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

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1Patriarch Nikon of MoscowPatriarch Nikon of Moscow1605–1681 · 17th century · Religious Figures3.5
  2. 2Peter the GreatPeter the Great1672–1725 · 18th century · Politicians3.0
  3. 3Nicholas II of RussiaNicholas II of Russia1868–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures2.6
  4. 4Macarius, Metropolitan of MoscowMacarius, Metropolitan of Moscow1482–1563 · 16th century · Writers2.5
  5. 5Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politicians2.2
  6. 6Nicholas I of RussiaNicholas I of Russia1796–1855 · 19th century · Models2.1
  7. 7Alexander I of RussiaAlexander I of Russia1777–1825 · 19th century · Historical Figures2.0
  8. 8Alexis of RussiaAlexis of Russia1629–1676 · 17th century · Historical Figures1.9
  9. 9Ivan the TerribleIvan the Terrible1530–1584 · 16th century · Politicians1.9
  10. 10Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy1828–1910 · 19th century · Writers1.9
  11. 11Nicholas Alexandrovich, Tsesarevich of RussiaNicholas Alexandrovich, Tsesarevich of Russia1843–1865 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.8
  12. 12Maria FeodorovnaMaria Feodorovna1847–1928 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.5
  13. 13Alexander II of RussiaAlexander II of Russia1818–1881 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.5
  14. 14Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of RussiaGrand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia1857–1905 · 19th century · Politicians1.5
  15. 15Grand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich of RussiaGrand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich of Russia1859–1919 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.5
  16. 16Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of RussiaGrand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of Russia1847–1909 · 19th century · Politicians1.4
  17. 17Alexander III of RussiaAlexander III of Russia1845–1894 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.4
  18. 18Alexei Nikolaevich, Tsarevich of RussiaAlexei Nikolaevich, Tsarevich of Russia1904–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures1.3
  19. 19Boris GodunovBoris Godunov1552–1605 · 16th century · Politicians1.3
  20. 20Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of RussiaGrand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia1850–1908 · 19th century · Historical Figures1.1
  21. 21Elizabeth of RussiaElizabeth of Russia1709–1761 · 18th century · Historical Figures1.0
  22. 22Andrei BelyAndrei Bely1880–1934 · 20th century · Writers1.0
  23. 23Alexei Petrovich, Tsarevich of RussiaAlexei Petrovich, Tsarevich of Russia1690–1718 · 18th century · Politicians1.0
  24. 24Ivan I of TverIvan I of Tver1357–1425 · 14th century · Historical Figures0.99
  25. 25Paul I of RussiaPaul I of Russia1754–1801 · 18th century · Historical Figures0.96
  26. 26Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich of RussiaGrand Duke Michael Nikolaevich of Russia1832–1909 · 19th century · Politicians0.92
  27. 27Ivan I Aleksandrovich, Prince of SmolenskIvan I Aleksandrovich, Prince of Smolenskdied 1359 · 14th century0.88
  28. 28Grand Duke Peter Nikolaevich of RussiaGrand Duke Peter Nikolaevich of Russia1864–1931 · 19th century · Historical Figures0.86
  29. 29Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich of RussiaGrand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich of Russia1827–1892 · 19th century · Historical Figures0.78
  30. 30Marina TsvetaevaMarina Tsvetaeva1892–1941 · 20th century · Writers0.77
  31. 31Anna AkhmatovaAnna Akhmatova1889–1966 · 20th century · Writers0.76
  32. 32Dmitry MedvedevDmitry Medvedevborn 1965 · 21st century · Politicians0.75
  33. 33Boris YeltsinBoris Yeltsin1931–2007 · 20th century · Politicians0.75
  34. 34Michael of RussiaMichael of Russia1596–1645 · 17th century · Historical Figures0.74
  35. 35Alexander BlokAlexander Blok1880–1921 · 20th century · Writers0.73
  36. 36Vladimir SolovyovVladimir Solovyov1853–1900 · 19th century · Academics0.72
  37. 37Olga Nikolaevna of RussiaOlga Nikolaevna of Russia1822–1892 · 19th century · Historical Figures0.70
  38. 38Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of RussiaGrand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna of Russia1895–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures0.70
  39. 39Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna of RussiaGrand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna of Russia1899–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures0.69
  40. 40Patriarch JoachimPatriarch Joachim1621–1690 · 17th century0.69
  41. 41Anna of RussiaAnna of Russia1693–1740 · 18th century · Politicians0.67
  42. 42Maxim GorkyMaxim Gorky1868–1936 · 20th century · Writers0.67
  43. 43Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich of RussiaGrand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich of Russia1858–1915 · 19th century · Writers0.62
  44. 44Alexander PushkinAlexander Pushkin1799–1837 · 19th century · Writers0.62
  45. 45Sergei YeseninSergei Yesenin1895–1925 · 20th century · Writers0.58
  46. 46Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich of RussiaGrand Duke Paul Alexandrovich of Russia1860–1919 · 19th century · Politicians0.56
