The Most Famous Icelander, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Icelander you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:08

In a land known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the people who call Iceland home have made significant impacts across various fields, from arts and sports to science and politics. Highlighting these individuals not only celebrates their contributions but also inspires others by showcasing the diverse talents stemming from this small, yet influential island nation. By participating in the ranking process, you contribute to shaping a list that reflects the collective admiration and respect for these noteworthy Icelanders. Your votes help illuminate those who have resonated most with both locals and a global audience, giving recognition to the stars of Iceland.

Who Is the Most Famous Icelander?

1

53
votes

Björk

Icelandic singer and songwriter known for her unique voice and experimental music style. She has won numerous awards and has been nominated for 14 Grammy Awards.
2

31
votes

Dontworry · CC BY-SA 3.0

Jón Gnarr

Icelandic comedian, actor, and former mayor of Reykjavik. He is known for his satirical political party, Besti Flokkurinn, and his work in Icelandic television and film.
3

30
votes

Rob Croes for Anefo · CC BY-SA 3.0 nl

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir

Icelandic politician and former President of Iceland. She was the world's first democratically elected female president and served from 1980-1996.
4

16
votes

Nobel Foundation · Public domain

Halldór Laxness

Icelandic author and Nobel Prize laureate in literature. He is known for his works such as Independent People and The Fish Can Sing.
5

14
votes

Светлана Бекетова · CC BY-SA 3.0

Gylfi Sigurðsson

Icelandic footballer who currently plays for Everton and the Iceland national team. He is considered one of the best Icelandic footballers of all time.
6

3
votes

Eurofruit from Global · CC BY 2.0

Magnus Scheving

Icelandic athlete, actor, and creator of the children's television show LazyTown. He has won multiple world championships in aerobics and is also known for his work in Icelandic theater.
7

9
votes
Inga S. Ragnarsdóttir · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ragnar Kjartansson

Icelandic artist known for his multi-disciplinary works in music, performance, and visual art. He has exhibited his works in museums and galleries around the world.
Ragnar Kjartansson in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous artist in Iceland
8

7
votes

Paula R. Lively from Zanesville · CC BY 2.0

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

Icelandic strongman and actor known for his role as "The Mountain" in the television series Game of Thrones. He has won multiple World's Strongest Man competitions and is considered one of the strongest men in the world.
9

9
votes

Einar Benediktsson

Icelandic poet and politician known for his role in the Icelandic independence movement. He was a member of the Althing (Icelandic parliament) and is considered one of the most important Icelandic poets of the 20th century.
10

8
votes

Lennart Perlenhem ministerrådet/rådet · CC BY 2.5 dk

Davíð Oddsson

Icelandic politician and former Prime Minister of Iceland. He served as Prime Minister from 1991-2004 and is credited with helping to modernize the Icelandic economy.

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Ranking factors for famous Icelander

Global recognition

The individual's level of global recognition in terms of their influence, impact, and contribution to their respective industry or field.
Popularity

The individual's level of popularity in Iceland and abroad, including social media following, fan base, and media attention.
Cultural significance

The individual's cultural significance to Iceland and its people, through their arts, literature, traditions, history, or mythology.
Achievements

The individual's notable accomplishments, awards, and distinctions in their respective field, whether in sports, science, politics, or other areas.
Legacy

The individual's lasting impact on Iceland and its society, economy, or culture, as well as their influence over future generations.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

1927 views
177 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous icelander

Iceland, a Nordic island country with a population of just over 360,000, has produced some notable figures over the years. From musicians to athletes to politicians, Iceland has no shortage of famous faces. But who is the most famous Icelander of all time? This is a question that has been debated for years, and the answer is subjective. However, there are a few names that are commonly mentioned when discussing the most famous Icelanders, including Björk, the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, and Jón Páll Sigmarsson, a legendary strongman who won four World's Strongest Man titles. Other notable names include Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world's first democratically elected female president, and Gylfi Sigurðsson, a professional footballer who has played for several top-tier clubs in Europe. With so many accomplished individuals to choose from, it's no wonder that the question of who is the most famous Icelander is still up for debate.