Alphabetical List of Influential Women in History A-Z

Determining the “most influential woman ever” is tough because it really depends on how you define influence—whether it’s in science, politics, social change, or other areas. However, there are a few women who have certainly left an indelible mark on history:

Marie Curie—As the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only person to win in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry), her research on radioactivity revolutionized both science and medicine, leaving a legacy that still shapes modern healthcare today.

Eleanor Roosevelt—Beyond being the First Lady of the U.S., Roosevelt redefined what it meant to be a public figure in politics. She worked tirelessly for human rights, championed social justice causes, and played an instrumental role in creating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Mother Teresa—Known for her selfless humanitarian work, Mother Teresa spent her life caring for the sick, the poor, and the dying. Her compassion earned her the Nobel Peace Prize and made her an international symbol of kindness and charity.

Cleopatra VII—As the last ruler of ancient Egypt, Cleopatra was not just a political leader; she was a master of diplomacy and strategy. Through her relationships with figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, she influenced the course of Roman history.

Queen Elizabeth I—Queen Elizabeth I was a shrewd ruler who oversaw England’s golden age. Her leadership helped England fend off the Spanish Armada and solidified her legacy as one of the greatest monarchs in history.

Harriet Tubman—Known as “The Moses of her people,” Tubman escaped slavery and then risked her life countless times to lead others to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Her courage made her a central figure in the abolitionist movement and the early women’s suffrage movement.

Malala Yousafzai—After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education, Malala became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. Her work continues to inspire millions around the world to fight for education and equality.

These women, in their own unique ways, reshaped history and impacted the world in lasting and profound ways. Who you consider the most influential woman could vary, but these figures are certainly among the most impactful in terms of both historical legacy and global change.

There are several women in history whose contributions are often overlooked. Here are five whose stories deserve more attention:

Claudette Colvin—Before Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin. At just 15 years old, Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Although her brave act happened a year before Parks’ famous protest, she didn’t receive the same recognition, but her action played a key role in the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement.

Henrietta Lacks—Henrietta Lacks’ cells were taken without her consent in the 1950s and became the foundation for medical research, leading to numerous breakthroughs. Known as HeLa cells, they were crucial to the development of vaccines and cancer treatments. For decades, her story was barely acknowledged, but her legacy is finally being recognized, especially after the publication of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Alice Ball—Alice Ball made a significant contribution to the treatment of leprosy. She developed the “Ball Method,” which was the first effective treatment for the disease, but her untimely death at 24 meant she didn’t get the full recognition she deserved during her lifetime. Her work was later rediscovered and credited to her legacy.

Mary Anning—Mary Anning, a self-taught paleontologist, made major discoveries in the field, including the first complete skeleton of an Ichthyosaurus. Despite her critical contributions to understanding prehistoric life, her achievements were often overshadowed by the male scientists of her time, and her name was frequently left out of important scientific discussions.

Sybil Ludington—Sybil Ludington is often overshadowed by Paul Revere, yet at just 16, she made a nighttime ride of twice the distance Revere did to warn American troops of British movements. Her courage and her contribution to the American Revolution remain underappreciated compared to other historical figures.

These women were pioneers in their own right, but their stories have often been overlooked. Recognizing their contributions helps us better understand the broader picture of history.

The title of “most intellectual woman” is hard to define, as intellectual achievement spans many areas like science, philosophy, literature, and the arts. However, a few women are often regarded as exceptionally intellectual:

Marie Curie—As a groundbreaking physicist and chemist, Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). Her work on radioactivity revolutionized both science and medicine, leaving a lasting impact.

Hypatia of Alexandria—An ancient philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer, Hypatia was one of the leading intellectuals of Alexandria. She made notable contributions to mathematics and philosophy and is considered one of the first female scientists, although much of her work has been lost to history.

Ada Lovelace—Widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace’s work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine laid the foundation for modern computing. Her notes included the first algorithm designed to be processed by a machine, making her a trailblazer in computer science.

Simone de Beauvoir—A French philosopher, writer, and feminist, de Beauvoir’s intellectual contributions in philosophy and gender theory have been deeply influential. Her work, especially The Second Sex, challenged traditional views on gender and remains central to feminist thought.

Mária Telkes—Known as the “sun queen,” Mária Telkes was a Hungarian-American scientist and inventor who pioneered work in solar energy. She developed the first solar-powered heating system and contributed significantly to energy science.

These women, through their remarkable intellect and groundbreaking work, have helped shape the world as we know it. While there’s no definitive “most intellectual” woman, each of these figures made invaluable contributions to their fields and to humanity’s progress.

Marilyn vos Savant—She is often listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest recorded IQ, with a score of 228. She is known for her work as a columnist and problem solver, especially for her “Ask Marilyn” column in Parade magazine.

The title of the “strongest female ruler” depends on how one defines strength—whether through military power, political influence, or cultural impact. A few women are frequently considered among the strongest female rulers in history:

Catherine the Great (Catherine II of Russia)—Catherine the Great ruled Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796, transforming the Russian Empire into one of Europe’s great powers. Her reign marked significant territorial expansion, cultural flourishing, and modernization efforts, despite her autocratic rule. Catherine’s political savvy and military strength helped cement Russia as a dominant force in Europe.

Queen Victoria (United Kingdom)—Queen Victoria reigned over the British Empire from 1837 to 1901. Under her leadership, the British Empire expanded to become the largest empire the world had ever seen, and her influence shaped the course of global history. The Victorian Era was a time of great economic, social, and political change, solidifying Britain’s status as a world superpower.

Elizabeth I (England)—Queen Elizabeth I ruled England from 1558 to 1603, and her reign was marked by political savvy and military triumphs. One of her most notable achievements was leading England to victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588. Her leadership helped establish England as a major global power, and her rule is remembered as a time of cultural and artistic growth known as the Elizabethan Era.

Empress Theodora (Byzantine Empire)—Empress Theodora, the wife of Emperor Justinian I, was a significant political figure in the Byzantine Empire. Known for her intelligence and political influence, she played a crucial role in stabilizing the empire during the Nika Riots, when she decisively helped her husband quash a rebellion that threatened their reign.

Cleopatra VII (Egypt)—Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, was a brilliant strategist and diplomat. She formed key alliances with Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, which helped her maintain Egypt’s influence in the Mediterranean world. Her political and military leadership ensured Egypt’s survival and prosperity during challenging times.

Empress Matilda (England)—Although Empress Matilda never officially ruled as queen, her efforts during the English Civil War, known as The Anarchy, demonstrated her formidable leadership. Her persistence in securing the English throne from her cousin, King Stephen, showcased her strength and political resolve, even though she ultimately did not achieve her goal.

These women, through their leadership, political skills, and military prowess, proved to be powerful forces in history, and their legacies continue to be studied and admired.