  47. 47Peter III of RussiaPeter III of Russia1728–1762 · 18th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0.56
  48. 48Boris of TverBoris of Tver1400–1461 · 15th century0.49
  49. 49Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of RussiaGrand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna of Russia1897–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures0.49
  50. 50Patriarch Alexius IIPatriarch Alexius II1929–2008 · 20th century · Religious Figures0.48
  51. 51Joseph BrodskyJoseph Brodsky1940–1996 · 20th century · Writers0.47
  52. 52Aleksey TolstoyAleksey Tolstoy1882–1945 · 20th century · Writers0.47
  53. 53Aleksey Konstantinovich TolstoyAleksey Konstantinovich Tolstoy1817–1875 · 19th century · Writers0.46
  54. 54Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians0.44
  55. 55Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev1931–2022 · 20th century · Politicians0.43
  56. 56Vladimir VysotskyVladimir Vysotsky1938–1980 · 20th century · Musicians0.42
  57. 57Vasili IV of RussiaVasili IV of Russia1552–1612 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.41
  58. 58Avraamy PalitsynAvraamy Palitsyn1550–1626 · 16th century · Writers0.41
  59. 59Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich of RussiaGrand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich of Russia1779–1831 · 19th century · Politicians0.41
  60. 60Grand Duke George Alexandrovich of RussiaGrand Duke George Alexandrovich of Russia1871–1899 · 19th century · Historical Figures0.40
  61. 61Vasili III of RussiaVasili III of Russia1479–1533 · 16th century · Politicians0.37
  62. 62John of KronstadtJohn of Kronstadt1829–1908 · 19th century · Writers0.37
  63. 63Yury LuzhkovYury Luzhkov1936–2019 · 20th century · Politicians0.36
  64. 64Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin1870–1924 · 20th century · Politicians0.36
  65. 65Seraphim of SarovSeraphim of Sarov1754–1833 · 18th century0.36
  66. 66Vladimir MayakovskyVladimir Mayakovsky1893–1930 · 20th century · Writers0.36
  67. 67Alexandra VelyaminovaAlexandra Velyaminova1301–1364 · 14th century0.35
  68. 68Maximus the GreekMaximus the Greek1475–1556 · 16th century · Writers0.35
  69. 69Anton ChekhovAnton Chekhov1860–1904 · 19th century · Writers0.35
  70. 70Nikita KhrushchevNikita Khrushchev1894–1971 · 20th century · Politicians0.33
  71. 71Valery BryusovValery Bryusov1873–1924 · 20th century · Writers0.33
  72. 72Mikhail BulgakovMikhail Bulgakov1891–1940 · 20th century · Writers0.33
  73. 73Catherine Pavlovna of RussiaCatherine Pavlovna of Russia1788–1819 · 19th century · Historical Figures0.33
  74. 74Alla PugachevaAlla Pugachevaborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Musicians0.32
  75. 75Aleksandr SolzhenitsynAleksandr Solzhenitsyn1918–2008 · 20th century · Writers0.32
  76. 76Fyodor DostoevskyFyodor Dostoevsky1821–1881 · 19th century · Writers0.31
  77. 77Boris BerezovskyBoris Berezovsky1946–2013 · 20th century · Academics0.30
  78. 78Ilya EhrenburgIlya Ehrenburg1891–1967 · 20th century · Writers0.29
  79. 79Ivan BuninIvan Bunin1870–1953 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers0.29
  80. 80ZemfiraZemfiraborn 1976 · 21st century · Musicians0.29
  81. 81Leonid AndreyevLeonid Andreyev1871–1919 · 20th century · Writers0.29
  82. 82Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin1934–1968 · 20th century · Politicians0.28
  83. 83Korney ChukovskyKorney Chukovsky1882–1969 · 20th century · Writers0.28
  84. 84Nursultan NazarbayevNursultan Nazarbayevborn 1940 · 20th century · Politicians0.28
  85. 85Symeon of PolotskSymeon of Polotsk1629–1680 · 17th century · Writers0.27
  86. 86Lavrentiy BeriaLavrentiy Beria1899–1953 · 20th century · Politicians0.26
  87. 87Bulat OkudzhavaBulat Okudzhava1924–1997 · 20th century · Writers0.26
  88. 88Grand Duchess Natalya Alexeyevna of RussiaGrand Duchess Natalya Alexeyevna of Russia1714–1728 · 18th century0.24
  89. 89Natalya Alexeevna of RussiaNatalya Alexeevna of Russia1673–1716 · 18th century · Writers0.24
  90. 90Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of RussiaGrand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia1863–1919 · 19th century · Politicians0.24
  91. 91Vladimir NabokovVladimir Nabokov1899–1977 · 20th century · Writers0.23
  92. 92Ivan FyodorovIvan Fyodorov1510–1583 · 16th century0.23
  93. 93Andrei PlatonovAndrei Platonov1899–1951 · 20th century · Writers0.23
  94. 94Mikhail SholokhovMikhail Sholokhov1905–1984 · 20th century · Writers0.23
  95. 95Nikolai GogolNikolai Gogol1809–1852 · 19th century · Writers0.23
  96. 96Nikita MikhalkovNikita Mikhalkovborn 1945 · 20th century · Directors0.23
  97. 97Heydar AliyevHeydar Aliyev1923–2003 · 20th century · Politicians0.23
  98. 98Nikolai BerdyaevNikolai Berdyaev1874–1948 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Academics0.23
  99. 99Konstantin SimonovKonstantin Simonov1915–1979 · 20th century · Writers0.23
  100. 100Grand Duchess Alexandra Nikolaevna of RussiaGrand Duchess Alexandra Nikolaevna of Russia1825–1844 · 19th century · Historical Figures0.23

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. 18Wladimir PutinWladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politiciansnot measured29.6M
  19. 19NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures29M
