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

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1Fidel CastroFidel Castro1926–2016 · 20th century · Politicians4.1
  2. 2Lope de VegaLope de Vega1562–1635 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers4.1
  3. 3Francis XavierFrancis Xavier1506–1552 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers4.0
  4. 4Simón BolívarSimón Bolívar1783–1830 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians3.3
  5. 5Octavio PazOctavio Paz1914–1998 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Writers3.1
  6. 6John of GodJohn of God1495–1550 · 16th century · 🇵🇹 Portugal2.9
  7. 7Vicente FoxVicente Foxborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians2.8
  8. 8Benito JuárezBenito Juárez1806–1872 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians2.7
  9. 9Porfirio DíazPorfirio Díaz1830–1915 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians2.6
  10. 10Rubén DaríoRubén Darío1867–1916 · 20th century · Writers2.5
  11. 11Andrés BelloAndrés Bello1781–1865 · 19th century · Politicians2.4
  12. 12Hugo ChávezHugo Chávez1954–2013 · 20th century · Politicians2.1
  13. 13Antonio MachadoAntonio Machado1875–1939 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers2.0
  14. 14Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers2.0
  15. 15Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures1.9
  16. 16Jorge Luis BorgesJorge Luis Borges1899–1986 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writers1.9
  17. 17Pablo NerudaPablo Neruda1904–1973 · 20th century · Writers1.8
  18. 18Hernán CortésHernán Cortés1485–1547 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.8
  19. 19Juan Ramón JiménezJuan Ramón Jiménez1881–1958 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.7
  20. 20Federico García LorcaFederico García Lorca1898–1936 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.6
  21. 21Carlos FuentesCarlos Fuentes1928–2012 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Writers1.5
  22. 22Felipe GonzálezFelipe Gonzálezborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians1.5
  23. 23Che GuevaraChe Guevara1928–1967 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Activists1.5
  24. 24Salvador AllendeSalvador Allende1908–1973 · 20th century · Politicians1.3
  25. 25Miguel de UnamunoMiguel de Unamuno1864–1936 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.3
  26. 26Gabriel García MárquezGabriel García Márquez1927–2014 · 20th century · Writers1.3
  27. 27Venustiano CarranzaVenustiano Carranza1859–1920 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians1.3
  28. 28John of the CrossJohn of the Cross1542–1591 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.3
  29. 29Gabriela MistralGabriela Mistral1889–1957 · 20th century · Writers1.3
  30. 30Bartolomé de las CasasBartolomé de las Casas1484–1566 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.2
  31. 31Sor Juana Inés de la CruzSor Juana Inés de la Cruz1651–1695 · 17th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Writers1.2
  32. 32Emiliano ZapataEmiliano Zapata1879–1919 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Activists1.2
  33. 33Mario Vargas LlosaMario Vargas Llosa1936–2025 · 20th century · Writers1.2
  34. 34Felipe CalderónFelipe Calderónborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians1.2
  35. 35Teresa of ÁvilaTeresa of Ávila1515–1582 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.1
  36. 36Diego RiveraDiego Rivera1886–1957 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Designers1.1
  37. 37Julio CortázarJulio Cortázar1914–1984 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writers1.1
  38. 38Juan RulfoJuan Rulfo1917–1986 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Writers1.1
  39. 39Garcilaso de la VegaGarcilaso de la Vega1503–1536 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers1.1
  40. 40Evo MoralesEvo Moralesborn 1959 · 20th century · Politicians1.0
  41. 41JFJuan Fernández1529–1602 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.0
  42. 42Ignatius of LoyolaIgnatius of Loyola1491–1556 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures0.98
  43. 43Ernesto ZedilloErnesto Zedilloborn 1951 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.97
  44. 44Eva PerónEva Perón1919–1952 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Actors0.97
  45. 45César VallejoCésar Vallejo1892–1938 · 20th century · Writers0.92
  46. 46Francisco I. MaderoFrancisco I. Madero1873–1913 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Activists0.90
  47. 47José Ortega y GassetJosé Ortega y Gasset1883–1955 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.88
  48. 48Alan GarcíaAlan García1949–2019 · 20th century · Politicians0.81
  49. 49Adolfo SuárezAdolfo Suárez1932–2014 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.81
  50. 50Pancho VillaPancho Villa1878–1923 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Activists0.78
  51. 51Andrés Manuel López ObradorAndrés Manuel López Obradorborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.74
  52. 52Tirso de MolinaTirso de Molina1583–1648 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.73
  53. 53José María AznarJosé María Aznarborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.71
  54. 54Francisco PizarroFrancisco Pizarro1478–1541 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.70
  55. 55Néstor KirchnerNéstor Kirchner1950–2010 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.69
  56. 56Manuel AzañaManuel Azaña1880–1940 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.69
  57. 57Carlos MenemCarlos Menem1930–2021 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.69
  58. 58Augusto PinochetAugusto Pinochet1915–2006 · 20th century · Politicians0.68
  59. 59Alberto FujimoriAlberto Fujimori1938–2024 · 20th century · 🇯🇵 Japan · Politicians0.67
  60. 60John of AustriaJohn of Austria1547–1578 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.67
  61. 61Ricardo PalmaRicardo Palma1833–1919 · 19th century · Writers0.67
  62. 62Luis BuñuelLuis Buñuel1900–1983 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Directors0.66
  63. 63Francisco QuevedoFrancisco Quevedo1584–1645 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.66
  64. 64Luis de LeónLuis de León1527–1591 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.66
  65. 65El GrecoEl Greco1541–1614 · 16th century · Artists0.66
  66. 66Ricardo LagosRicardo Lagosborn 1938 · 20th century · Politicians0.62
