Leading Figures in History

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

62243 persons found

Virginia Dare

b. 1587

First child born in the Americas to English parents (1587–unknown)

Virginia de' Medici

b. 1568

Duchess consort of Modena and Reggio

Virginia E. Johnson

American sexologist and writer (1925–2013)

Virginia Euwer Wolff

b. 1937

American children's book author

Virginia Foster Durr

b. 1903

American civil rights activist and lobbyist (1903–1999)

Virginia Gilmore

b. 1919

American actress (1919–1986)

Virginia Grey

American actress (1917–2004)

Virginia Held

b. 1929

American feminist philosopher (1929–2026)

Virginia Lee Burton

b. 1909

American illustrator and children's book author

Virginia MacWatters

b. 1912

Operatic soprano and pedagogue

Virginia Madsen

b. 1961

American actress and film producer (born 1961)

Virginia McKenna

b. 1931

British actress (born 1931)

Virginia O'Brien

b. 1919

American actress and singer (1919–2001)

Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie

British countess (1933–2024)

Virginia Oliver

b. 1920

American lobster fisherwoman (1920–2026)

Virginia Patton

b. 1925

American actress (1925–2022)

Virginia Rappe

b. 1891

Silent film actress and model (1891–1921)

Virginia Ruano Pascual

b. 1973

Spanish tennis player (born 1973)

Virginia Satir

b. 1916

American psychotherapist (1916–1988)

Virginia Wade

b. 1945

British tennis player

Virginia Zeani

b. 1925

Romanian opera singer (1925–2023)

Virginie Basselot

b. 1979

French chef (born 1979)

Virginie Despentes

b. 1969

French author and filmmaker

Virginie Ledoyen

b. 1976

French actress (born 1976)