The Most Famous Female Spy, Ranked

Choose the female spy you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 26, 2024 07:38
In the shadowy corridors of espionage, female spies have often operated unnoticed, yet their contributions have been as impactful as they are thrilling. These women have wielded their wits and charms behind enemy lines, influencing major wars and shaping the policies of nations. Understanding who ranks as the most impactful among them not only honors their legacy but also paints a broader picture of their crucial roles in history. By voting for your favorite female spies, you contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects collective opinions on these remarkable women. This engaging process helps bring to light the diverse skill sets and brave exploits that characterize their careers. As votes accumulate, the ranking changes, offering a fresh perspective on the world of espionage through the lens of those who led some of its most daring operations.

Who Is the Most Famous Female Spy?

  1. 1
    109
    points
    Mata Hari

    Mata Hari

    An exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I.
    • Real Name: Margaretha Geertruida Zelle
    • Nationality: Dutch
    • Executed: 1917
  2. 2
    42
    points
    Virginia Hall

    Virginia Hall

    A notable American spy who worked for the United Kingdom's clandestine Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the United States' Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II.
    • Code Name: The Limping Lady
    • Nationality: American
    • Award: Distinguished Service Cross
  3. 3
    31
    points
    Noor Inayat Khan

    Noor Inayat Khan

    A British spy of Indian and American descent who worked in France during World War II for the Special Operations Executive.
    • Code Name: Madeleine
    • Nationality: British
    • Executed: 1944
  4. 4
    18
    points
    Josephine Baker

    Josephine Baker

    An American-born French entertainer, French Resistance agent, and civil rights activist.
    • Nationality: American-French
    • Era: World War II
    • Contribution: Worked for the French Resistance
  5. 5
    7
    points
    Nancy Wake

    Nancy Wake

    A highly decorated heroine of the Second World War, she was a key figure in the French Resistance.
    • Code Name: The White Mouse
    • Nationality: New Zealand-born British
    • Awards: George Medal, Médaille de la Résistance, and more
  6. 6
    5
    points
    Violette Szabo

    Violette Szabo

    A French-British agent who undertook espionage missions in Nazi-occupied France during World War II.
    • Nationality: French-British
    • Executed: 1945
    • Award: George Cross
  7. 7
    3
    points
    Krystyna Skarbek

    Krystyna Skarbek

    A Polish agent of the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, she is celebrated as one of Britain's most daring and highly decorated special agents.
    • Nationality: Polish
    • Alias: Christine Granville
    • Awards: George Medal, OBE
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Harriet Tubman

    Harriet Tubman

    An American abolitionist and political activist who served as a scout and spy for the United States Army during the Civil War.
    • Nickname: Moses
    • Nationality: American
    • Era: Civil War
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Lyudmila Pavlichenko

    Lyudmila Pavlichenko

    A Soviet sniper during World War II, credited with 309 kills, making her the most successful female sniper in history.
    • Nationality: Soviet
    • Nickname: Lady Death
    • Kills: 309
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Gertrude Bell

    Gertrude Bell

    An English writer, traveler, political officer, administrator, and archaeologist who played a major role in establishing and helping administer the modern state of Iraq.
    • Nationality: British
    • Era: Early 20th century
    • Contribution: Helped in the administration of Iraq

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About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 3173 views
  • 215 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

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

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Female Spy

Mata Hari
Rank #1 for the most famous female spy: Mata Hari (Source)
Throughout history, female spies have played crucial roles in espionage. They often used their unique skills to gather intelligence and influence events. Many operated in times of war, using their charm, intelligence, and resourcefulness to gain access to valuable information.

These women often worked undercover, assuming roles that allowed them to blend in seamlessly. Some posed as socialites, gaining entry to high society events where they could overhear secrets. Others worked as domestic staff, using their positions to gather information from unsuspecting targets. Their ability to move unnoticed in male-dominated environments made them effective and dangerous operatives.

Female spies often faced significant risks. If caught, they could face severe punishment, including imprisonment or execution. Despite these dangers, many showed remarkable bravery and resilience. Their contributions often went unrecognized, overshadowed by their male counterparts.

Training for female spies varied. Some received formal training in espionage techniques, including coding, decoding, and surveillance. Others relied on their intuition and quick thinking to navigate complex situations. Many had to learn on the job, adapting to changing circumstances and using their wits to survive.

These women often used their social skills to manipulate those around them. They could befriend, seduce, or deceive targets to extract information. Their ability to read people and situations allowed them to exploit weaknesses and gain trust. This made them invaluable to their handlers and a constant threat to their enemies.

In many cases, female spies worked alone, relying on their ingenuity and resourcefulness. They had to be self-reliant, as they often operated behind enemy lines with little support. Their success depended on their ability to remain calm under pressure and think on their feet.

Despite their contributions, female spies often faced skepticism and discrimination. Many had to prove themselves in a field dominated by men. They had to work twice as hard to gain the respect and trust of their peers. Their achievements, however, speak for themselves. They played key roles in gathering intelligence and shaping the outcomes of significant events.

The legacy of these female spies lives on. Their stories inspire future generations of women in intelligence and security fields. They showed that courage, determination, and intelligence can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Their impact on history is undeniable, and their contributions continue to be recognized and celebrated.

Female spies demonstrated that gender is not a barrier to success in espionage. They proved that women could be as effective, if not more so, than their male counterparts. Their ability to operate in the shadows, using their skills and intelligence, made them formidable agents.

In conclusion, female spies have left an indelible mark on the history of espionage. Their bravery, resourcefulness, and intelligence allowed them to gather critical information and influence events. Despite the risks and challenges, they persevered and succeeded. Their legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the vital role women have played in shaping history through espionage.

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