Leading Figures in History

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

39103 persons found

Adrienne Shelly

b. 1966

American actress and filmmaker (1966–2006)

Adrienne Warren

b. 1987

American actress, singer and dancer (born 1987)

Adwoa Aboah

b. 1992

British fashion model

Adye Douglas

b. 1815

Australian politician (1815–1906)

Ælfheah of Canterbury

Archbishop of Canterbury from 1006 to 1012

Ælfthryth, Countess of Flanders

Countess consort of Flanders

Ælfweard of Wessex

King of Wessex in 924 (disputed)

Aemilian of Cogolla

Iberic saint

Aenne Burda

b. 1909

German magazine publisher

Æthelberht II of East Anglia

8th-century king and saint

Æthelflæd

Ruler of Mercia in England from 911 to 918

Æthelhard

Archbishop of Canterbury from 792 to 805

Æthelred I of Wessex

King of Wessex from 865 to 871

Æthelred the Unready

King of England (978–1013; 1014–1016)

Æthelstan Ætheling

Eldest son of King Æthelred the Unready

Æthelwold of Winchester

Bishop of Winchester from 963 to 984

Afa Ah Loo

Samoan fashion designer (1985–2025)

Afeni Shakur

American political activist (1947–2016)

Afonso I of Portugal

b. 1109

King of Portugal from 1139 to 1185

Afonso II of Portugal

b. 1185

King of Portugal from 1211 to 1223

Afonso III of Portugal

b. 1210

King of Portugal from 1248 to 1279

Afonso IV of Portugal

King of Portugal from 1325 to 1357

Afonso V of Portugal

King of Portugal from 1438 to 1481

Afonso VI of Portugal

b. 1643

King of Portugal from 1656 to 1683