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

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1CaravaggioCaravaggio1571–1610 · 17th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists5.9
  2. 2GiottoGiotto1267–1337 · 14th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists3.6
  3. 3Benedetto CroceBenedetto Croce1866–1952 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics2.8
  4. 4Silvio BerlusconiSilvio Berlusconi1936–2023 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians2.7
  5. 5Leonardo da VinciLeonardo da Vinci1452–1519 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists2.6
  6. 6Antonio da CorreggioAntonio da Correggio1489–1534 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists2.5
  7. 7Giordano BrunoGiordano Bruno1548–1600 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics2.2
  8. 8Dante AlighieriDante Alighieri1265–1321 · 14th century · Writers2.2
  9. 9Aldo MoroAldo Moro1916–1978 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.9
  10. 10DonatelloDonatello1386–1466 · 15th century · Artists1.9
  11. 11Donato BramanteDonato Bramante1444–1514 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Architects1.7
  12. 12Francis of AssisiFrancis of Assisi1182–1226 · 13th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.7
  13. 13Leon Battista AlbertiLeon Battista Alberti1404–1472 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Architects1.6
  14. 14Charles BorromeoCharles Borromeo1538–1584 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Religious Figures1.5
  15. 15Giacomo LeopardiGiacomo Leopardi1798–1837 · 19th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.5
  16. 16Italo CalvinoItalo Calvino1923–1985 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Journalists1.4
  17. 17Pier Paolo PasoliniPier Paolo Pasolini1922–1975 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.4
  18. 18Giuseppe VerdiGiuseppe Verdi1813–1901 · 19th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Musicians1.3
  19. 19Benito MussoliniBenito Mussolini1883–1945 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.3
  20. 20Pietro PeruginoPietro Perugino1448–1523 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists1.3
  21. 21Primo LeviPrimo Levi1919–1987 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Scientists1.2
  22. 22NoemiNoemiborn 1982 · 21st century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Musicians1.2
  23. 23Marco PoloMarco Polo1254–1324 · 13th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.2
  24. 24TintorettoTintoretto1519–1594 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists1.2
  25. 25Piero della FrancescaPiero della Francesca1415–1492 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists1.2
  26. 26Umberto EcoUmberto Eco1932–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.2
  27. 27Torquato TassoTorquato Tasso1544–1595 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.2
  28. 28MasaccioMasaccio1401–1428 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists1.2
  29. 29Luigi EinaudiLuigi Einaudi1874–1961 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.2
  30. 30Lorenzo de' MediciLorenzo de' Medici1449–1492 · 15th century · Politicians1.2
  31. 31PetrarchPetrarch1304–1374 · 14th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics1.1
  32. 32Alessandro ManzoniAlessandro Manzoni1785–1873 · 19th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.1
  33. 33Galileo GalileiGalileo Galilei1564–1642 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Scientists1.1
  34. 34Luigi PirandelloLuigi Pirandello1867–1936 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.1
  35. 35GuercinoGuercino1591–1666 · 17th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists1.0
  36. 36Romano ProdiRomano Prodiborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.0
  37. 37Philip NeriPhilip Neri1515–1595 · 16th century · Religious Figures1.0
  38. 38Gabriele D'AnnunzioGabriele D'Annunzio1863–1938 · 19th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.99
  39. 39FarinelliFarinelli1705–1782 · 18th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Musicians0.98
  40. 40ParmigianinoParmigianino1503–1540 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.94
  41. 41Antonio GramsciAntonio Gramsci1891–1937 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics0.93
  42. 42Giulio RomanoGiulio Romano1499–1546 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.92
  43. 43Giulio AndreottiGiulio Andreotti1919–2013 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.88
  44. 44Cesare PaveseCesare Pavese1908–1950 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.86
  45. 45Giuseppe MazziniGiuseppe Mazzini1805–1872 · 19th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Activists0.85
  46. 46Guido ReniGuido Reni1575–1642 · 17th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.83
  47. 47Pietro da CortonaPietro da Cortona1596–1669 · 17th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.82
  48. 48CimabueCimabue1240–1302 · 13th century · Artists0.82
  49. 49Giorgio VasariGiorgio Vasari1511–1574 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.81
  50. 50Federico FelliniFederico Fellini1920–1993 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Directors0.80
  51. 51Eugenio MontaleEugenio Montale1896–1981 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.78
  52. 52Paul the DeaconPaul the Deacon720–799 · 8th century · Writers0.78
  53. 53Alcide De GasperiAlcide De Gasperi1881–1954 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.78
  54. 54Luchino ViscontiLuchino Visconti1906–1976 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Directors0.77
  55. 55Pietro BemboPietro Bembo1470–1547 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Religious Figures0.77
  56. 56Pietro AretinoPietro Aretino1492–1556 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.76
  57. 57Bettino CraxiBettino Craxi1934–2000 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.75
  58. 58Alberto MoraviaAlberto Moravia1907–1990 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.75
  59. 59Giovanni PascoliGiovanni Pascoli1855–1912 · 19th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.74
  60. 60Ugo FoscoloUgo Foscolo1778–1827 · 19th century · Writers0.72
  61. 61Federico BorromeoFederico Borromeo1564–1631 · 16th century · Religious Figures0.72
  62. 62Niccolò MachiavelliNiccolò Machiavelli1469–1527 · 16th century · Politicians0.72
  63. 63Antonio CanovaAntonio Canova1757–1822 · 18th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.72
  64. 64Marsilio FicinoMarsilio Ficino1433–1499 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics0.71
