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

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians114
  2. 2Deng XiaopingDeng Xiaoping1909–1997 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians61
  3. 3Lu XunLu Xun1881–1936 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers36
  4. 4Jiang ZeminJiang Zemin1926–2022 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians36
  5. 5Hu JintaoHu Jintaoborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians30
  6. 6Zhou EnlaiZhou Enlai1898–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians26
  7. 7ConfuciusConfucius551 BC–479 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Academics19
  8. 8Sun Yat-senSun Yat-sen1866–1925 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians18
  9. 9Chen Shui-bianChen Shui-bianborn 1950 · 20th century · Politicians13
  10. 10Liu ShaoqiLiu Shaoqi1898–1969 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians13
  11. 11Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians12
  12. 12LaoziLaozi579 BC–500 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics11
  13. 13Lee Teng-huiLee Teng-hui1923–2020 · 20th century · Politicians10.0
  14. 14Lee Kuan YewLee Kuan Yew1923–2015 · 20th century · Politicians8.8
  15. 15Ma Ying-jeouMa Ying-jeouborn 1950 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians8.5
  16. 16Wen JiabaoWen Jiabaoborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians8.1
  17. 17Lin BiaoLin Biao1907–1971 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians5.7
  18. 18Zhu DeZhu De1886–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4.9
  19. 19Yuan ShikaiYuan Shikai1859–1916 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians4.6
  20. 20Jiang QingJiang Qing1914–1991 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Actors4.0
  21. 21Zhuang ZhouZhuang Zhou369 BC–288 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Academics3.9
  22. 22GMGao Ming1305–1370 · 14th century · Writers3.6
  23. 23Kang YouweiKang Youwei1858–1927 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians3.6
  24. 24Chiang Ching-kuoChiang Ching-kuo1910–1988 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.9
  25. 25Yan FuYan Fu1854–1921 · 19th century · Writers2.8
  26. 26Li KeqiangLi Keqiang1955–2023 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.7
  27. 27Zhao ZiyangZhao Ziyang1919–2005 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians2.2
  28. 28Tsai Ing-wenTsai Ing-wenborn 1956 · 20th century · Politicians1.8
  29. 29Li PengLi Peng1928–2019 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.8
  30. 30Sima QianSima Qian145 BC–86 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.7
  31. 31Jack MaJack Maborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Founders1.7
  32. 32Zhang YimouZhang Yimouborn 1950 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Directors1.6
  33. 33Soong Ching-lingSoong Ching-ling1893–1981 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.5
  34. 34Li HongzhangLi Hongzhang1823–1901 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.5
  35. 35Zhu XiZhu Xi1130–1200 · 12th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.4
  36. 36Chen-ning YangChen-ning Yang1922–2025 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Scientists1.3
  37. 37Zhu RongjiZhu Rongjiborn 1928 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians1.3
  38. 38Cao XueqinCao Xueqin1724–1760 · 18th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.2
  39. 39Qu YuanQu Yuan343 BC–278 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Writers1.2
  40. 40Li BaiLi Bai701–762 · 8th century · Writers1.2
  41. 41Dong ZhongshuDong Zhongshu179 BC–104 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians1.0
  42. 42MoziMozi470 BC–391 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics1.0
  43. 43Xun KuangXun Kuang313 BC–230 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.99
  44. 44KoxingaKoxinga1624–1662 · 17th century · 🇯🇵 Japan · Politicians0.99
  45. 45Zhuge LiangZhuge Liang181–234 · 3rd century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.98
  46. 46Mo YanMo Yanborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.93
  47. 47LSLi Si280 BC–208 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.90
  48. 48Hong XiuquanHong Xiuquan1814–1864 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.90
  49. 49Bruce LeeBruce Lee1940–1973 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0.88
  50. 50Zheng HeZheng He1371–1433 · 15th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.87
  51. 51Tao YuanmingTao Yuanming365–427 · 5th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.87
  52. 52Wang AnshiWang Anshi1021–1086 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.87
  53. 53Hai RuiHai Rui1514–1587 · 16th century0.86
  54. 54Du FuDu Fu712–770 · 8th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.78
  55. 55Jackie ChanJackie Chanborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors0.74
  56. 56Cao CaoCao Cao155–220 · 2nd century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.72
  57. 57Han YuHan Yu768–824 · 9th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.69
  58. 58Wang YiWang Yiborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.69
  59. 59Wang YangmingWang Yangming1472–1529 · 16th century · 🇨🇳 China · Academics0.65
  60. 60Lin YutangLin Yutang1895–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.61
