The Most Famous Ethiopian, Ranked

Choose the Ethiopian you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 07:05
In a nation rich with a tapestry of cultural and historical significance, the stories of its most notable individuals often weave the most vivid patterns. Ethiopia, with its ancient roots and multifaceted heritage, has given rise to a host of influential figures whose impacts resonate beyond its borders. Understanding and celebrating these individuals not only enhances our appreciation of Ethiopian culture but also illuminates their contributions to global narratives. This interactive ranking invites you to participate in acknowledging and elevating the figures who have shaped Ethiopian history, culture, and identity. By casting your vote, you help spotlight those whose achievements, leadership, or artistic expressions have left indelible marks. Your participation is crucial in creating a dynamic acknowledgment of Ethiopia's lasting legacies and inspiring stories.

Who Is the Most Famous Ethiopian?

  1. 1
    73
    votes
    Haile Selassie is former Emperor of Ethiopia and a prominent figure in Rastafarianism, known for his efforts to modernize Ethiopia and his role in the founding of the Organization of African Unity.
    Haile Selassie in other rankings
  2. 2
    27
    votes
    Lucy is the partial skeleton of a female hominin believed to have lived over 3 million years ago, discovered in Ethiopia's Afar region in 1974. She is one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.
    Lucy is one of the most popular kitten names chosen by cat owners worldwide. It reflects a playful and affectionate nature, and is often associated with kittens that are lively and full of energy. The name Lucy is versatile and can suit a variety of kittens with different appearances and personalities.
    • Gender: Unisex
    • Meaning: Light, illumination
    • Origin: English
    • Popularity: High
    • Personality: Playful, affectionate
  3. 3
    31
    votes
    Ethiopian marathon runner who won the gold medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome while running barefoot. He went on to win the gold medal again in 1964 in Tokyo.
  4. 4
    11
    votes
    Ethiopian model and actress, known for her work with Estée Lauder and her advocacy for maternal health in Ethiopia.
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Tedros Adhanom - current Director-General of the World Health Organization, and former Ethiopian Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has been instrumental in the fight against COVID-19.
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    Ethiopian poet, playwright, and academic, known for his contributions to Ethiopian literature and his work with UNESCO.
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    Ruth Negga
    Philip Romano · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Ethiopian-Irish actress, known for her roles in films such as Loving and TV series Preacher. She has been nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy.
    Ruth Negga in other rankings
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    Ethiopian long-distance runner, who won the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. She was the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal.
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Mulatu Astatke
    Tore Sætre · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Ethiopian musician and composer, known for his pioneering work in blending traditional Ethiopian music with jazz and funk. He is often referred to as the "father of Ethio-jazz."
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Binyam Mohamed
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    Ethiopian-born British resident who was held in extrajudicial detention by the United States government at Guantanamo Bay detention camp. His case gained international attention and raised concerns about the treatment of detainees at the camp.

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Ethiopian. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Ethiopian is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2448 views
  • 200 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Ethiopian once every 24 hours. The rank of each Ethiopian is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous ethiopian

Ethiopia, also known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 109 million people. Ethiopia is known for its rich history and diverse culture, with over 80 ethnic groups and languages spoken. When it comes to famous Ethiopians, there are a few names that come to mind. One of the most well-known is Haile Selassie, who was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 until 1974. He was a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement and played a key role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity. Another famous Ethiopian is Abebe Bikila, who won the gold medal in the marathon at both the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games. He was the first black African to win an Olympic gold medal, and he did it while running barefoot. Other notable Ethiopians include Lucy, the 3.2 million-year-old hominid fossil, and Liya Kebede, a model and actress who has appeared in numerous films and magazines. Overall, Ethiopia has produced many notable figures in history, sports, and entertainment, making it a fascinating country to explore when discussing famous individuals.

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