30 historically significant individuals born on September 18. September 18 is the birth date of notable figures in royalty, entertainment, science, and academia. Prominent individuals born on this day include Christian VIII of Denmark (1786), actress Greta Garbo (1905), astrophysicist Victor Ambartsumian (1908), cognitive scientist Steven Pinker (1954), and Algerian musician Rachid Taha (1958). These individuals have made varied contributions to history, culture, and human knowledge across multiple centuries.
Total Born
30
Countries
20
Top Century
20th· 13
Top Field
journalist
5 individuals
Headline Figures
scientist
Joshua D. Angrist
1960 – PresentNobel laureate: Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2021)
scientist
Edwin M. McMillan
1907 – 1991Nobel laureate: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1951)
astronomer
Victor Ambartsumian
1908 – 1996Pioneering astrophysicist who founded the field of stellar astronomy and discovered stellar associations, serving as president of the International Astronomical Union.
Birth Distribution by Century
20th (13)
19th (11)
16th C.21st C.
21st Century
1Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Nodirbek Abdusattorov
chess player
Chess grandmaster who became the youngest player ever to defeat World Champion Magnus Carlsen in a classical game at age 17. He won the World Rapid Chess Championship in 2021.
20th Century
13Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Joshua D. Angrist
scientist
Nobel laureate: Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2021)
Edwin M. McMillan
scientist
Nobel laureate: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1951)
Victor Ambartsumian
astronomerastrophysicist
Pioneering astrophysicist who founded the field of stellar astronomy and discovered stellar associations, serving as president of the International Astronomical Union.
Steven Pinker
evolutionary psychologistexperimental psychologist
Canadian-American cognitive scientist and linguist known for his research on language acquisition and books like The Better Angels of Our Nature.
Rachid Taha
disc jockeymusician
Rock musician who blended traditional North African music with punk and electronic sounds, known for songs like 'Ya Rayah'.
Ronaldo
association football player
Brazilian striker known as 'Ronaldinho Gaúcho' who won the FIFA World Player of the Year twice and the Ballon d'Or in 2005. He was renowned for his technical skills, creativity, and joyful playing style.
Vlado Gotovac
journalistphilosopher
Croatian politician and writer (1930-2000)
Josef Tal
academic musiciancomposer
Israeli composer (1910–2008)
Vittorio Foa
essayisthistorian
Italian politician (1910-2008)
Mark Shuttleworth
astronautblogger
Technology entrepreneur who became the first African in space as a self-funded tourist to the International Space Station in 2002. He founded the Ubuntu Linux operating system and internet security company Thawte.
Anna Netrebko
actoropera singer
Russian-Austrian operatic soprano who became one of the world's leading opera singers, performing at major venues like the Metropolitan Opera and Vienna State Opera. She is known for her performances in works by Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart.
Greta Garbo
actorfilm actor
Swedish-American actress who became a Hollywood legend in films like "Grand Hotel" and "Camille" before retiring at age 35.
Christian Pulisic
association football player
American soccer player (born 1998)
19th Century
11Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Augusts Kirhenšteins
biologistpolitician
Latvian politician, prime minister of Latvia (1872-1963)
Anton Christian Bang
historianpolitician
Norwegian bishop, writer and politician (1840-1913)
Adolf Schmal
fencerjournalist
Austrian fencer and cyclist (1872–1919)
Jane Ada Fletcher
ornithologistteacher
(1870-1956) teacher, ornithologist and author
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George William Ross
academic administratorjournalist
Canadian politician and Premier of Ontario (1841-1914)
Mayer Ebner
journalistlawyer
Politician (1872-1955)
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Willard Mack
actorfilm actor
American actor, film director (1873-1934)
Oskari Mantere
philosopherpolitician
Finnish politician (1874-1942)
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Rudolf Kalmar
journalistwriter
Austrian author (1900–1974)
Moritz Coschell
draftspersonetcher
Austrian painter and illustrator (1872–1943)
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Michael Powolny
ceramicistdesigner
Austrian sculptor, ceramist, designer, and teacher (1871–1954)
18th Century
4Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Christian VIII of Denmark
monarchpatron of the arts
King of Denmark from 1839-1848 and briefly King of Norway in 1814, known for his liberal policies and support for constitutional monarchy.
Jean Nicolas Sébastien Allamand
botanistmathematician
Swiss-Dutch natural philosopher (1713-1787)
Leonard Fredrik Rääf
archaeologistarchivist
Swedish writer (1786–1872)
Anders Fjellner
poetpriest
Swedish author and translator (1795-1876)
16th Century
1Figure
Lifespan
Notes
Origin
Leonardo Agostini
antiquarianengraved gem researcher
Italian antiquary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous person born on September 18?
Greta Garbo, a legendary Swedish actress born on September 18, 1905, is often seen as the most famous person born on this date. Known for her mysterious persona, she starred in iconic films like 'Anna Karenina' and 'Camille,' becoming one of Hollywood's greatest stars.
Are there any royalty born on September 18?
Yes, Christian VIII of Denmark was born on September 18, 1786. He was King of Denmark from 1839 until his death in 1848 and briefly King of Norway in 1814.
What famous scientists or intellectuals were born on September 18?
Victor Ambartsumian, an Armenian astrophysicist born in 1908, contributed to stellar astronomy and founded theoretical astrophysics. Steven Pinker, born in 1954, is a cognitive psychologist and linguist known for his books about language and human nature.