  61. 61Li QiangLi Qiangborn 1959 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.59
  62. 62Ouyang XiuOuyang Xiu1007–1072 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.58
  63. 63Gu YanwuGu Yanwu1613–1682 · 17th century · Writers0.55
  64. 64Zeng GuofanZeng Guofan1811–1872 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.54
  65. 65Su ShiSu Shi1037–1101 · 11th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.54
  66. 66Liu ZongyuanLiu Zongyuan773–819 · 9th century · Writers0.52
  67. 67Emperor Wu of HanEmperor Wu of Han156 BC–87 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.51
  68. 68Wang FuzhiWang Fuzhi1619–1692 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.51
  69. 69Liu BeiLiu Bei161–223 · 2nd century0.49
  70. 70Huang ZongxiHuang Zongxi1610–1695 · 17th century · Academics0.49
  71. 71Wu ZetianWu Zetian624–705 · 7th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.48
  72. 72Lin Tse-hsuLin Tse-hsu1785–1850 · 19th century · Politicians0.48
  73. 73Li ZichengLi Zicheng1606–1645 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.47
  74. 74Wang XizhiWang Xizhi321–361 · 4th century · 🇨🇳 China · Artists0.45
  75. 75Liu XiangLiu Xiangborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Athletes0.45
  76. 76Yao MingYao Mingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Basketball Players0.44
  77. 77Hongwu EmperorHongwu Emperor1328–1398 · 14th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.43
  78. 78Jia YiJia Yi200 BC–168 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.43
  79. 79Hua GuofengHua Guofeng1921–2008 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.43
  80. 80Pu SonglingPu Songling1640–1715 · 17th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.42
  81. 81Tan SitongTan Sitong1865–1898 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Academics0.39
  82. 82Xu XiakeXu Xiake1587–1641 · 17th century · Historical Figures0.39
  83. 83Gui YouguangGui Youguang1506–1571 · 16th century · Politicians0.39
  84. 84Zhang ZhidongZhang Zhidong1837–1909 · 19th century · Politicians0.38
  85. 85Emperor Taizong of TangEmperor Taizong of Tang598–649 · 7th century · 🇨🇳 China · Historical Figures0.35
  86. 86Pang DePang De170–219 · 3rd century0.35
  87. 87Ma HuatengMa Huatengborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Founders0.34
  88. 88Kim Il-sungKim Il-sung1912–1994 · 20th century · Politicians0.33
  89. 89Wen TianxiangWen Tianxiang1236–1283 · 13th century · Politicians0.31
  90. 90Ma LongMa Longborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Actors0.30
  91. 91Li NaLi Naborn 1982 · 21st century · 🇨🇳 China · Tennis Players0.29
  92. 92Gao XingjianGao Xingjianborn 1940 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.29
  93. 93ZengziZengzi504 BC–435 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.29
  94. 94Liu XiaoboLiu Xiaobo1955–2017 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.28
  95. 95Teresa TengTeresa Teng1953–1995 · 20th century · Musicians0.27
  96. 96WCWang Chong27–97 · 1st century · Scientists0.27
  97. 97Zuo ZongtangZuo Zongtang1812–1885 · 19th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians0.26
  98. 98Bai JuyiBai Juyi772–846 · 9th century · 🇨🇳 China · Writers0.25
  99. 99Park Chung-heePark Chung-hee1917–1979 · 20th century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Politicians0.24
  100. 100Guan ZhongGuan Zhong720 BC–645 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians0.24

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. 67Charles MansonCharles Manson1934–2017 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians69.7M
  68. 68Justin BieberJustin Bieberborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians69.6M
  69. 69Amber HeardAmber Heardborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors69.3M
  70. 70Dua LipaDua Lipaborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians69.2M
  71. 71Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians69.1M
  72. 72Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players69M
  73. 73Millie Bobby BrownMillie Bobby Brownborn 2004 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors68.8M
  74. 74Charles, Prince of WalesCharles, Prince of Walesborn 1948 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures68.7M
  75. 75Blake LivelyBlake Livelyborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.4M
  76. 76Jennifer LawrenceJennifer Lawrenceborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors68.3M
  77. 77ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians67.7M
  78. 78Heath LedgerHeath Ledger1979–2008 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors67.6M
  79. 79Selena GomezSelena Gomezborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians67.2M
  80. 80Timothée ChalametTimothée Chalametborn 1995 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors67.2M
  81. 81Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors66.8M
  82. 82RihannaRihannaborn 1988 · 21st century · Musicians66.6M
  83. 83Mike TysonMike Tysonborn 1966 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes66.5M
  84. 84J. Robert OppenheimerJ. Robert Oppenheimer1904–1967 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Scientists66.2M
  85. 85Tom HardyTom Hardyborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Actors66.1M
