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. 13Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians114.1M
  14. 14Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians113.5M
  15. 15Kamala HarrisKamala Harrisborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians113.5M
  16. 16Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors110.8M
  17. 17Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured105.1M
  18. 18Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors102.9M
  19. 19Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom101.8M
  20. 20Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians99.3M
  21. 21LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players99M
  22. 22Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors98.7M
  23. 23Michael JordanMichael Jordanborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players98.2M
  24. 24Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians97.7M
  25. 25Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors94.5M
  26. 26Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91.4M
  27. 27Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91M
  28. 28George VIGeorge VI1895–1952 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures90.2M
  29. 29Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists89.6M
  30. 30Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures89.2M
  31. 31EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians86.7M
  32. 32Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors86.5M
  33. 33Kobe BryantKobe Bryant1978–2020 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players86.2M
  34. 34Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers84.9M
  35. 35Ryan ReynoldsRyan Reynoldsborn 1976 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors84.3M
  36. 36John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians83.4M
  37. 37Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · 21st century · Models83M
  38. 38Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians82.9M
  39. 39Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists82.8M
  40. 40ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors81.9M
  41. 41Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors80.6M
  42. 42Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians80.1M
  43. 43Jason MomoaJason Momoaborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.9M
  44. 44Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians78.8M
  45. 45Jeff BezosJeff Bezosborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders78.7M
  46. 46Jennifer AnistonJennifer Anistonborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.7M
  47. 47Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians78.3M
  48. 48Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.3M
  49. 49Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942–2016 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes77.8M
  50. 50Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors76.9M
  51. 51Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955–2011 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders76.2M
  52. 52Kanye WestKanye Westborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians75.7M
  53. 53Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors75.2M
  54. 54Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi1869–1948 · 20th century · 🇮🇳 India · Activists74.9M
  55. 55David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians74.5M
  56. 56Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors73.1M
  57. 57NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures72.9M
  58. 58Tupac ShakurTupac Shakur1971–1996 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians72.7M
  59. 59Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors72.4M
  60. 60Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians71.8M
  61. 61Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians71.7M
  62. 62Margot RobbieMargot Robbieborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors71.4M
  63. 63Edward VIIIEdward VIII1894–1972 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures71.2M
  64. 64Mia KhalifaMia Khalifaborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actorsnot measured71M
  65. 65Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors70.9M
  66. 66Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians70.1M
  67. 67Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  68. 68Amber HeardAmber Heardborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors69.3M
  69. 69Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  70. 70Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  71. 71Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  72. 72Millie Bobby BrownMillie Bobby Brownborn 2004 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors68.8M
  73. 73Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  74. 74Blake LivelyBlake Livelyborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.4M
  75. 75Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  76. 76ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  77. 77Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  78. 78Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  79. 79Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  80. 80Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  81. 81RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  82. 82Mike TysonMike Tysonborn 1966 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes66.5M
  83. 83J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  84. 84Tom HardyTom Hardyborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors66.1M
  85. 85John CenaJohn Cenaborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes65.6M
  86. 86Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  87. 87Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  88. 88Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  89. 89Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  90. 90BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  91. 91Ryan GoslingRyan Goslingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors64.3M
  92. 92Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures64.1M
  93. 93Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors64M
  94. 94Kylie JennerKylie Jennerborn 1997 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Models63.4M
  95. 95Dolly PartonDolly Parton1946–2026 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians63.1M
  96. 96Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors63M
  97. 97Chris HemsworthChris Hemsworthborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors62.9M
  98. 98Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt1882–1945 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians62.8M
  99. 99Macaulay CulkinMacaulay Culkinborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors62.1M
  100. 100Ben AffleckBen Affleckborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors61.8M

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.