Leading Figures in History

Discover the people who shaped our world — from rulers and scientists to artists and activists.

39103 persons found

William Shakespeare

b. 1564

English playwright and poet (1564–1616)

William Shawcross

b. 1946

British writer, lecturer, and broadcaster

William Shockley

American physicist (1910–1989)

William Sleator

American science fiction author

William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim

b. 1891

British Army field marshal, Governor-General of Australia, and author (1891–1970)

William Sloane Coffin

b. 1924

American clergyman and peace activist (1924–2006)

William Smith (geologist)

English geologist (1769–1839)

William Smithers

b. 1927

American actor (1927–2026)

William Snodgrass (minister)

William Somervile

English poet (1675–1742)

William Southam

b. 1843

Canadian newspaper publisher

William Stafford (poet)

American poet

William Standish Knowles

b. 1917

American chemist (1917–2012)

William Stang

b. 1854

German-born American prelate

William Stanier

b. 1876

English railway engineer (1876–1965)

William Stanley (inventor)

English inventor (1829–1909)

William Stephens (American politician)

American politician (1859–1944)

William Stickney (golfer)

b. 1879

American golfer

William Stoughton (judge)

New England magistrate and colonial administrator

William Strunk Jr.

b. 1869

American professor of English language (1869–1946)

William Stubbs

b. 1825

British historian and Anglican bishop (1825–1901)

William Sturgeon

b. 1783

English electrical engineer and inventor (1783–1850)

William Styron

b. 1925

American writer (1925–2006)

William T. Cahill

b. 1912

American politician (1912–1996)