  86. 86John CenaJohn Cenaborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Athletes65.6M
  87. 87Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players65.5M
  88. 88Tom HanksTom Hanksborn 1956 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors65.2M
  89. 89Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians65M
  90. 90Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured64.3M
  91. 91BeyoncéBeyoncéborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians64.3M
  92. 92Ryan GoslingRyan Goslingborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors64.3M
  93. 93Mary, Queen of ScotsMary, Queen of Scots1542–1587 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures64.1M
  94. 94Will SmithWill Smithborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors64M
  95. 95Priyanka ChopraPriyanka Chopraborn 1982 · 21st century · 🇮🇳 India · Actors63.5M
  96. 96Kylie JennerKylie Jennerborn 1997 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Models63.4M
  97. 97Dolly PartonDolly Parton1946–2026 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians63.1M
  98. 98Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors63M
  99. 99Chris HemsworthChris Hemsworthborn 1983 · 21st century · 🇦🇺 Australia · Actors62.9M
  100. 100Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. Roosevelt1882–1945 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians62.8M

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. 1Tiger WoodsTiger Woodsborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers3 decades
  2. 2Seth MacFarlaneSeth MacFarlaneborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  3. 3Chris KyleChris Kyle1974–2013 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  4. 4Lena DunhamLena Dunhamborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1 decades
  5. 5Jennette McCurdyJennette McCurdyborn 1992 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  6. 6James GunnJames Gunnborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers6 decades
  7. 7Brandon SandersonBrandon Sandersonborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  8. 8Trey ParkerTrey Parkerborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers2 decades
  9. 9Chelsea ClintonChelsea Clintonborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers3 decades
  10. 10Nicholas SparksNicholas Sparksborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers2 decades
  11. 11MacKenzie ScottMacKenzie Scottborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  12. 12John GreenJohn Greenborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers5 decades
  13. 13Shawn LevyShawn Levyborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  14. 14Vince GilliganVince Gilliganborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  15. 15Stephenie MeyerStephenie Meyerborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1 decades
  16. 16Andy WeirAndy Weirborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  17. 17David BenioffDavid Benioffborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  18. 18Khaled HosseiniKhaled Hosseiniborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1 decades
  19. 19Padma LakshmiPadma Lakshmiborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  20. 20Sam HarrisSam Harrisborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers6 decades
  21. 21Ryan MurphyRyan Murphyborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1 decades
  22. 22Colleen HooverColleen Hooverborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  23. 23Elizabeth GilbertElizabeth Gilbertborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1 decades
  24. 24Bethany HamiltonBethany Hamiltonborn 1990 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  25. 25John Francis DaleyJohn Francis Daleyborn 1985 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  26. 26Bode MillerBode Millerborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  27. 27Timothy SnyderTimothy Snyderborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1 decades
  28. 28Matt ReevesMatt Reevesborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  29. 29Jeff KinneyJeff Kinneyborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  30. 30Robert KirkmanRobert Kirkmanborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  31. 31Christopher PaoliniChristopher Paoliniborn 1983 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  32. 32Taylor SheridanTaylor Sheridanborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  33. 33Kayleigh McEnanyKayleigh McEnanyborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  34. 34Alex HirschAlex Hirschborn 1985 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  35. 35Dave EggersDave Eggersborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  36. 36Eric KripkeEric Kripkeborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  37. 37Christopher McQuarrieChristopher McQuarrieborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  38. 38Hanya YanagiharaHanya Yanagiharaborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  39. 39Lauren WeisbergerLauren Weisbergerborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  40. 40Hank GreenHank Greenborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  41. 41Jhumpa LahiriJhumpa Lahiriborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers2 decades
