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

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1VoltaireVoltaire1694–1778 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers18
  2. 2Louis XIV of FranceLouis XIV of France1638–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures11
  3. 3MolièreMolière1622–1673 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers8.1
  4. 4Victor HugoVictor Hugo1802–1885 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers7.1
  5. 5MontesquieuMontesquieu1689–1755 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics6.4
  6. 6StendhalStendhal1783–1842 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers6.2
  7. 7Jacques ChiracJacques Chirac1932–2019 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians5.5
  8. 8François MitterrandFrançois Mitterrand1916–1996 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians5.5
  9. 9Nicolas SarkozyNicolas Sarkozyborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians5.0
  10. 10Louis XVI of FranceLouis XVI of France1754–1793 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures4.6
  11. 11Louis XV of FranceLouis XV of France1710–1774 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures4.4
  12. 12Napoleon IIINapoleon III1808–1873 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians3.4
  13. 13George SandGeorge Sand1804–1876 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers3.2
  14. 14Joan of ArcJoan of Arc1412–1431 · 15th century · 🇫🇷 France3.1
  15. 15Jules VerneJules Verne1828–1905 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.7
  16. 16Georges PompidouGeorges Pompidou1911–1974 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.4
  17. 17Charles V, Holy Roman EmperorCharles V, Holy Roman Emperor1500–1558 · 16th century · Historical Figures2.3
  18. 18HIHenry II, Count of Euborn 1160 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France2.3
  19. 19Henry II of FranceHenry II of France1519–1559 · 16th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.3
  20. 20Michel FoucaultMichel Foucault1926–1984 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics2.3
  21. 21François FénelonFrançois Fénelon1651–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Religious Figures2.2
  22. 22Marcel ProustMarcel Proust1871–1922 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers2.2
  23. 23Lionel JospinLionel Jospin1937–2026 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.2
  24. 24Marie AntoinetteMarie Antoinette1755–1793 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures2.1
  25. 25Pierre BourdieuPierre Bourdieu1930–2002 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics2.1
  26. 26Roland BarthesRoland Barthes1915–1980 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics2.0
  27. 27Charles de GaulleCharles de Gaulle1890–1970 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2.0
  28. 28André BretonAndré Breton1896–1966 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.9
  29. 29Le CorbusierLe Corbusier1887–1965 · 20th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Architects1.9
  30. 30Pierre de MarivauxPierre de Marivaux1688–1763 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.9
  31. 31François HollandeFrançois Hollandeborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.9
  32. 32André GideAndré Gide1869–1951 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.9
  33. 33Louis XVIII of FranceLouis XVIII of France1755–1824 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.9
  34. 34Alexandre Dumas filsAlexandre Dumas fils1824–1895 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.8
  35. 35Alexandre DumasAlexandre Dumas1802–1870 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.8
  36. 36Jean-Jacques RousseauJean-Jacques Rousseau1712–1778 · 18th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Academics1.7
  37. 37Benjamin ConstantBenjamin Constant1767–1830 · 19th century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Politicians1.7
  38. 38Simone de BeauvoirSimone de Beauvoir1908–1986 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.7
  39. 39Paul ValéryPaul Valéry1871–1945 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.7
  40. 40Léon BlumLéon Blum1872–1950 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.6
  41. 41André MalrauxAndré Malraux1901–1976 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.5
  42. 42Valéry Giscard d'EstaingValéry Giscard d'Estaing1926–2020 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.5
  43. 43Marguerite DurasMarguerite Duras1914–1996 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.5
  44. 44Jules FerryJules Ferry1832–1893 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.4
  45. 45Jean CocteauJean Cocteau1889–1963 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.4
  46. 46Albert CamusAlbert Camus1913–1960 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.4
  47. 47Ségolène RoyalSégolène Royalborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.3
  48. 48Jean-Paul SartreJean-Paul Sartre1905–1980 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.3
  49. 49Théophile GautierThéophile Gautier1811–1872 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.3
  50. 50Charles X of FranceCharles X of France1757–1836 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.2
  51. 51François MauriacFrançois Mauriac1885–1970 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.2
  52. 52Simone WeilSimone Weil1909–1943 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.2
  53. 53Paul ClaudelPaul Claudel1868–1955 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.2
  54. 54Jacques DerridaJacques Derrida1930–2004 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.2
  55. 55Paul RicœurPaul Ricœur1913–2005 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.2
  56. 56Francis de SalesFrancis de Sales1567–1622 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Religious Figures1.1
  57. 57Dominique de VillepinDominique de Villepinborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.1
  58. 58Louis XII of FranceLouis XII of France1462–1515 · 15th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures1.1
  59. 59Laurent GbagboLaurent Gbagboborn 1945 · 20th century · Politicians1.1
  60. 60Auguste ComteAuguste Comte1798–1857 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.1
  61. 61Gustave FlaubertGustave Flaubert1821–1880 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.1
  62. 62HergéHergé1907–1983 · 20th century · Writers1.1
  63. 63Aimé CésaireAimé Césaire1913–2008 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.1
  64. 64AdunisAdunisborn 1930 · 20th century · Writers1.1