  65. 65CanalettoCanaletto1697–1768 · 18th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.71
  66. 66Vittorio AlfieriVittorio Alfieri1749–1803 · 18th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures0.71
  67. 67Alessandro CagliostroAlessandro Cagliostro1743–1795 · 18th century · 🇫🇷 France · Doctors0.70
  68. 68Massimo D'AlemaMassimo D'Alemaborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.68
  69. 69Pietro VerriPietro Verri1728–1797 · 18th century · Academics0.68
  70. 70DomenichinoDomenichino1581–1641 · 17th century · Artists0.68
  71. 71Palmiro TogliattiPalmiro Togliatti1893–1964 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.67
  72. 72Dario FoDario Fo1926–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.64
  73. 73Giovanni BelliniGiovanni Bellini1430–1516 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.64
  74. 74Carlo GoldoniCarlo Goldoni1707–1793 · 18th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.63
  75. 75Giovanni BoccaccioGiovanni Boccaccio1313–1375 · 14th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.62
  76. 76Bernardino of SienaBernardino of Siena1380–1444 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics0.62
  77. 77Leopoldo de' MediciLeopoldo de' Medici1617–1675 · 17th century · Religious Figures0.61
  78. 78Andrea PalladioAndrea Palladio1508–1580 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Architects0.61
  79. 79PontormoPontormo1494–1556 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.58
  80. 80Filippo TuratiFilippo Turati1857–1932 · 19th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.57
  81. 81Cosimo de' MediciCosimo de' Medici1389–1464 · 15th century · Politicians0.57
  82. 82Giuliano AmatoGiuliano Amatoborn 1938 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.57
  83. 83Isabella d'Este, Duchess of ParmaIsabella d'Este, Duchess of Parma1635–1666 · 17th century · Historical Figures0.56
  84. 84Isabella d'EsteIsabella d'Este1474–1539 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.56
  85. 85Vittoria ColonnaVittoria Colonna1492–1547 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.56
  86. 86Angelo BeolcoAngelo Beolco1496–1542 · 16th century · Writers0.56
  87. 87Carlo Azeglio CiampiCarlo Azeglio Ciampi1920–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.55
  88. 88Alberto SordiAlberto Sordi1920–2003 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors0.55
  89. 89Andrea DoriaAndrea Doria1466–1560 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians0.55
  90. 90Fra AngelicoFra Angelico1390–1455 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.55
  91. 91Leonardo BruniLeonardo Bruni1369–1444 · 15th century · Writers0.55
  92. 92Italo SvevoItalo Svevo1861–1928 · 19th century · Writers0.54
  93. 93Andrea MantegnaAndrea Mantegna1431–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.54
  94. 94Vittorio De SicaVittorio De Sica1901–1974 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Directors0.54
  95. 95Tommaso CampanellaTommaso Campanella1568–1639 · 17th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics0.53
  96. 96Elsa MoranteElsa Morante1912–1985 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.53
  97. 97PisanelloPisanello1395–1455 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.53
  98. 98Simone MartiniSimone Martini1284–1344 · 14th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.51
  99. 99Maria MontessoriMaria Montessori1870–1952 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Doctors0.51
  100. 100Giosuè CarducciGiosuè Carducci1835–1907 · 19th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers0.51

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. 13Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians113.5M
  14. 14Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors110.8M
  15. 15Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured105.1M
  16. 16Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors102.9M
  17. 17Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians99.3M
  18. 18LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players99M
  19. 19Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors98.7M
  20. 20Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians97.7M
  21. 21Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors94.5M
  22. 22Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91.4M
  23. 23Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91M
  24. 24Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists89.6M
  25. 25Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures89.2M
  26. 26EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians86.7M
  27. 27Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors86.5M
  28. 28Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers84.9M
  29. 29John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians83.4M
  30. 30Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · 21st century · Models83M
  31. 31Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians82.9M
  32. 32Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists82.8M
  33. 33ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors81.9M
  34. 34Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors80.6M
  35. 35Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians80.1M
  36. 36Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians78.8M
  37. 37Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians78.3M
  38. 38Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.3M
  39. 39Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942–2016 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes77.8M
  40. 40Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors76.9M
  41. 41Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955–2011 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders76.2M
  42. 42Kanye WestKanye Westborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians75.7M
  43. 43Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors75.2M
  44. 44Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi1869–1948 · 20th century · 🇮🇳 India · Activists74.9M
  45. 45David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians74.5M
  46. 46Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors73.1M
  47. 47NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures72.9M
  48. 48Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors72.4M
  49. 49Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians71.8M
  50. 50Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians71.7M
  51. 51Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors70.9M
  52. 52Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians70.1M
