 BC–406 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.97
  51. 51GoliathGoliath1100 BC–1023 BC · 2nd millennium BC0.95
  52. 52PlotinusPlotinus205–270 · 3rd century · Academics0.94
  53. 53Jane AustenJane Austen1775–1817 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.92
  54. 54Charles II, Lord of MonacoCharles II, Lord of Monaco1555–1589 · 16th century · Politicians0.92
  55. 55Charles II, Duke of SavoyCharles II, Duke of Savoy1489–1496 · 15th century · Historical Figures0.92
  56. 56Charles II, Duke of Münsterberg-OelsCharles II, Duke of Münsterberg-Oels1545–1617 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.92
  57. 57James MadisonJames Madison1751–1836 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.92
  58. 58Richard NixonRichard Nixon1913–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.92
  59. 59XenophonXenophon430 BC–354 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.92
  60. 60Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great356 BC–323 BC · 1st millennium BC · Historical Figures0.90
  61. 61AAbababorn 200 · 3rd century0.89
  62. 62John AdamsJohn Adams1735–1826 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.89
  63. 63PythagorasPythagoras582 BC–490 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.88
  64. 64William JamesWilliam James1842–1910 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics0.87
  65. 65PericlesPericles494 BC–429 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians0.87
  66. 66TertullianTertullian160–240 · 2nd century · Academics0.87
  67. 67Edward ElgarEdward Elgar1857–1934 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians0.87
  68. 68AristophanesAristophanes445 BC–385 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.84
  69. 69Virginia WoolfVirginia Woolf1882–1941 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.83
  70. 70Henry JamesHenry James1843–1916 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0.83
  71. 71Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh1890–1969 · 20th century · Politicians0.82
  72. 72Charles DarwinCharles Darwin1809–1882 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists0.80
  73. 73Charles DickensCharles Dickens1812–1870 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.79
  74. 74Tony BlairTony Blairborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians0.79
  75. 75Osama bin LadenOsama bin Laden1957–2011 · 20th century · Scientists0.78
  76. 76William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare1564–1616 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.76
  77. 77Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.76
  78. 78Mary MagdaleneMary Magdalenedied 100 · 1st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Academics0.76
  79. 79Brigham YoungBrigham Young1801–1877 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics0.75
  80. 80IrenaeusIrenaeus130–202 · 2nd century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Academics0.75
  81. 81SuhartoSuharto1921–2008 · 20th century · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · Politicians0.75
  82. 82AeschylusAeschylus525 BC–456 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.74
  83. 83John BrownJohn Brown1800–1859 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0.74
  84. 84Henry IV, Duke of BrabantHenry IV, Duke of Brabant1251–1272 · 13th century0.73
  85. 85Henry IV, Duke of LimburgHenry IV, Duke of Limburg1195–1247 · 13th century · Historical Figures0.73
  86. 86Henry IV, Holy Roman EmperorHenry IV, Holy Roman Emperor1050–1106 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0.73
  87. 87HIHenry IV, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1463–1514 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.73
  88. 88Henry IV, Count of LuxembourgHenry IV, Count of Luxembourg1113–1196 · 12th century · Politicians0.73
  89. 89HIHenry IV, Count of Waldeck1300–1348 · 14th century0.73
  90. 90Oscar WildeOscar Wilde1854–1900 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.73
  91. 91Charles I, Duke of SavoyCharles I, Duke of Savoy1468–1490 · 15th century0.72
  92. 92CICharles I1516–1576 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.72
  93. 93Charles I, Count of NeversCharles I, Count of Nevers1414–1464 · 15th century · Historical Figures0.72
  94. 94Charles I, Count of FlandersCharles I, Count of Flanders1084–1127 · 12th century · Politicians0.72
  95. 95Charles I, Landgrave of Hesse-PhilippsthalCharles I, Landgrave of Hesse-Philippsthal1682–1770 · 18th century0.72
  96. 96Henry FordHenry Ford1863–1947 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0.72
  97. 97HippocratesHippocrates460 BC–370 BC · 1st millennium BC · Doctors0.72
  98. 98Andrew JacksonAndrew Jackson1767–1845 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.71
  99. 99HesiodHesiodborn 776 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.71

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. 13Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians114.1M
  14. 14Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians113.5M
  15. 15Kamala HarrisKamala Harrisborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians113.5M
  16. 16Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors110.8M
  17. 17Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured105.1M
  18. 18Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors102.9M
  19. 19Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom101.8M
  20. 20Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians99.3M
  21. 21LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players99M
  22. 22Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors98.7M
  23. 23Michael JordanMichael Jordanborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players98.2M
  24. 24Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians97.7M
  25. 25Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors94.5M
  26. 26Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91.4M
  27. 27Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91M
  28. 28George VIGeorge VI1895–1952 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures90.2M
  29. 29Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists89.6M
  30. 30Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures89.2M
  31. 31EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians86.7M
  32. 32Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors86.5M
  33. 33Kobe BryantKobe Bryant1978–2020 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players86.2M
  34. 34Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers84.9M
  35. 35Ryan ReynoldsRyan Reynoldsborn 1976 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors84.3M
  36. 36John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians83.4M
  37. 37Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · 21st century · Models83M
  38. 38Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians82.9M
  39. 39Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists82.8M
  40. 40ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors81.9M
  41. 41Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors80.6M
  42. 42Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians80.1M