  65. 65Raymond AronRaymond Aron1905–1983 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.1
  66. 66Romain RollandRomain Rolland1866–1944 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  67. 67Émile ZolaÉmile Zola1840–1902 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  68. 68Saint-John PerseSaint-John Perse1887–1975 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  69. 69Gilles DeleuzeGilles Deleuze1925–1995 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.0
  70. 70Marc BlochMarc Bloch1886–1944 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  71. 71Marguerite YourcenarMarguerite Yourcenar1903–1987 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers1.0
  72. 72Jean-Marie Le PenJean-Marie Le Pen1928–2025 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians1.0
  73. 73Jean MonnetJean Monnet1888–1979 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics1.00
  74. 74Anatole FranceAnatole France1844–1924 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.96
  75. 75Claude Lévi-StraussClaude Lévi-Strauss1908–2009 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.95
  76. 76Jacques LacanJacques Lacan1901–1981 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.94
  77. 77Jean JaurèsJean Jaurès1859–1914 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.93
  78. 78Claude SimonClaude Simon1913–2005 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.93
  79. 79Chrétien de TroyesChrétien de Troyes1135–1181 · 12th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.92
  80. 80Charles BaudelaireCharles Baudelaire1821–1867 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.91
  81. 81Marie de' MediciMarie de' Medici1575–1642 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.90
  82. 82Claude BernardClaude Bernard1813–1878 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.87
  83. 83Alfred de MussetAlfred de Musset1810–1857 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.87
  84. 84Alain JuppéAlain Juppéborn 1945 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.86
  85. 85Marcel DuchampMarcel Duchamp1887–1968 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Artists0.84
  86. 86Laurent FabiusLaurent Fabiusborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.83
  87. 87Marcel MaussMarcel Mauss1872–1950 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.82
  88. 88Léopold Sédar SenghorLéopold Sédar Senghor1906–2001 · 20th century · Politicians0.81
  89. 89Honoré de BalzacHonoré de Balzac1799–1850 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.81
  90. 90Arthur RimbaudArthur Rimbaud1854–1891 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.76
  91. 91Vincent de PaulVincent de Paul1581–1660 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Religious Figures0.73
  92. 92François FillonFrançois Fillonborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.73
  93. 93Robert SchumanRobert Schuman1886–1963 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.73
  94. 94Georges BatailleGeorges Bataille1897–1962 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.72
  95. 95François BayrouFrançois Bayrouborn 1951 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.72
  96. 96Philip V of SpainPhilip V of Spain1683–1746 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.72
  97. 97Max JacobMax Jacob1876–1944 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.71
  98. 98Guy de MaupassantGuy de Maupassant1850–1893 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.69
  99. 99Jacques MaritainJacques Maritain1882–1973 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.66
  100. 100Francis II of FranceFrancis II of France1544–1560 · 16th century · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians0.65

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. 9XXXTentacionXXXTentacion1998–2018 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians123M
  10. 10Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians122.3M
  11. 11Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians118M
  12. 12Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians117.2M
  13. 13Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians115.4M
  14. 14Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians114.1M
  15. 15Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians113.5M
  16. 16Kamala HarrisKamala Harrisborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians113.5M
  17. 17Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors110.8M
  18. 18Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured105.1M
  19. 19Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors102.9M
  20. 20Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom101.8M
  21. 21Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians99.3M
  22. 22LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players99M
  23. 23Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors98.7M
  24. 24Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals98.4M
  25. 25Michael JordanMichael Jordanborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players98.2M
  26. 26Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians97.7M
  27. 27Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors94.5M
  28. 28Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91.4M
  29. 29Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91M
  30. 30George VIGeorge VI1895–1952 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures90.2M
  31. 31Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists89.6M
  32. 32Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures89.2M
  33. 33Ted BundyTed Bundy1946–1989 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures87.9M
  34. 34EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians86.7M
  35. 35Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors86.5M
  36. 36Kobe BryantKobe Bryant1978–2020 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players86.2M
  37. 37Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers84.9M
  38. 38Ryan ReynoldsRyan Reynoldsborn 1976 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors84.3M
  39. 39John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians83.4M
  40. 40Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · 21st century · Models83M
  41. 41Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians82.9M
  42. 42Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists82.8M
  43. 43ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors81.9M
  44. 44Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors80.6M
  45. 45Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians80.1M
  46. 46Jason MomoaJason Momoaborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.9M
