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Famous Birthdays on February 29

February 28March 1

9 historically significant individuals born on February 29. February 29, which appears only during leap years, is the birth date of several notable individuals. Born on this rare date are former Indian Prime Minister Morarji Desai (1896), Salvadoran President Carlos Humberto Romero (1924), Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I (1940), serial killer Aileen Wuornos (1956), and Algerian raï singer Khaled (1960). This group includes people from politics, religion, criminal history, and music, illustrating the varied paths of those who share this uncommon birthday.

Total Born
9
Countries
9
Top Century
20th· 5
Top Field
politician
2 individuals

Headline Figures

musician
Khaled

Khaled

1960 – Present

Internationally acclaimed raï singer known as the 'King of Raï' who helped popularize the genre worldwide with hits like 'Didi'.

badminton executive and administrator
Morarji Desai

Morarji Desai

1896 – 1995

India's fourth Prime Minister who led the Janata Party government and was known for his austere lifestyle and prohibition policies during his tenure.

diplomat
Carlos Humberto Romero

Carlos Humberto Romero

1924 – 2017

Military general who served as President of El Salvador from 1977 to 1979, overthrown in a military coup due to widespread human rights abuses.

Birth Distribution by Century

20th (5)
19th (2)
12th C.21st C.

21st Century

1
Abdukodir Khusanov
Abdukodir Khusanov
association football player
Young professional footballer who plays as a defender and represents the Uzbekistan national team. He has gained attention as one of the promising talents in Uzbek football.

20th Century

5
Khaled
Khaled
musiciansinger
Internationally acclaimed raï singer known as the 'King of Raï' who helped popularize the genre worldwide with hits like 'Didi'.
Carlos Humberto Romero
Carlos Humberto Romero
diplomatpolitician
Military general who served as President of El Salvador from 1977 to 1979, overthrown in a military coup due to widespread human rights abuses.
Pedro Sánchez
Pedro Sánchez
economistpolitician
Spanish politician and economist who has served as Prime Minister of Spain since 2018, leading the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party.
Aileen Wuornos
Aileen Wuornos
habitual offenderprostitute
American serial killer (1956–2002)
I. Bartholomeos
I. Bartholomeos
archbishopEastern Orthodox priest
Greek Orthodox archbishop who has served as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople since 1991, recognized as the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians worldwide.

19th Century

2
Morarji Desai
Morarji Desai
badminton executive and administratorpeace activist
India's fourth Prime Minister who led the Janata Party government and was known for his austere lifestyle and prohibition policies during his tenure.
John Philip Holland
John Philip Holland
design engineerentrepreneur
Irish-American marine engineer (1841–1914)

12th Century

1
Innocent III
Innocent III
Catholic priestwriter
Head of the Catholic Church from 1198 to 1216

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the most famous person born on February 29?
Morarji Desai, Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979, is likely the most internationally recognized figure born on February 29, 1896. Aileen Wuornos, whose life story was told in the film 'Monster,' was also born on February 29, 1956.
Are there any world leaders born on February 29?
Yes, Morarji Desai, Prime Minister of India, and Carlos Humberto Romero, President of El Salvador from 1977 to 1979, were both born on February 29. They held political power in their respective countries during the late 1970s.
How many famous people were born on leap day?
Records show 7 notable people were born on February 29. These include political leaders like Morarji Desai and Carlos Humberto Romero, as well as Aileen Wuornos and musician Khaled. Leap day births are rare, occurring only once every four years.