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'EsteIsabella d'Este1474–1539 · 16th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists0.56
  84. 84Isabella d'Este, Duchess of ParmaIsabella d'Este, Duchess of Parma1635–1666 · 17th century · Historical Figures0.56
  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. 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. 1LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  2. 2Kobe BryantKobe Bryant1978–2020 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  3. 3Shaquille O'NealShaquille O'Nealborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players3 decades
  4. 4Stephen CurryStephen Curryborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players1 decades
  5. 5Kevin DurantKevin Durantborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players1 decades
  6. 6Giannis AntetokounmpoGiannis Antetokounmpoborn 1994 · Basketball Players0 decades
  7. 7Luka DončićLuka Dončićborn 1999 · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  8. 8Yao MingYao Mingborn 1980 · 🇨🇳 China · Basketball Players4 decades
  9. 9Russell WestbrookRussell Westbrookborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  10. 10Chris PaulChris Paulborn 1985 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  11. 11Dwyane WadeDwyane Wadeborn 1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players1 decades
  12. 12Kawhi LeonardKawhi Leonardborn 1991 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  13. 13Tony ParkerTony Parkerborn 1982 · 🇫🇷 France · Basketball Players2 decades
  14. 14Kevin GarnettKevin Garnettborn 1976 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  15. 15Kyrie IrvingKyrie Irvingborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  16. 16Allen IversonAllen Iversonborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  17. 17Klay ThompsonKlay Thompsonborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  18. 18James HardenJames Hardenborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  19. 19Brittney GrinerBrittney Grinerborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  20. 20Derrick RoseDerrick Roseborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  21. 21Scottie PippenScottie Pippenborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players3 decades
  22. 22Tim DuncanTim Duncanborn 1976 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  23. 23Nikola JokićNikola Jokićborn 1995 · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  24. 24Dirk NowitzkiDirk Nowitzkiborn 1978 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Basketball Players2 decades
  25. 25Victor WembanyamaVictor Wembanyamaborn 2004 · 🇫🇷 France · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  26. 26Carmelo AnthonyCarmelo Anthonyborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players1 decades
  27. 27Enes Kanter FreedomEnes Kanter Freedomborn 1992 · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  28. 28Steve NashSteve Nashborn 1974 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Basketball Players2 decades
  29. 29Dwight HowardDwight Howardborn 1985 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  30. 30Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderShai Gilgeous-Alexanderborn 1998 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  31. 31Blake GriffinBlake Griffinborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  32. 32Ja MorantJa Morantborn 1999 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  33. 33Anthony DavisAnthony Davisborn 1993 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players3 decades
  34. 34Jeremy LinJeremy Linborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players1 decades
  35. 35Paul GeorgePaul Georgeborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players1 decades
  36. 36Karl-Anthony TownsKarl-Anthony Townsborn 1995 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  37. 37Pau GasolPau Gasolborn 1980 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Basketball Players2 decades
  38. 38DeMar DeRozanDeMar DeRozanborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  39. 39Jaylen BrownJaylen Brownborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  40. 40Chauncey BillupsChauncey Billupsborn 1976 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  41. 41Rasheed WallaceRasheed Wallaceborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  42. 42Lamar OdomLamar Odomborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  43. 43Damian LillardDamian Lillardborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  44. 44Kevin LoveKevin Loveborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  45. 45Donovan MitchellDonovan Mitchellborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  46. 46Amar'e StoudemireAmar'e Stoudemireborn 1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  47. 47Ray AllenRay Allenborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players5 decades
  48. 48Jayson TatumJayson Tatumborn 1998 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  49. 49Jimmy ButlerJimmy Butlerborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  50. 50Tracy McGradyTracy McGradyborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  51. 51Jalen BrunsonJalen Brunsonborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  52. 52Devin BookerDevin Bookerborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  53. 53Jason KiddJason Kiddborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players1 decades
  54. 54Dikembe MutomboDikembe Mutombo1966–2024 · Basketball Players0 decades
  55. 55Joel EmbiidJoel Embiidborn 1994 · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  56. 56Draymond GreenDraymond Greenborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  57. 57Vince CarterVince Carterborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players1 decades
  58. 58Muggsy BoguesMuggsy Boguesborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  59. 59Dennis SchröderDennis Schröderborn 1993 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  60. 60Ben WallaceBen Wallaceborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  61. 61Rui HachimuraRui Hachimuraborn 1998 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  62. 62Manu GinóbiliManu Ginóbiliborn 1977 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Basketball Players0 decades
  63. 63Chris BoshChris Boshborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  64. 64Gary PaytonGary Paytonborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  65. 65Bam AdebayoBam Adebayoborn 1997 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  66. 66Caitlin ClarkCaitlin Clarkborn 2002 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  67. 67Lonzo BallLonzo Ballborn 1997 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  68. 68Gilbert ArenasGilbert Arenasborn 1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  69. 69Rajon RondoRajon Rondoborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  70. 70Ricky RubioRicky Rubioborn 1990 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Basketball Players0 decades
  71. 71Metta Sandiford-ArtestMetta Sandiford-Artestborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  72. 72Sue BirdSue Birdborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  73. 73Grant HillGrant Hillborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  74. 74Jrue HolidayJrue Holidayborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  75. 75Steve KerrSteve Kerrborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  76. 76Paul PiercePaul Pierceborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  77. 77LaMelo BallLaMelo Ballborn 2001 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  78. 78David RobinsonDavid Robinsonborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players6 decades
  79. 79Ben SimmonsBen Simmonsborn 1996 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  80. 80Tyrese HaliburtonTyrese Haliburtonborn 2000 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  81. 81Reggie MillerReggie Millerborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  82. 82Michael BeasleyMichael Beasleyborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  83. 83Kyle LowryKyle Lowryborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  84. 84Zion WilliamsonZion Williamsonborn 2000 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  85. 85Rudy GobertRudy Gobertborn 1992 · 🇫🇷 France · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  86. 86JJ RedickJJ Redickborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  87. 87Kristaps PorziņģisKristaps Porziņģisborn 1995 · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  88. 88Andre IguodalaAndre Iguodalaborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players0 decades
  89. 89De'Aaron FoxDe'Aaron Foxborn 1997 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  90. 90Candace ParkerCandace Parkerborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  91. 91Julius RandleJulius Randleborn 1994 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  92. 92Chris WebberChris Webberborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  93. 93Domantas SabonisDomantas Sabonisborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  94. 94Joe JohnsonJoe Johnsonborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  95. 95Jamal MurrayJamal Murrayborn 1997 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  96. 96Nate RobinsonNate Robinsonborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  97. 97Tobias HarrisTobias Harrisborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  98. 98Andrew WigginsAndrew Wigginsborn 1995 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  99. 99CJ McCollumCJ McCollumborn 1991 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot measured—
  100. 100Marcus SmartMarcus Smartborn 1994 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Playersnot 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.