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. 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. 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.