  43. 43Jason MomoaJason Momoaborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.9M
  44. 44Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians78.8M
  45. 45Jeff BezosJeff Bezosborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders78.7M
  46. 46Jennifer AnistonJennifer Anistonborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.7M
  47. 47Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians78.3M
  48. 48Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.3M
  49. 49Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942–2016 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes77.8M
  50. 50Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors76.9M
  51. 51Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955–2011 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders76.2M
  52. 52Kanye WestKanye Westborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians75.7M
  53. 53Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors75.2M
  54. 54Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi1869–1948 · 20th century · 🇮🇳 India · Activists74.9M
  55. 55David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians74.5M
  56. 56Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors73.1M
  57. 57Conor McGregorConor McGregorborn 1988 · 21st century · Athletes73.1M
  58. 58NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures72.9M
  59. 59Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur1971–1996 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians72.7M
  60. 60Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors72.4M
  61. 61Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians71.8M
  62. 62Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians71.7M
  63. 63Margot RobbieMargot Robbieborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors71.4M
  64. 64Edward VIIIEdward VIII1894–1972 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures71.2M
  65. 65Mia KhalifaMia Khalifaborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actorsnot measured71M
  66. 66Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors70.9M
  67. 67Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians70.1M
  68. 68Charles MansonCharles Manson1934–2017 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians69.7M
  69. 69Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  70. 70Amber HeardAmber Heardborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors69.3M
  71. 71Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  72. 72Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  73. 73Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  74. 74Millie Bobby BrownMillie Bobby Brownborn 2004 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors68.8M
  75. 75Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  76. 76Blake LivelyBlake Livelyborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.4M
  77. 77Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  78. 78ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  79. 79Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  80. 80Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  81. 81Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  82. 82Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  83. 83RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  84. 84Mike TysonMike Tysonborn 1966 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes66.5M
  85. 85J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  86. 86Tom HardyTom Hardyborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors66.1M
  87. 87John CenaJohn Cenaborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes65.6M
  88. 88Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  89. 89Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  90. 90Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  91. 91Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  92. 92BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  93. 93Ryan GoslingRyan Goslingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors64.3M
  94. 94Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures64.1M
  95. 95Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors64M
  96. 96Priyanka ChopraPriyanka Chopraborn 1982 · 21st century · 🇮🇳 India · Actors63.5M
  97. 97Kylie JennerKylie Jennerborn 1997 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Models63.4M
  98. 98Dolly PartonDolly Parton1946–2026 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians63.1M
  99. 99Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors63M
  100. 100Chris HemsworthChris Hemsworthborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors62.9M

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. 1Manuel NeuerManuel Neuerborn 1986 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  2. 2Thomas MüllerThomas Müllerborn 1989 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers4 decades
  3. 3Jürgen KloppJürgen Kloppborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  4. 4Miroslav KloseMiroslav Kloseborn 1978 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  5. 5Mesut ÖzilMesut Özilborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  6. 6Lukas PodolskiLukas Podolskiborn 1985 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  7. 7Bastian SchweinsteigerBastian Schweinsteigerborn 1984 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  8. 8Toni KroosToni Kroosborn 1990 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  9. 9Joshua KimmichJoshua Kimmichborn 1995 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  10. 10Oliver KahnOliver Kahnborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  11. 11Mario GötzeMario Götzeborn 1992 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  12. 12Antonio RüdigerAntonio Rüdigerborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  13. 13Marc-André ter StegenMarc-André ter Stegenborn 1992 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  14. 14Kai HavertzKai Havertzborn 1999 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  15. 15Jamal MusialaJamal Musialaborn 2003 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  16. 16Marco ReusMarco Reusborn 1989 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  17. 17Hans-Dieter FlickHans-Dieter Flickborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  18. 18Julian NagelsmannJulian Nagelsmannborn 1987 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  19. 19Thomas TuchelThomas Tuchelborn 1973 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  20. 20Leon GoretzkaLeon Goretzkaborn 1995 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  21. 21Niklas SüleNiklas Süleborn 1995 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  22. 22İlkay Gündoğanİlkay Gündoğanborn 1990 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  23. 23Michael BallackMichael Ballackborn 1976 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  24. 24Sami KhediraSami Khediraborn 1987 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  25. 25Kevin-Prince BoatengKevin-Prince Boatengborn 1987 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  26. 26Timo WernerTimo Wernerborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  27. 