  67. 67Pedro de AlvaradoPedro de Alvarado1486–1541 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.62
  68. 68Emilia Pardo BazánEmilia Pardo Bazán1851–1921 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.61
  69. 69María de JesúsMaría de Jesús1560–1640 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain0.61
  70. 70Frida KahloFrida Kahlo1907–1954 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Artists0.59
  71. 71Victoriano HuertaVictoriano Huerta1850–1916 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.58
  72. 72Salvador DalíSalvador Dalí1904–1989 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists0.58
  73. 73Pope Alexander VIPope Alexander VI1431–1503 · 15th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Religious Figures0.58
  74. 74Camilo José CelaCamilo José Cela1916–2002 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.58
  75. 75Vicente GuerreroVicente Guerrero1782–1831 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.56
  76. 76Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of GandíaFrancis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía1510–1572 · 16th century · Politicians0.56
  77. 77Francisco de BorjaFrancisco de Borja1441–1511 · 15th century · Writers0.56
  78. 78José HernándezJosé Hernández1834–1886 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writers0.56
  79. 79Juan Manuel de RosasJuan Manuel de Rosas1793–1877 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.56
  80. 80Pío BarojaPío Baroja1872–1956 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.56
  81. 81JuanesJuanesborn 1972 · 21st century · Musicians0.54
  82. 82John I of FranceJohn I of France1316–1316 · 14th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures0.54
  83. 83Bartolomé MitreBartolomé Mitre1821–1906 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.53
  84. 84Juan Vicente GómezJuan Vicente Gómez1857–1935 · 19th century · Politicians0.53
  85. 85Francisco de VitoriaFrancisco de Vitoria1480–1546 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.53
  86. 86Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians0.53
  87. 87Bernal Díaz del BrawlBernal Díaz del Brawl1492–1584 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0.52
  88. 88Pedro SánchezPedro Sánchezborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.51
  89. 89Álvaro ObregónÁlvaro Obregón1880–1928 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.51
  90. 90José de San MartínJosé de San Martín1778–1850 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians0.51
  91. 91Luis de GóngoraLuis de Góngora1561–1627 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.51
  92. 92Fernán González of CastileFernán González of Castile910–970 · 10th century0.51
  93. 93Vicente AleixandreVicente Aleixandre1898–1984 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.50
  94. 94Francisco de MirandaFrancisco de Miranda1750–1816 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians0.49
  95. 95Benito Pérez GaldósBenito Pérez Galdós1843–1920 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers0.49
  96. 96Diego VelázquezDiego Velázquez1599–1660 · 17th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists0.48
  97. 97Manuel de FallaManuel de Falla1876–1946 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians0.48
  98. 98Vasco de QuirogaVasco de Quiroga1470–1565 · 16th century · Religious Figures0.46
  99. 99Juan AndrésJuan Andrés1740–1817 · 18th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Academics0.46
  100. 100Guadalupe VictoriaGuadalupe Victoria1786–1845 · 19th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Politicians0.46

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. 18Wladimir PutinWladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politiciansnot measured29.6M
  19. 19NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures29M
  20. 20Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures28.1M
  21. 21Alexander PushkinAlexander Pushkin1799–1837 · 19th century · Writers27.1M
  22. 22Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin1870–1924 · 20th century · Politicians26.9M
  23. 23Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors26.1M
  24. 24Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured25.5M
  25. 25CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures25.1M
  26. 26Peter the GreatPeter the Great1672–1725 · 18th century · Politicians24.5M
  27. 27Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976–2024 · 21st century · Politicians23.7M
  28. 28Angela MerkelAngela Merkelborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians23.5M
  29. 29Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists23.3M
  30. 30Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players23.2M
  31. 31Louis XIV of FranceLouis XIV of France1638–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures22.2M
  32. 32Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom22M
  33. 33Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev1931–2022 · 20th century · Politicians21.5M
  34. 34Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes21.4M
  35. 35Pablo PicassoPablo Picasso1881–1973 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists21.3M
  36. 36Alla PugachevaAlla Pugachevaborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Musicians20.9M
  37. 37Yevgeny PrigozhinYevgeny Prigozhin1961–2023 · 20th century · Foundersnot measured20.6M
  38. 38NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers20.6M
  39. 39Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians20.4M
  40. 40Gabriel García MárquezGabriel García Márquez1927–2014 · 20th century · Writers20.4M
  41. 41Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists20.3M
  42. 42Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors20.2M
  43. 43Nicholas II of RussiaNicholas II of Russia1868–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures20M
  44. 44Jeffrey DahmerJeffrey Dahmer1960–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures20M
  45. 45Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors19.8M
  46. 46Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors19.7M
  47. 47Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors19.6M
  48. 48Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers19.5M
  49. 49Diego MaradonaDiego Maradona1960–2020 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers19M
  50. 50Princess Margaret, Countess of SnowdonPrincess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon1930–2002 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures19M
