Leading Figures in History

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

58072 persons found

William Whiston

English theologian, historian, translator and mathematician (1667–1752)

William Whitelaw

b. 1918

British politician (1918–1999)

William Wilberforce

English politician and abolitionist (1759–1833)

William Willett

b. 1856

British builder (1856–1915)

William Wilson Morgan

American astronomer

William Windom (actor)

American actor (1923–2012)

William Wishart

William Wordsworth

English Romantic poet (1770–1850)

William Wotton

b. 1666

English theologian, classical scholar and linguist (1666–1727)

William Wrigley Jr.

b. 1861

American businessman (1861–1932)

William Wyler

b. 1902

German-born American film director (1902–1981)

William Zabka

b. 1965

American actor (born 1965)

William Zillman

b. 1986

Australian rugby league footballer

William Zinsser

b. 1922

American writer (1922–2015)

William, Count of Nassau-Siegen

German count and field marshal of the Dutch States Army (1592–1642)

William, Duke of Austria

Duke of Austria from 1386 to 1406

William, Duke of Jülich-Cleves-Berg

b. 1516

Duke of Jülich-Cleves-Berg from 1539 to 1592

William, Margrave of Hachberg-Sausenberg

b. 1406

William, Prince of Orange

Dutch prince (1840–1879)

William, Prince of Wales

b. 1982

Heir apparent to the British throne (born 1982)

Williamina Fleming

b. 1857

Scottish astronomer (1857–1911)

Willian (footballer, born 1988)

b. 1988

Brazilian footballer (born 1988)

Willian Pacho

b. 2001

Ecuadorian footballer (born 2001)

Willibald Alexis

b. 1798

German novelist