  20. 20Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures28.1M
  21. 21Alexander PushkinAlexander Pushkin1799–1837 · 19th century · Writers27.1M
  22. 22Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin1870–1924 · 20th century · Politicians26.9M
  23. 23Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors26.1M
  24. 24Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured25.5M
  25. 25CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures25.1M
  26. 26Peter the GreatPeter the Great1672–1725 · 18th century · Politicians24.5M
  27. 27Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976–2024 · 21st century · Politicians23.7M
  28. 28Angela MerkelAngela Merkelborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians23.5M
  29. 29Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists23.3M
  30. 30Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players23.2M
  31. 31Louis XIV of FranceLouis XIV of France1638–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures22.2M
  32. 32Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom22M
  33. 33Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev1931–2022 · 20th century · Politicians21.5M
  34. 34Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes21.4M
  35. 35Pablo PicassoPablo Picasso1881–1973 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists21.3M
  36. 36Alla PugachevaAlla Pugachevaborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Musicians20.9M
  37. 37Yevgeny PrigozhinYevgeny Prigozhin1961–2023 · 20th century · Foundersnot measured20.6M
  38. 38NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers20.6M
  39. 39Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians20.4M
  40. 40Gabriel García MárquezGabriel García Márquez1927–2014 · 20th century · Writers20.4M
  41. 41Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists20.3M
  42. 42Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors20.2M
  43. 43Nicholas II of RussiaNicholas II of Russia1868–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures20M
  44. 44Jeffrey DahmerJeffrey Dahmer1960–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures20M
  45. 45Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors19.8M
  46. 46Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors19.7M
  47. 47Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors19.6M
  48. 48Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers19.5M
  49. 49Diego MaradonaDiego Maradona1960–2020 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers19M
  50. 50Princess Margaret, Countess of SnowdonPrincess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon1930–2002 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures19M
  51. 51Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.9M
  52. 52Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players18.8M
  53. 53Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.6M
  54. 54Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians18.5M
  55. 55Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin1934–1968 · 20th century · Politicians18.4M
  56. 56Terence HillTerence Hillborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors18.4M
  57. 57Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors18.4M
  58. 58Wolfgang Amadeus MozartWolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756–1791 · 18th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians18.4M
  59. 59Ivan the TerribleIvan the Terrible1530–1584 · 16th century · Politicians18.2M
  60. 60José de San MartínJosé de San Martín1778–1850 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians18.1M
  61. 61Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players18M
  62. 62Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers17.9M
  63. 63Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured17.9M
  64. 64EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.9M
  65. 65Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers17.8M
  66. 66Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians17.8M
  67. 67Victor HugoVictor Hugo1802–1885 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers17.8M
  68. 68Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures17.8M
  69. 69Romy SchneiderRomy Schneider1938–1982 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors17.6M
  70. 70Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors17.5M
  71. 71Viktor TsoiViktor Tsoi1962–1990 · 20th century · Musicians17.4M
  72. 72Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.4M
  73. 73Bud SpencerBud Spencer1929–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors17.3M
  74. 74RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers17.3M
  75. 75Annalena BaerbockAnnalena Baerbockborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians17.2M
  76. 76Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians17.1M
  77. 77Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals17.1M
  78. 78Silvio BerlusconiSilvio Berlusconi1936–2023 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians17M
  79. 79Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.9M
  80. 80Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers16.9M
  81. 81Khabib NurmagomedovKhabib Nurmagomedovborn 1988 · 21st century · Actorsnot measured16.9M
