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. 13Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians113.5M
  14. 14Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors110.8M
  15. 15Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured105.1M
  16. 16Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors102.9M
  17. 17Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians99.3M
  18. 18LeBron JamesLeBron Jamesborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Basketball Players99M
  19. 19Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors98.7M
  20. 20Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians97.7M
  21. 21Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors94.5M
  22. 22Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91.4M
  23. 23Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors91M
  24. 24Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists89.6M
  25. 25Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures89.2M
  26. 26EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians86.7M
  27. 27Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors86.5M
  28. 28Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers84.9M
  29. 29John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians83.4M
  30. 30Melania TrumpMelania Trumpborn 1970 · 21st century · Models83M
  31. 31Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians82.9M
  32. 32Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists82.8M
  33. 33ZendayaZendayaborn 1996 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors81.9M
  34. 34Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors80.6M
  35. 35Billie EilishBillie Eilishborn 2001 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians80.1M
  36. 36Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians78.8M
  37. 37Jennifer AnistonJennifer Anistonborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.7M
  38. 38Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians78.3M
  39. 39Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors78.3M
  40. 40Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali1942–2016 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes77.8M
  41. 41Kim KardashianKim Kardashianborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors76.9M
  42. 42Steve JobsSteve Jobs1955–2011 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders76.2M
  43. 43Kanye WestKanye Westborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians75.7M
  44. 44Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors75.2M
  45. 45Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi1869–1948 · 20th century · 🇮🇳 India · Activists74.9M
  46. 46David BowieDavid Bowie1947–2016 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians74.5M
  47. 47Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors73.1M
  48. 48NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures72.9M
  49. 49Angelina JolieAngelina Jolieborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors72.4M
  50. 50Jennifer LopezJennifer Lopezborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians71.8M
  51. 51Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians71.7M
  52. 52Margot RobbieMargot Robbieborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors71.4M
  53. 53Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors70.9M
  54. 54Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians70.1M
  55. 55Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  56. 56Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  57. 57Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  58. 58Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  59. 59Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  60. 60Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  61. 61ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  62. 62Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  63. 63Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  64. 64Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  65. 65Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  66. 66RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  67. 67J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  68. 68Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  69. 69Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  70. 70Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  71. 71Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  72. 72BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  73. 73Ryan GoslingRyan Goslingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors64.3M
  74. 74Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures64.1M
  75. 75Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors64M
  76. 76Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors63M
  77. 77Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt1882–1945 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians62.8M
  78. 78Ben AffleckBen Affleckborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors61.8M
  79. 79Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players61.7M
  80. 80George W. BushGeorge W. Bushborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians61.1M
  81. 81Alexander HamiltonAlexander Hamilton1757–1804 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians61.1M
  82. 82Miley CyrusMiley Cyrusborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians61.1M
  83. 83Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models60.8M
  84. 84Mark WahlbergMark Wahlbergborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors60.7M
  85. 85Gal GadotGal Gadotborn 1985 · 21st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Actorsnot measured60.6M
  86. 86William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare1564–1616 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers60.2M
  87. 87Bradley CooperBradley Cooperborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors60.2M
  88. 88Mila KunisMila Kunisborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors59.8M
  89. 89Bill GatesBill Gatesborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders59.6M
  90. 90Bill ClintonBill Clintonborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians59.1M
  91. 91NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers58.7M
  92. 92Emily BluntEmily Bluntborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors58.4M
  93. 93Chris PrattChris Prattborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors58.3M
  94. 94Nicole KidmanNicole Kidmanborn 1967 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors58.2M
  95. 95Robert De NiroRobert De Niroborn 1943 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors58.1M
  96. 96Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King Jr.1929–1968 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers58M
  97. 97Frida KahloFrida Kahlo1907–1954 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Artists57.8M
  98. 98Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures57.7M
  99. 99Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers56.7M
  100. 100Charlize TheronCharlize Theronborn 1975 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Actors56M

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. 1Wes AndersonWes Andersonborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  2. 2Sofia CoppolaSofia Coppolaborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  3. 3Paul Thomas AndersonPaul Thomas Andersonborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  4. 4M. Night ShyamalanM. Night Shyamalanborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  5. 5J. J. AbramsJ. J. Abramsborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  6. 6Darren AronofskyDarren Aronofskyborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  7. 7Michael BayMichael Bayborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  8. 8Zack SnyderZack Snyderborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  9. 9Kevin FeigeKevin Feigeborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  10. 10Kevin SmithKevin Smithborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors4 decades