  47. 47Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians78.8M
  48. 48Jeff BezosJeff Bezosborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders78.7M
  49. 49Jennifer AnistonJennifer Anistonborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.7M
  50. 50Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians78.3M
  51. 51Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.3M
  52. 52Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942–2016 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes77.8M
  53. 53Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors76.9M
  54. 54Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955–2011 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders76.2M
  55. 55Kanye WestKanye Westborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians75.7M
  56. 56Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors75.2M
  57. 57Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi1869–1948 · 20th century · 🇮🇳 India · Activists74.9M
  58. 58David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians74.5M
  59. 59Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors73.1M
  60. 60Conor McGregorConor McGregorborn 1988 · 21st century · Athletes73.1M
  61. 61NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures72.9M
  62. 62Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur1971–1996 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians72.7M
  63. 63Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors72.4M
  64. 64Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians71.8M
  65. 65Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians71.7M
  66. 66Margot RobbieMargot Robbieborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors71.4M
  67. 67Edward VIIIEdward VIII1894–1972 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures71.2M
  68. 68Mia KhalifaMia Khalifaborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actorsnot measured71M
  69. 69Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors70.9M
  70. 70Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians70.1M
  71. 71Charles MansonCharles Manson1934–2017 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians69.7M
  72. 72Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  73. 73Amber HeardAmber Heardborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors69.3M
  74. 74Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  75. 75Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  76. 76Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  77. 77Millie Bobby BrownMillie Bobby Brownborn 2004 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors68.8M
  78. 78Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  79. 79Blake LivelyBlake Livelyborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.4M
  80. 80Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  81. 81ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  82. 82Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  83. 83Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  84. 84Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  85. 85Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  86. 86RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  87. 87Mike TysonMike Tysonborn 1966 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes66.5M
  88. 88J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  89. 89Tom HardyTom Hardyborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors66.1M
  90. 90John CenaJohn Cenaborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes65.6M
  91. 91Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  92. 92Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  93. 93Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  94. 94Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  95. 95BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  96. 96Ryan GoslingRyan Goslingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors64.3M
  97. 97Stephen CurryStephen Curryborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players64.2M
  98. 98Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures64.1M
  99. 99Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors64M
  100. 100Priyanka ChopraPriyanka Chopraborn 1982 · 21st century · 🇮🇳 India · Actors63.5M

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. 1Christopher NolanChristopher Nolanborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  2. 2Guy RitchieGuy Ritchieborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  3. 3Sam MendesSam Mendesborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors3 decades
  4. 4Jonathan NolanJonathan Nolanborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  5. 5Martin McDonaghMartin McDonaghborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  6. 6Princess Eugenie of YorkPrincess Eugenie of Yorkborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  7. 7Emma ThomasEmma Thomasborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  8. 8Paul W. S. AndersonPaul W. S. Andersonborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  9. 9Matthew VaughnMatthew Vaughnborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  10. 10Edgar WrightEdgar Wrightborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  11. 11Emerald FennellEmerald Fennellborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  12. 12Joe WrightJoe Wrightborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  13. 13Duncan JonesDuncan Jonesborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  14. 14Sam Taylor-JohnsonSam Taylor-Johnsonborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  15. 15Jonathan GlazerJonathan Glazerborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  16. 16Tom HooperTom Hooperborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  17. 17Mark SelbyMark Selbyborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  18. 18Gareth EvansGareth Evansborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  19. 19Rob KnoxRob Knox1989–2008 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  20. 20Lynne RamsayLynne Ramsayborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  21. 21Neil MarshallNeil Marshallborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  22. 22Peter SafranPeter Safranborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  23. 23Ol ParkerOl Parkerborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  24. 24David MackenzieDavid Mackenzieborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  25. 25Ben WheatleyBen Wheatleyborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  26. 26Rupert SandersRupert Sandersborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  27. 