  53. 53Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  54. 54Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  55. 55Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  56. 56Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  57. 57Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  58. 58Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  59. 59ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  60. 60Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  61. 61Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  62. 62Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  63. 63Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  64. 64RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  65. 65J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  66. 66Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  67. 67Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  68. 68Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  69. 69Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  70. 70BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  71. 71Ryan GoslingRyan Goslingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors64.3M
  72. 72Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures64.1M
  73. 73Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors64M
  74. 74Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt1882–1945 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians62.8M
  75. 75Ben AffleckBen Affleckborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors61.8M
  76. 76Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players61.7M
  77. 77George W. BushGeorge W. Bushborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians61.1M
  78. 78Alexander HamiltonAlexander Hamilton1757–1804 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians61.1M
  79. 79Miley CyrusMiley Cyrusborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians61.1M
  80. 80Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models60.8M
  81. 81Mark WahlbergMark Wahlbergborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors60.7M
  82. 82William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare1564–1616 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers60.2M
  83. 83Bradley CooperBradley Cooperborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors60.2M
  84. 84Bill GatesBill Gatesborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders59.6M
  85. 85Bill ClintonBill Clintonborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians59.1M
  86. 86NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers58.7M
  87. 87Emily BluntEmily Bluntborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors58.4M
  88. 88Nicole KidmanNicole Kidmanborn 1967 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors58.2M
  89. 89Robert De NiroRobert De Niroborn 1943 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors58.1M
  90. 90Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King Jr.1929–1968 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers58M
  91. 91Frida KahloFrida Kahlo1907–1954 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Artists57.8M
  92. 92Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures57.7M
  93. 93Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers56.7M
  94. 94Charlize TheronCharlize Theronborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Actors56M
  95. 95Mark ZuckerbergMark Zuckerbergborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders55.6M
  96. 96John LennonJohn Lennon1940–1980 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians55.6M
  97. 97Bob DylanBob Dylanborn 1941 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians55.6M
  98. 98Serena WilliamsSerena Williamsborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Tennis Players55.2M
  99. 99Natalie PortmanNatalie Portmanborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors55.2M
  100. 100George WashingtonGeorge Washington1732–1799 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians55.1M

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. 1Tom HollandTom Hollandborn 1996 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  2. 2Keira KnightleyKeira Knightleyborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  3. 3Kate WinsletKate Winsletborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  4. 4Jason StathamJason Stathamborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  5. 5Daniel CraigDaniel Craigborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  6. 6Daniel RadcliffeDaniel Radcliffeborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  7. 7Emily BluntEmily Bluntborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  8. 8Robert PattinsonRobert Pattinsonborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  9. 9Tom HardyTom Hardyborn 1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  10. 10Emilia ClarkeEmilia Clarkeborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  11. 11Catherine Zeta-JonesCatherine Zeta-Jonesborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  12. 12Millie Bobby BrownMillie Bobby Brownborn 2004 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  13. 13Orlando BloomOrlando Bloomborn 1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  14. 14Christian BaleChristian Baleborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  15. 15Henry CavillHenry Cavillborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  16. 16Jude LawJude Lawborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  17. 17Helena Bonham CarterHelena Bonham Carterborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  18. 18Naomi WattsNaomi Wattsborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  19. 19Andrew GarfieldAndrew Garfieldborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  20. 20Rachel WeiszRachel Weiszborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  21. 21Benedict CumberbatchBenedict Cumberbatchborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  22. 22Idris ElbaIdris Elbaborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  23. 23Rosamund PikeRosamund Pikeborn 1979 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  24. 24Nicholas HoultNicholas Houltborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  25. 25Kate BeckinsaleKate Beckinsaleborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  26. 26Gerard ButlerGerard Butlerborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  27. 27Taron EgertonTaron Egertonborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  28. 28Lily CollinsLily Collinsborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  29. 29Eddie RedmayneEddie Redmayneborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  30. 30Rupert GrintRupert Grintborn 1988 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  31. 31Kiefer SutherlandKiefer Sutherlandborn 1966 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  32. 32Tom HiddlestonTom Hiddlestonborn 1981 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  33. 33Sophie TurnerSophie Turnerborn 1996 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  34. 34Simon PeggSimon Peggborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  35. 35Florence PughFlorence Pughborn 1996 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  36. 36Kit HaringtonKit Haringtonborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  37. 37Anya Taylor-JoyAnya Taylor-Joyborn 1996 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actorsnot measured—
