Leading Figures in History

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

62247 persons found

Maria Lenk

Brazilian swimmer (1915–2007)

Maria Ludwika Bernhard

b. 1908

Polish classical archaeologist and Greek Art specialist

María Luisa Bombal

Chilean novelist and poet (1910–1980)

María Luisa Dehesa Gómez Farías

b. 1912

Mexican architect

Maria Luisa Gabriella of Savoy

b. 1688

Queen of Spain from 1701 to 1714

Maria Luisa, Duchess of Lucca

b. 1782

Spanish infanta (1782-1824)

Maria Maddalena Martinengo

b. 1687

Italian Roman Catholic nun

Maria Malicka (actress)

b. 1900

Polish actress (1898–1992)

Maria Martinez

Native American potter (ca. 1887–1980)

Maria McKee

b. 1964

American singer-songwriter (born 1964)

Maria Menounos

b. 1978

American and Greek TV host (born 1978)

Maria Minakowska

b. 1972

Polish historian

Maria Mitchell

American astronomer (1818–1889)

Maria Montessori

Italian physician and educator (1870–1952)

Maria Montez

Dominican actress (1912–1951)

Maria Muldaur

b. 1942

American folk and blues singer (born 1942)

Maria Mutola

b. 1972

Mozambican middle-distance runner

Maria Nikiforova

Ukrainian anarchist (1885–1919)

Maria of Aragon, Queen of Portugal

b. 1482

Queen of Portugal from 1500 to 1517

Maria of Austria, Duchess of Jülich-Cleves-Berg

b. 1531

Duchess of Jülich-Cleves-Berg

Maria of Austria, Holy Roman Empress

b. 1528

Holy Roman Empress from 1564 to 1576

Maria of Bosnia

Duchess of Bosnia, Countess of Helfenstein

Maria of Calabria

Countess of Alba

Maria of Castile

b. 1401

Queen of Aragon from 1416 to 1458