27Leroy SanéLeroy Sanéborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  28. 28Loris KariusLoris Kariusborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  29. 29Philipp LahmPhilipp Lahmborn 1983 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  30. 30Per MertesackerPer Mertesackerborn 1984 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  31. 31Florian WirtzFlorian Wirtzborn 2003 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  32. 32Julian BrandtJulian Brandtborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  33. 33Christoph KramerChristoph Kramerborn 1991 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  34. 34Nico SchlotterbeckNico Schlotterbeckborn 1999 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  35. 35Hakan ÇalhanoğluHakan Çalhanoğluborn 1994 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  36. 36Mats HummelsMats Hummelsborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  37. 37Jérôme BoatengJérôme Boatengborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  38. 38Niclas FüllkrugNiclas Füllkrugborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  39. 39Julian DraxlerJulian Draxlerborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  40. 40Mario GómezMario Gómezborn 1985 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  41. 41Thomas HitzlspergerThomas Hitzlspergerborn 1982 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  42. 42Mehmet SchollMehmet Schollborn 1970 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  43. 43Nick WoltemadëNick Woltemadëborn 2002 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  44. 44Robin GosensRobin Gosensborn 1994 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  45. 45Robert EnkeRobert Enke1977–2009 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  46. 46Matthias SammerMatthias Sammerborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers3 decades
  47. 47Serge GnabrySerge Gnabryborn 1995 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  48. 48André SchürrleAndré Schürrleborn 1990 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  49. 49Emre CanEmre Canborn 1994 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  50. 50Deniz UndavDeniz Undavborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  51. 51Jens LehmannJens Lehmannborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  52. 52Nuri ŞahinNuri Şahinborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  53. 53Jonathan TahJonathan Tahborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  54. 54Alexander NübelAlexander Nübelborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  55. 55Éric Maxim Choupo-MotingÉric Maxim Choupo-Motingborn 1989 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  56. 56Josip StanišićJosip Stanišićborn 2000 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  57. 57Felix NmechaFelix Nmechaborn 2000 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  58. 58Youssoufa MoukokoYoussoufa Moukokoborn 2004 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  59. 59Oliver BierhoffOliver Bierhoffborn 1968 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  60. 60Kevin TrappKevin Trappborn 1990 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  61. 61Dietmar HamannDietmar Hamannborn 1973 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  62. 62Andreas MöllerAndreas Möllerborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers3 decades
  63. 63Thilo KehrerThilo Kehrerborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  64. 64Christoph MetzelderChristoph Metzelderborn 1980 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  65. 65Shkodran MustafiShkodran Mustafiborn 1992 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  66. 66Edin TerzićEdin Terzićborn 1982 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  67. 67Robert ProsinečkiRobert Prosinečkiborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  68. 68Salih ÖzcanSalih Özcanborn 1998 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  69. 69Stefan EffenbergStefan Effenbergborn 1968 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers3 decades
  70. 70Bernd LenoBernd Lenoborn 1992 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  71. 71Marco RoseMarco Roseborn 1976 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  72. 72Kerim AlajbegovićKerim Alajbegovićborn 2007 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  73. 73Pascal GroßPascal Großborn 1991 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  74. 74Bodo IllgnerBodo Illgnerborn 1967 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  75. 75Malik TillmanMalik Tillmanborn 2002 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  76. 76Sven UlreichSven Ulreichborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  77. 77Robert HuthRobert Huthborn 1984 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  78. 78Aleksandar PavlovićAleksandar Pavlovićborn 2004 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  79. 79Angelo StillerAngelo Stillerborn 2001 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  80. 80Nathaniel BrownNathaniel Brownborn 2003 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  81. 81Assan OuédraogoAssan Ouédraogoborn 2006 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  82. 82Malick ThiawMalick Thiawborn 2001 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  83. 83David RaumDavid Raumborn 1998 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  84. 84Sead KolašinacSead Kolašinacborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  85. 85Jamie LewelingJamie Lewelingborn 2001 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  86. 86Joël MatipJoël Matipborn 1991 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  87. 87Stefan OrtegaStefan Ortegaborn 1992 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  88. 88Matthias JaissleMatthias Jaissleborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  89. 89Nadiem AmiriNadiem Amiriborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  90. 90Benedikt HöwedesBenedikt Höwedesborn 1988 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  91. 91LKLennart Karlborn 2008 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  92. 92Mario BaslerMario Baslerborn 1968 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  93. 93VGVincenzo Grifoborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  94. 94Jürgen KohlerJürgen Kohlerborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers3 decades
  95. 95Waldemar AntonWaldemar Antonborn 1996 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  96. 96Thomas HäßlerThomas Häßlerborn 1966 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers2 decades
  97. 97Matthias GinterMatthias Ginterborn 1994 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 decades
  98. 98Fabian HürzelerFabian Hürzelerborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  99. 99Yann Aurel BisseckYann Aurel Bisseckborn 2000 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballersnot measured—
  100. 100Roman WeidenfellerRoman Weidenfellerborn 1980 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers0 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.