Leading Figures in History

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

24408 persons found

William Turner (naturalist)

English Protestant reformer, physician and natural historian (c. 1509–1568)

William Turner Dannat

b. 1853

American artist (1853–1929)

William Van Regenmorter

American politician

William VI, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel

b. 1629

Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel

William Vickrey

b. 1914

Canadian-American economist and Nobel Laureate (1914–1996)

William W. Snow

b. 1812

American politician

William Waldegrave, 1st Baron Radstock

b. 1753

Royal Navy officer and colonial administrator (1753–1825)

William Walker (filibuster)

b. 1824

American physician, lawyer, journalist, and mercenary (1824–1860)

William Warburton

English writer and critic (1698–1779)

William Watson (scientist)

English physician and scientist (1715–1787)

William Whewell

b. 1794

English polymath (1794–1866)

William Whitelaw

b. 1918

British politician (1918–1999)

William Wilson Morgan

American astronomer

William Wishart

William Wordsworth

English Romantic poet (1770–1850)

William Wyler

b. 1902

German-born American filmmaker (1902–1981)

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)

Willibald Alexis

b. 1798

German novelist

Willie Applegarth

b. 1890

English sprinter (1890–1958)

Willie Colón

b. 1950

American musician (1950–2026)

Willie Davenport

b. 1943

American athlete and bobsledder (1943–2002)

Willie Dixon

b. 1915

American blues musician (1915–1992)