19 historically significant individuals born on November 18. November 18 is the birth date of several notable individuals. Polish pianist and composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski was born in 1860. Canadian author Margaret Atwood was born in 1939. Sri Lankan politician Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in 1945, and Danish footballer Peter Schmeichel was born in 1963. These births cover classical music, literature, politics, and professional sports.
Total Born
19
Countries
14
Top Century
20th· 9
Top Field
politician
4 individuals
Headline Figures
Birth Distribution by Century
20th (9)
19th (5)
4th C.20th C.
20th Century
9Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
John O'Keefe
scientist
Nobel laureate: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2014)
George Wald
scientist
Nobel laureate: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1967)
Margaret Atwood
essayistliterary critic
Acclaimed Canadian author known for dystopian novels like "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Oryx and Crake".
Peter Schmeichel
association football playersports commentator
Danish goalkeeper widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history, best known for his eight-year tenure at Manchester United (1991-1999) where he won five Premier League titles and the Champions League. He earned 129 caps for Denmark and won the 1992 European Championship.
David Ortiz
baseball commentatorbaseball player
Hall of Fame designated hitter nicknamed 'Big Papi' who helped the Boston Red Sox win three World Series titles.
Andris Nelsons
conductor
Latvian conductor who serves as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra.
Luis Somoza Debayle
politician
Nicaraguan politician who served as President of Nicaragua from 1956 to 1963 as part of the Somoza family dynasty, continuing his father's authoritarian rule.
Mahinda Rajapaksa
lawyerpolitician
Served as Sri Lanka's President from 2005-2015, leading the military campaign that ended the 26-year civil war against the LTTE in 2009.
OY
Om Yun-chol
weightlifter
Olympic weightlifter who won gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in the 56kg category. He set multiple world records and is considered one of North Korea's greatest athletes.
19th Century
5Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Patrick M.S. Blackett
scientist
Nobel laureate: Nobel Prize in Physics (1948)
Giovanni Vacca
historian of mathematicsmathematician
Italian mathematician and sinologist (1872–1953)
Máximo Ramón Lira Donoso
journalistpolitician
Chilean politician, deputy, journalist and mayor (1846-1916)
Crescente Errázuriz
Catholic priestwriter
Catholic archbishop
Ignacy Jan Paderewski
classical composerforeign minister
Polish pianist, composer, and statesman who served as Poland's Prime Minister in 1919 and was a leading advocate for Polish independence.
18th Century
2Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Louis Daguerre
chemistdaguerreotypist
French scientist, artist and photographer (1787–1851)
Jean Claude Eléonore de Michaud d'Arçon
military engineermilitary personnel
French politician (1733-1800)
13th Century
1Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Haakon the Young
king
Co-king of Norway
11th Century
1Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Adelaide of Maurienne
Queen Consort of France
Second spouse but first Queen consort of Louis VI of France
4th Century
1Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Julian
philosopherpolitician
Last Pagan Roman emperor, reigned 361 to 363
Explore More for November 18
Discover historical events and other data for this day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous person born on November 18?
Margaret Atwood, the Canadian author known for novels like 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'The Blind Assassin,' is often considered the most famous person born on November 18, 1939. Her works have gained international recognition and have been adapted into television series and films.
Are there any famous athletes born on November 18?
Yes, Peter Schmeichel, the Danish goalkeeper, was born on November 18, 1963. He is best known for his career at Manchester United and for helping Denmark win the European Championship in 1992.
Which political leaders were born on November 18?
Two political leaders share this birthday: Luis Somoza Debayle, President of Nicaragua, born in 1922, and Mahinda Rajapaksa, former President of Sri Lanka, born in 1945.illère