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. 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.