  38. 38Olivia ColmanOlivia Colmanborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  39. 39Charlotte GainsbourgCharlotte Gainsbourgborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  40. 40James McAvoyJames McAvoyborn 1979 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  41. 41Lena HeadeyLena Headeyborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  42. 42Felicity JonesFelicity Jonesborn 1983 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  43. 43Martin FreemanMartin Freemanborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  44. 44Karen GillanKaren Gillanborn 1987 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  45. 45Carey MulliganCarey Mulliganborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  46. 46David TennantDavid Tennantborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  47. 47Vanessa KirbyVanessa Kirbyborn 1988 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  48. 48Tom FeltonTom Feltonborn 1987 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  49. 49Chiwetel EjioforChiwetel Ejioforborn 1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  50. 50Matt SmithMatt Smithborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  51. 51Daisy RidleyDaisy Ridleyborn 1992 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  52. 52Hayley AtwellHayley Atwellborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  53. 53Lily JamesLily Jamesborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  54. 54Aaron Taylor-JohnsonAaron Taylor-Johnsonborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  55. 55Charlie HunnamCharlie Hunnamborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  56. 56Paul BettanyPaul Bettanyborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  57. 57Maisie WilliamsMaisie Williamsborn 1997 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  58. 58Natalie DormerNatalie Dormerborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  59. 59Elizabeth HurleyElizabeth Hurleyborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  60. 60Will PoulterWill Poulterborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  61. 61Thandiwe NewtonThandiwe Newtonborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actorsnot measured—
  62. 62Dev PatelDev Patelborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  63. 63Naomi ScottNaomi Scottborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  64. 64Michael SheenMichael Sheenborn 1969 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  65. 65Minnie DriverMinnie Driverborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  66. 66Kaya ScodelarioKaya Scodelarioborn 1992 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  67. 67Rebecca HallRebecca Hallborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  68. 68Claire FoyClaire Foyborn 1984 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  69. 69Naomie HarrisNaomie Harrisborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  70. 70Samantha MortonSamantha Mortonborn 1977 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  71. 71Emily WatsonEmily Watsonborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  72. 72Theo JamesTheo Jamesborn 1984 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  73. 73Richard MaddenRichard Maddenborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  74. 74Rhys IfansRhys Ifansborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  75. 75Luke EvansLuke Evansborn 1979 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  76. 76Freddie HighmoreFreddie Highmoreborn 1992 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  77. 77Gemma ChanGemma Chanborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  78. 78Jamie DornanJamie Dornanborn 1982 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  79. 79Helen McCroryHelen McCrory1968–2021 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  80. 80Rose LeslieRose Leslieborn 1987 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  81. 81Dominic MonaghanDominic Monaghanborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  82. 82Alan CummingAlan Cummingborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  83. 83Juno TempleJuno Templeborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  84. 84Bella RamseyBella Ramseyborn 2003 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actorsnot measured—
  85. 85Kelly MacdonaldKelly Macdonaldborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  86. 86Daniel KaluuyaDaniel Kaluuyaborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  87. 87Andrew LincolnAndrew Lincolnborn 1973 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  88. 88Mia GothMia Gothborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actorsnot measured—
  89. 89Emma CorrinEmma Corrinborn 1995 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actorsnot measured—
  90. 90Jamie BellJamie Bellborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  91. 91Asa ButterfieldAsa Butterfieldborn 1997 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  92. 92Jamie Campbell BowerJamie Campbell Bowerborn 1988 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  93. 93Gwendoline ChristieGwendoline Christieborn 1978 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  94. 94Ben WhishawBen Whishawborn 1980 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  95. 95Gemma ArtertonGemma Artertonborn 1986 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  96. 96Joseph FiennesJoseph Fiennesborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  97. 97Olivia CookeOlivia Cookeborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  98. 98Cynthia ErivoCynthia Erivoborn 1987 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  99. 99Annabelle WallisAnnabelle Wallisborn 1984 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  100. 100Phoebe Waller-BridgePhoebe Waller-Bridgeborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 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.