  82. 82Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy1828–1910 · 19th century · Writers16.9M
  83. 83Che GuevaraChe Guevara1928–1967 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Activists16.7M
  84. 84Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models16.5M
  85. 85Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians16.4M
  86. 86Leonardo da VinciLeonardo da Vinci1452–1519 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists16.2M
  87. 87Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians16.2M
  88. 88Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantinoborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors16.1M
  89. 89Alain DelonAlain Delon1935–2024 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors16.1M
  90. 90Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.1M
  91. 91Paul I of RussiaPaul I of Russia1754–1801 · 18th century · Historical Figures16M
  92. 92Francisco FrancoFrancisco Franco1892–1975 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians15.9M
  93. 93Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers15.8M
  94. 94Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians15.8M
  95. 95Nicolás MaduroNicolás Maduroborn 1962 · 20th century · Politicians15.7M
  96. 96Ana de ArmasAna de Armasborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors15.6M
  97. 97Ramzan KadyrovRamzan Kadyrovborn 1976 · 21st century · Politicians15.6M
  98. 98Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  99. 99Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  100. 100Ariana 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. 1Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers1 decades
  2. 2Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers2 decades
  3. 3Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders1 decades
  4. 4ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians3 decades
  5. 5Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr Zelenskyborn 1978 · Politicians0 decades
  6. 6Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes3 decades
  7. 7Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  8. 8Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · Tennis Players1 decades
  9. 9NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers1 decades
  10. 10Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  11. 11Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers3 decades
  12. 12Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  13. 13Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  14. 14Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians1 decades
  15. 15Dmitry MedvedevDmitry Medvedevborn 1965 · Politicians3 decades
  16. 16Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  17. 17Giorgia MeloniGiorgia Meloniborn 1977 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians2 decades
  18. 18Natalie PortmanNatalie Portmanborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  19. 19Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players2 decades
  20. 20Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · Models1 decades
  21. 21Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  22. 22RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · Musicians2 decades
  23. 23RonaldoRonaldoborn 1976 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballersnot measured—
  24. 24RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers3 decades
  25. 25Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players2 decades
  26. 26Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  27. 27J. D. VanceJ. D. Vanceborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Politiciansnot measured—
  28. 28Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models1 decades
  29. 29EminemEminemborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2 decades
  30. 30Tom HollandTom Hollandborn 1996 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  31. 31Julia RobertsJulia Robertsborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  32. 32Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976–2024 · Politicians1 decades
  33. 33Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers0 decades
  34. 34Amy WinehouseAmy Winehouse1983–2011 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians1 decades
  35. 35Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians0 decades
  36. 36Marine Le PenMarine Le Penborn 1968 · 🇫🇷 France · Politicians2 decades
  37. 37Justin TrudeauJustin Trudeauborn 1971 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Politicians1 decades
  38. 38Nicole KidmanNicole Kidmanborn 1967 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors3 decades
  39. 39Charlize TheronCharlize Theronborn 1975 · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Actors2 decades
  40. 40ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0 decades
  41. 41Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamiltonborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Athletes1 decades
  42. 42Felipe VI of SpainFelipe VI of Spainborn 1968 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures0 decades
  43. 43Katy PerryKaty Perryborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  44. 44Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors2 decades