  51. 51Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.9M
  52. 52Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players18.8M
  53. 53Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.6M
  54. 54Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians18.5M
  55. 55Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin1934–1968 · 20th century · Politicians18.4M
  56. 56Terence HillTerence Hillborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors18.4M
  57. 57Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors18.4M
  58. 58Wolfgang Amadeus MozartWolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756–1791 · 18th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians18.4M
  59. 59Ivan the TerribleIvan the Terrible1530–1584 · 16th century · Politicians18.2M
  60. 60José de San MartínJosé de San Martín1778–1850 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians18.1M
  61. 61Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players18M
  62. 62Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers17.9M
  63. 63Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured17.9M
  64. 64EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.9M
  65. 65Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers17.8M
  66. 66Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians17.8M
  67. 67Victor HugoVictor Hugo1802–1885 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers17.8M
  68. 68Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures17.8M
  69. 69Romy SchneiderRomy Schneider1938–1982 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors17.6M
  70. 70Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors17.5M
  71. 71Viktor TsoiViktor Tsoi1962–1990 · 20th century · Musicians17.4M
  72. 72Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.4M
  73. 73Bud SpencerBud Spencer1929–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors17.3M
  74. 74RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers17.3M
  75. 75Annalena BaerbockAnnalena Baerbockborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians17.2M
  76. 76Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians17.1M
  77. 77Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals17.1M
  78. 78Silvio BerlusconiSilvio Berlusconi1936–2023 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians17M
  79. 79Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.9M
  80. 80Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers16.9M
  81. 81Khabib NurmagomedovKhabib Nurmagomedovborn 1988 · 21st century · Actorsnot measured16.9M
  82. 82Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy1828–1910 · 19th century · Writers16.9M
  83. 83Che GuevaraChe Guevara1928–1967 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Activists16.7M
  84. 84Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models16.5M
  85. 85Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians16.4M
  86. 86Leonardo da VinciLeonardo da Vinci1452–1519 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists16.2M
  87. 87Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians16.2M
  88. 88Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantinoborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors16.1M
  89. 89Alain DelonAlain Delon1935–2024 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors16.1M
  90. 90Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.1M
  91. 91Paul I of RussiaPaul I of Russia1754–1801 · 18th century · Historical Figures16M
  92. 92Francisco FrancoFrancisco Franco1892–1975 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians15.9M
  93. 93Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers15.8M
  94. 94Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians15.8M
  95. 95Nicolás MaduroNicolás Maduroborn 1962 · 20th century · Politicians15.7M
  96. 96Ana de ArmasAna de Armasborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors15.6M
  97. 97Ramzan KadyrovRamzan Kadyrovborn 1976 · 21st century · Politicians15.6M
  98. 98Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  99. 99Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  100. 100Ariana 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. 1Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers1 decades
  2. 2Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers2 decades
  3. 3Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders1 decades
  4. 4ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians3 decades
  5. 5Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr Zelenskyborn 1978 · Politicians0 decades
  6. 6Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes3 decades
  7. 7Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  8. 8Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · Tennis Players1 decades
  9. 9NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers1 decades
  10. 10Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  11. 11Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers3 decades
  12. 12Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  13. 13Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  14. 14Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians1 decades
  15. 15Dmitry MedvedevDmitry Medvedevborn 1965 · Politicians3 decades
  16. 16Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  17. 17Giorgia MeloniGiorgia Meloniborn 1977 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians2 decades
  18. 18Natalie PortmanNatalie Portmanborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  19. 19Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players2 decades
  20. 20Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · Models1 decades
  21. 21Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  22. 22RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · Musicians2 decades
  23. 23RonaldoRonaldoborn 1976 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballersnot measured—
  24. 24RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers3 decades
  25. 25Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players2 decades
  26. 26Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  27. 27J. D. VanceJ. D. Vanceborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politiciansnot measured—
  28. 28Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models1 decades
  29. 29EminemEminemborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2 decades
