The Most Famous Polygamist, Ranked

Choose the polygamist you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 07:12
In a diverse world rich with varying cultural norms and historical backgrounds, the practice of polygamy has played a significant role in many societies. Understanding the prominent figures who have lived this lifestyle can provide insights into cultural, social, and historical contexts that shape this complex topic. By participating in ranking such figures, users contribute to a broader discussion and awareness of how and why polygamy has been adopted, practiced, or contested across different epochs and locations. Your votes help assess the impact and influence of these individuals, offering a dynamic view of an often misunderstood or oversimplified practice.

Who Is the Most Famous Polygamist?

  1. 1
    64
    votes
    Brigham Young
    Charles William Carter · Public domain
    He was the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and practiced polygamy himself, having around 55 wives.
    Brigham Young in other rankings
  2. 2
    32
    votes
    He was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also practiced polygamy, having around 30 wives.
    Joseph Smith in other rankings
  3. 3
    28
    votes
    He is the former president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was convicted of child sexual assault and forced marriages.
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    He was the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints before his son Warren Jeffs took over. He had over 60 wives.
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    He was a self-proclaimed prophet and leader of a polygamous group who kidnapped and raped Elizabeth Smart.
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    He was the leader of a polygamous cult known as the Church of the Lamb of God and was responsible for several murders.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    He was a leader in the early days of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and claimed to have received a revelation from Joseph Smith allowing for the practice of polygamy.
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Orson Pratt
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    He was an early apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was known for his advocacy of polygamy, having around 10 wives.
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    He was the third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and continued to practice polygamy despite pressure from the United States government.
    John Taylor in other rankings
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    He was an early apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was known for his large family, having 43 wives and over 60 children.

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Ranking factors for famous polygamist

  1. Historical Significance
    Consider the importance and impact of the individual in the context of history, particularly if they played a role in shaping cultural, religious, or societal norms related to polygamy.
  2. Popularity
    Evaluate their level of recognition and public awareness, both at the time they lived and in contemporary times. This can include their popularity within their community, media coverage, and overall cultural influence.
  3. Notoriety
    Assess the individual's reputation, particularly if they gained infamy or significant attention due to their polygamous lifestyle. This could include legal issues, controversies, or scandals associated with their practice.
  4. Number of Marriages
    Consider the quantity of marriages the individual had and the extent of their polygamous relationships. A higher number may indicate a more significant level of commitment to the lifestyle.
  5. Cultural or Religious Impact
    Determine the individual's impact on their respective cultural or religious communities. This includes their role as a leader, teacher, or influencer within a particular group or belief system.
  6. Media Representation
    Assess the portrayal of the individual in various forms of media, such as books, movies, documentaries, or TV shows that discuss or depict their polygamous lifestyle.
  7. Legacy
    Evaluate the lasting impact and enduring reputation of the individual, including how their polygamous relationships are remembered and perceived by future generations.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 2770 views
  • 193 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous polygamist

Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, has been a controversial topic for centuries. While it is illegal in many countries, there are still some societies and cultures where it is accepted and even encouraged. Polygamy has been practiced by many historical figures, including King Solomon, who had 700 wives, and Genghis Khan, who had hundreds of wives and concubines. In recent years, the practice of polygamy has been popularized by reality TV shows like "Sister Wives" and "Seeking Sister Wife". Despite the controversy surrounding it, polygamy continues to be a topic of fascination and debate in many parts of the world. In this article, we'll explore the question of who is the most famous polygamist and examine some of the most notable figures in history who have practiced this unconventional lifestyle.

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