  11. 11Robert RodriguezRobert Rodriguezborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors3 decades
  12. 12Bryan SingerBryan Singerborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  13. 13Eli RothEli Rothborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  14. 14Spike JonzeSpike Jonzeborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  15. 15Alex JonesAlex Jonesborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  16. 16Damien ChazelleDamien Chazelleborn 1985 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  17. 17Ryan CooglerRyan Cooglerborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  18. 18Shonda RhimesShonda Rhimesborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  19. 19Todd PhillipsTodd Phillipsborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  20. 20Adam McKayAdam McKayborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  21. 21Dan SchneiderDan Schneiderborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  22. 22Brett RatnerBrett Ratnerborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  23. 23Antoine FuquaAntoine Fuquaborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  24. 24Andrew StantonAndrew Stantonborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  25. 25Robert EggersRobert Eggersborn 1983 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  26. 26Bam MargeraBam Margeraborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  27. 27Noah BaumbachNoah Baumbachborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  28. 28Sean BakerSean Bakerborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  29. 29Rian JohnsonRian Johnsonborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  30. 30Genndy TartakovskyGenndy Tartakovskyborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  31. 31Ari AsterAri Asterborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  32. 32Cary Joji FukunagaCary Joji Fukunagaborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  33. 33John SingletonJohn Singleton1968–2019 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  34. 34Jennifer LeeJennifer Leeborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  35. 35Scooter BraunScooter Braunborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  36. 36Francis LawrenceFrancis Lawrenceborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  37. 37Brady CorbetBrady Corbetborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  38. 38Destin Daniel CrettonDestin Daniel Crettonborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  39. 39David AyerDavid Ayerborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  40. 40Mike FlanaganMike Flanaganborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  41. 41Shane DawsonShane Dawsonborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  42. 42David LeitchDavid Leitchborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  43. 43Kane ParsonsKane Parsonsborn 2005 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  44. 44Morgan SpurlockMorgan Spurlock1970–2024 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  45. 45Ti WestTi Westborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  46. 46Nancy KerriganNancy Kerriganborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  47. 47Doug LimanDoug Limanborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  48. 48Jason BlumJason Blumborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  49. 49Harmony KorineHarmony Korineborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  50. 50F. Gary GrayF. Gary Grayborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  51. 51Len WisemanLen Wisemanborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  52. 52Pete DocterPete Docterborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  53. 53Joseph KosinskiJoseph Kosinskiborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  54. 54Chad StahelskiChad Stahelskiborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  55. 55James GrayJames Grayborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  56. 56Roman CoppolaRoman Coppolaborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  57. 57Dave FiloniDave Filoniborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  58. 58McGMcGborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  59. 59Sam LevinsonSam Levinsonborn 1985 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  60. 60Craig MazinCraig Mazinborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  61. 61Tosca MuskTosca Muskborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  62. 62Marc WebbMarc Webbborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  63. 63Ava DuVernayAva DuVernayborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  64. 64David S. GoyerDavid S. Goyerborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  65. 65Lara TrumpLara Trumpborn 1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  66. 66Jon WattsJon Wattsborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  67. 67Nia DaCostaNia DaCostaborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  68. 68Megan EllisonMegan Ellisonborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  69. 69Alex KurtzmanAlex Kurtzmanborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  70. 70Justin LinJustin Linborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  71. 71Scott DerricksonScott Derricksonborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  72. 72Travis PastranaTravis Pastranaborn 1983 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  73. 73David EllisonDavid Ellisonborn 1983 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  74. 74Jon M. ChuJon M. Chuborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  75. 75Ruben FleischerRuben Fleischerborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  76. 76Sam EsmailSam Esmailborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  77. 77Oz PerkinsOz Perkinsborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  78. 78Michael Dante DiMartinoMichael Dante DiMartinoborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  79. 79Conrad VernonConrad Vernonborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  80. 80Travis KnightTravis Knightborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  81. 81Lee UnkrichLee Unkrichborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  82. 82Rory KennedyRory Kennedyborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  83. 83David LoweryDavid Loweryborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  84. 84Adam WingardAdam Wingardborn 1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  85. 85David Robert MitchellDavid Robert Mitchellborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  86. 86Bennett MillerBennett Millerborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  87. 87Pendleton WardPendleton Wardborn 1982 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  88. 88Patty JenkinsPatty Jenkinsborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  89. 89Zach KingZach Kingborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  90. 90David Gordon GreenDavid Gordon Greenborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  91. 91Alex KendrickAlex Kendrickborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  92. 92Butch HartmanButch Hartmanborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  93. 93Chris WeitzChris Weitzborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  94. 94Richard KellyRichard Kellyborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  95. 95Colin TrevorrowColin Trevorrowborn 1976 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  96. 96Vivienne MedranoVivienne Medranoborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  97. 97Bryan KonietzkoBryan Konietzkoborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  98. 98Wendi MurdochWendi Murdochborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  99. 99Jennifer LynchJennifer Lynchborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  100. 100Susan DowneySusan Downeyborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · 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.