  30. 30Tom HollandTom Hollandborn 1996 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  31. 31Julia RobertsJulia Robertsborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  32. 32Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976–2024 · Politicians1 decades
  33. 33Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers0 decades
  34. 34Amy WinehouseAmy Winehouse1983–2011 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians1 decades
  35. 35Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians0 decades
  36. 36Marine Le PenMarine Le Penborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2 decades
  37. 37Justin TrudeauJustin Trudeauborn 1971 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Politicians1 decades
  38. 38Nicole KidmanNicole Kidmanborn 1967 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors3 decades
  39. 39Charlize TheronCharlize Theronborn 1975 · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Actors2 decades
  40. 40ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0 decades
  41. 41Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamiltonborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes1 decades
  42. 42Felipe VI of SpainFelipe VI of Spainborn 1968 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0 decades
  43. 43Katy PerryKaty Perryborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  44. 44Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors2 decades
  45. 45Matt DamonMatt Damonborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  46. 46Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors1 decades
  47. 47Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians0 decades
  48. 48Lamine YamalLamine Yamalborn 2007 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  49. 49Pedro SánchezPedro Sánchezborn 1972 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians5 decades
  50. 50Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  51. 51Mark ZuckerbergMark Zuckerbergborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders1 decades
  52. 52Christopher NolanChristopher Nolanborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  53. 53Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians1 decades
  54. 54Greta ThunbergGreta Thunbergborn 2003 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Activists0 decades
  55. 55Kim Jong-unKim Jong-unborn 1984 · Politicians1 decades
  56. 56Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians3 decades
  57. 57David BeckhamDavid Beckhamborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers2 decades
  58. 58Penélope CruzPenélope Cruzborn 1974 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors3 decades
  59. 59Keira KnightleyKeira Knightleyborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  60. 60Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  61. 61BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2 decades
  62. 62Fernando AlonsoFernando Alonsoborn 1981 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Athletes4 decades
  63. 63Miley CyrusMiley Cyrusborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  64. 64Bradley CooperBradley Cooperborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  65. 65Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  66. 66Bashar al-AssadBashar al-Assadborn 1965 · Politicians2 decades
  67. 67J. K. RowlingJ. K. Rowlingborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers2 decades
  68. 68Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  69. 69Kate WinsletKate Winsletborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  70. 70Jason StathamJason Stathamborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  71. 71Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  72. 72Daniel CraigDaniel Craigborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  73. 73Pamela AndersonPamela Andersonborn 1967 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors3 decades
  74. 74Max VerstappenMax Verstappenborn 1997 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Athletes0 decades
  75. 75Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  76. 76Robert LewandowskiRobert Lewandowskiborn 1988 · Footballers0 decades
  77. 77Ben AffleckBen Affleckborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  78. 78Harry KaneHarry Kaneborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers0 decades
  79. 79Olivier GiroudOlivier Giroudborn 1986 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  80. 80Serena WilliamsSerena Williamsborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Tennis Players2 decades
  81. 81Luka ModrićLuka Modrićborn 1985 · Footballers0 decades
  82. 82Cameron DiazCameron Diazborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  83. 83Thierry HenryThierry Henryborn 1977 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  84. 84Manuel NeuerManuel Neuerborn 1986 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  85. 85Erling HaalandErling Haalandborn 2000 · 🇳🇴 Norway · Footballersnot measured—
  86. 86LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  87. 87Cate BlanchettCate Blanchettborn 1969 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors2 decades
  88. 88Emma StoneEmma Stoneborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  89. 89Thomas MüllerThomas Müllerborn 1989 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers4 decades
  90. 90Chester BenningtonChester Bennington1976–2017 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians0 decades
  91. 91Daniel RadcliffeDaniel Radcliffeborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  92. 92Javier MileiJavier Mileiborn 1970 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Academicsnot measured—
  93. 93Robbie WilliamsRobbie Williamsborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians2 decades
  94. 94James RodríguezJames Rodríguezborn 1991 · Footballers1 decades
  95. 95Winona RyderWinona Ryderborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  96. 96AviciiAvicii1989–2018 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians0 decades
  97. 97Mohamed SalahMohamed Salahborn 1992 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Footballers0 decades
  98. 98Marion CotillardMarion Cotillardborn 1975 · 🇫🇷 France · Actors2 decades
  99. 99Pep GuardiolaPep Guardiolaborn 1971 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  100. 100Gianluigi BuffonGianluigi Buffonborn 1978 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers2 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.