  45. 45Matt DamonMatt Damonborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  46. 46Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors1 decades
  47. 47Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians0 decades
  48. 48Lamine YamalLamine Yamalborn 2007 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballersnot measured—
  49. 49Pedro SánchezPedro Sánchezborn 1972 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians5 decades
  50. 50Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  51. 51Mark ZuckerbergMark Zuckerbergborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders1 decades
  52. 52Christopher NolanChristopher Nolanborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  53. 53Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians1 decades
  54. 54Greta ThunbergGreta Thunbergborn 2003 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Activists0 decades
  55. 55Kim Jong-unKim Jong-unborn 1984 · Politicians1 decades
  56. 56Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians3 decades
  57. 57David BeckhamDavid Beckhamborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers2 decades
  58. 58Penélope CruzPenélope Cruzborn 1974 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors3 decades
  59. 59Keira KnightleyKeira Knightleyborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  60. 60Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  61. 61BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2 decades
  62. 62Fernando AlonsoFernando Alonsoborn 1981 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Athletes4 decades
  63. 63Miley CyrusMiley Cyrusborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  64. 64Bradley CooperBradley Cooperborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  65. 65Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians1 decades
  66. 66Bashar al-AssadBashar al-Assadborn 1965 · Politicians2 decades
  67. 67J. K. RowlingJ. K. Rowlingborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers2 decades
  68. 68Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers1 decades
  69. 69Kate WinsletKate Winsletborn 1975 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors3 decades
  70. 70Jason StathamJason Stathamborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors0 decades
  71. 71Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  72. 72Daniel CraigDaniel Craigborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors2 decades
  73. 73Pamela AndersonPamela Andersonborn 1967 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors3 decades
  74. 74Max VerstappenMax Verstappenborn 1997 · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Athletes0 decades
  75. 75Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  76. 76Robert LewandowskiRobert Lewandowskiborn 1988 · Footballers0 decades
  77. 77Ben AffleckBen Affleckborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors2 decades
  78. 78Harry KaneHarry Kaneborn 1993 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Footballers0 decades
  79. 79Olivier GiroudOlivier Giroudborn 1986 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers0 decades
  80. 80Serena WilliamsSerena Williamsborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Tennis Players2 decades
  81. 81Luka ModrićLuka Modrićborn 1985 · Footballers0 decades
  82. 82Cameron DiazCameron Diazborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  83. 83Thierry HenryThierry Henryborn 1977 · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers2 decades
  84. 84Manuel NeuerManuel Neuerborn 1986 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers1 decades
  85. 85Erling HaalandErling Haalandborn 2000 · 🇳🇴 Norway · Footballersnot measured—
  86. 86LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players2 decades
  87. 87Cate BlanchettCate Blanchettborn 1969 · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors2 decades
  88. 88Emma StoneEmma Stoneborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors1 decades
  89. 89Thomas MüllerThomas Müllerborn 1989 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Footballers4 decades
  90. 90Chester BenningtonChester Bennington1976–2017 · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians0 decades
  91. 91Daniel RadcliffeDaniel Radcliffeborn 1989 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors1 decades
  92. 92Javier MileiJavier Mileiborn 1970 · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Academicsnot measured—
  93. 93Robbie WilliamsRobbie Williamsborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians2 decades
  94. 94James RodríguezJames Rodríguezborn 1991 · Footballers1 decades
  95. 95Winona RyderWinona Ryderborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors3 decades
  96. 96AviciiAvicii1989–2018 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Musicians0 decades
  97. 97Mohamed SalahMohamed Salahborn 1992 · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Footballers0 decades
  98. 98Marion CotillardMarion Cotillardborn 1975 · 🇫🇷 France · Actors2 decades
  99. 99Pep GuardiolaPep Guardiolaborn 1971 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Footballers1 decades
  100. 100Gianluigi BuffonGianluigi Buffonborn 1978 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Footballers2 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.