27CCChris Cunninghamborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  28. 28David SladeDavid Sladeborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  29. 29Miguel SapochnikMiguel Sapochnikborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  30. 30Leslie BenziesLeslie Benziesborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  31. 31Asif KapadiaAsif Kapadiaborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  32. 32Andrew HaighAndrew Haighborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  33. 33Hannah HarperHannah Harperborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  34. 34Charlotte McDonnellCharlotte McDonnellborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  35. 35Shane MeadowsShane Meadowsborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  36. 36John Michael McDonaghJohn Michael McDonaghborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  37. 37Garth JenningsGarth Jenningsborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  38. 38Euros LynEuros Lynborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  39. 39Mark MylodMark Mylodborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  40. 40Danny MillerDanny Millerborn 1991 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  41. 41Marianna PalkaMarianna Palkaborn 1981 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  42. 42Amma AsanteAmma Asanteborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  43. 43Seamus McGarveySeamus McGarveyborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  44. 44Vanessa BranchVanessa Branchborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  45. 45LBLucy Brownborn 1979 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  46. 46Danny CannonDanny Cannonborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  47. 47Danny DDanny Dborn 1987 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  48. 48Rhys Frake-WaterfieldRhys Frake-Waterfieldborn 1991 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  49. 49Johannes RobertsJohannes Robertsborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  50. 50Justin ChadwickJustin Chadwickborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  51. 51Jake ScottJake Scottborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  52. 52Thea SharrockThea Sharrockborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  53. 53Amelia DimoldenbergAmelia Dimoldenbergborn 1994 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  54. 54Andrew MacdonaldAndrew Macdonaldborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  55. 55Peter WebberPeter Webberborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  56. 56Peter StricklandPeter Stricklandborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  57. 57Pete TravisPete Travisborn 2000 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  58. 58Tom HarperTom Harperborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  59. 59Mark CousinsMark Cousinsborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  60. 60Akram KhanAkram Khanborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  61. 61Jamie KingJamie Kingborn 1981 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  62. 62JSJordan Scott1977–2020 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  63. 63Charlotte WellsCharlotte Wellsborn 1987 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  64. 64Christian ColsonChristian Colsonborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  65. 65Philip BarantiniPhilip Barantiniborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  66. 66Sean EllisSean Ellisborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  67. 67Bart LaytonBart Laytonborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  68. 68David BowersDavid Bowersborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  69. 69Tom AckerleyTom Ackerleyborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  70. 70James BobinJames Bobinborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  71. 71Rose GlassRose Glassborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  72. 72Rowan JofféRowan Jofféborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  73. 73Jake NavaJake Navaborn 2000 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  74. 74James MillerJames Miller1968–2003 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  75. 75Sophie AndersonSophie Anderson1987–2023 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  76. 76JHJon Harrisborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  77. 77Corin HardyCorin Hardyborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  78. 78Iain CanningIain Canningborn 1979 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  79. 79S. J. ClarksonS. J. Clarksonborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  80. 80Julie GardnerJulie Gardnerborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  81. 81Jesse V. JohnsonJesse V. Johnsonborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  82. 82Nick LoveNick Loveborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  83. 83Matthew WarchusMatthew Warchusborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  84. 84Sacha GervasiSacha Gervasiborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  85. 85Joanna JetJoanna Jetborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  86. 86Michael C. FoxMichael C. Foxborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  87. 87Gavin FreeGavin Freeborn 1988 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  88. 88Sarah GavronSarah Gavronborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  89. 89TVTom Vaughanborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  90. 90Hugh WelchmanHugh Welchmanborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  91. 91Nima NourizadehNima Nourizadehborn 1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  92. 92Ashley McKenzieAshley McKenzieborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  93. 93Hamish HamiltonHamish Hamiltonborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  94. 94Otto BathurstOtto Bathurstborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  95. 95Peter RodgerPeter Rodgerborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  96. 96Sophie FiennesSophie Fiennesborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  97. 97Mary NighyMary Nighyborn 1984 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  98. 98Mark WebsterMark Websterborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  99. 99Ben HopkinsBen Hopkinsborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  100. 100Zina Saro-WiwaZina Saro-Wiwaborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · 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.