11 notable people were born on May 31.
May 31 marks the birth of several historical figures from different time periods and areas. Notable individuals born on this day include Philip II of Spain (1527), a Habsburg monarch who ruled during a peak of Spanish power; Walt Whitman (1819), an American poet known for "Leaves of Grass"; and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Chien-Shiung Wu (1912), who worked on nuclear physics. Other figures born on May 31 include Iraqi politician Ayad Allawi (1945) and Belarusian journalist Svetlana Alexievich (1948), who won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Chinese-American nuclear physicist who conducted the Wu experiment in 1956, which proved that parity is not conserved in weak nuclear interactions. Despite her crucial experimental work confirming the theory, she was excluded from the 1957 Nobel Prize awarded to her male colleagues.
Belarusian journalist and oral historian who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature for her documentary style works about Soviet and post-Soviet life.
Hungarian politician serving as Prime Minister since 2010, known for his authoritarian governance style and opposition to EU immigration policies.
Peru's first female president who assumed office in December 2022 after Pedro Castillo's impeachment and removal. She previously served as Vice President under Castillo.
Neurologist and politician who served as Iraq's first post-Saddam Prime Minister from 2004 to 2005, leading the interim government. He founded the Iraqi National Accord party and played a key role in opposition to Saddam Hussein while in exile.
Roman Catholic Cardinal and Archbishop of Tabora since 2018, previously serving as Bishop of Kigoma from 2009.
Nepalese Chief Justice who served as interim Prime Minister of Nepal from 2013 to 2014. He led the country during a critical transition period following the failure to draft a new constitution.
American poet, essayist and journalist (1819–1892)
Habsburg king who ruled Spain from 1556 to 1598 during the height of Spanish power, overseeing a vast empire and the defeat of the Spanish Armada by England.
Polish tennis player who won the French Open in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and held the world No. 1 ranking for over 100 weeks.
Slovenian striker who plays for RB Leipzig and is considered one of Europe's most promising young talents. At just 21 years old, he has already become a key player for both club and country with his pace and clinical finishing.