  42. 42David BlaineDavid Blaineborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  43. 43David GogginsDavid Gogginsborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  44. 44N. K. JemisinN. K. Jemisinborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  45. 45Mike WhiteMike Whiteborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  46. 46Patrick RothfussPatrick Rothfussborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  47. 47Gillian FlynnGillian Flynnborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  48. 48Brad FalchukBrad Falchukborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  49. 49Daniel HandlerDaniel Handlerborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  50. 50Roxane GayRoxane Gayborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  51. 51Scott CawthonScott Cawthonborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  52. 52Dennis LehaneDennis Lehaneborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  53. 53Ted ChiangTed Chiangborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  54. 54Kathryn StockettKathryn Stockettborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  55. 55Quinta BrunsonQuinta Brunsonborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  56. 56Damon LindelofDamon Lindelofborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  57. 57Diablo CodyDiablo Codyborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  58. 58Amber BensonAmber Bensonborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  59. 59Colson WhiteheadColson Whiteheadborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  60. 60Drew GoddardDrew Goddardborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  61. 61Rebecca SugarRebecca Sugarborn 1987 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  62. 62Jenna Bush HagerJenna Bush Hagerborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  63. 63Mary L. TrumpMary L. Trumpborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  64. 64Brené BrownBrené Brownborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  65. 65Katherine SchwarzeneggerKatherine Schwarzeneggerborn 1989 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  66. 66Veronica RothVeronica Rothborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  67. 67Max BrooksMax Brooksborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  68. 68Mosab Hassan YousefMosab Hassan Yousefborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  69. 69Lauren ConradLauren Conradborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  70. 70D. B. WeissD. B. Weissborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  71. 71R.F. KuangR.F. Kuangborn 1996 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  72. 72Jeff BaenaJeff Baena1977–2025 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  73. 73Jenny HanJenny Hanborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  74. 74Kevin WilliamsonKevin Williamsonborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  75. 75Cassandra ClareCassandra Clareborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0 decades
  76. 76Tara WestoverTara Westoverborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  77. 77Sarah J. MaasSarah J. Maasborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  78. 78Amanda KnoxAmanda Knoxborn 1987 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  79. 79Leigh BardugoLeigh Bardugoborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  80. 80Bryan FullerBryan Fullerborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  81. 81Julia Butterfly HillJulia Butterfly Hillborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  82. 82Noah HawleyNoah Hawleyborn 1967 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  83. 83Julia QuinnJulia Quinnborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  84. 84Jonathan Safran FoerJonathan Safran Foerborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers2 decades
  85. 85Madeline MillerMadeline Millerborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  86. 86Lauren FaustLauren Faustborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  87. 87Barry JenkinsBarry Jenkinsborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  88. 88Jodi PicoultJodi Picoultborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  89. 89B.J. PennB.J. Pennborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  90. 90John ScalziJohn Scalziborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  91. 91Jorma TacconeJorma Tacconeborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  92. 92Eliezer YudkowskyEliezer Yudkowskyborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  93. 93James DashnerJames Dashnerborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  94. 94Dan HarmonDan Harmonborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  95. 95Akiva SchafferAkiva Schafferborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  96. 96Kristi YamaguchiKristi Yamaguchiborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  97. 97Ta-Nehisi CoatesTa-Nehisi Coatesborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  98. 98Karin SlaughterKarin Slaughterborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  99. 99Mark MansonMark Mansonborn 1984 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot measured—
  100. 100Tana FrenchTana Frenchborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Writersnot 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.