Leading Figures in History

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

58072 persons found

Wubbo Ockels

Dutch astronaut (1946–2014)

Wude Ayalew

b. 1987

Ethiopian long-distance runner

Wulfstan (died 1023)

Archbishop of York from 1002 to 1023

Würzel

b. 1949

British guitarist (1949–2011)

Wyatt Oleff

b. 2003

American actor (born 2003)

Wyatt Roy

b. 1990

Australian politician (born 1990)

Wyatt Tee Walker

b. 1928

American civil rights activist and pastor (1928–2018)

Wyclef Jean

b. 1969

Haitian rapper (born 1969)

Wyndham Halswelle

b. 1882

British athlete and soldier (1882–1915)

Wynonie Harris

b. 1915

American blues singer (1915–1969)

Wynonna Judd

b. 1964

American country singer (born 1964)

Wynton Marsalis

b. 1961

American jazz trumpeter (born 1961)

Wyomia Tyus

b. 1945

American sprinter

X. J. Kennedy

b. 1929

American poet (1929–2026)

Xanana Gusmão

b. 1946

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste (2007–2015; since 2023)

Xander Bogaerts

b. 1992

Aruban baseball player (born 1992)

Xavi Annunziata

b. 1987

Spanish footballer (born 1987)

Xavi Pascual (basketball)

b. 1972

Catalan professional basketball coach

Xavi Simons

b. 2003

Dutch footballer (born 2003)

Xavier Bichat

French anatomist and pathologist (1771–1802)

Xavier Cugat

Catalan-American musician and bandleader (1900–1990)

Xavier Herbert

b. 1901

Australian writer (1901–1984)

Xavier Lesage

b. 1885

French equestrian

Xavier Malisse

b. 1980

Belgian tennis coach and former tennis player (1980)