Have you ever wondered what happened to the children of Stalin, Einstein, or the leaders of Nazi Germany? These are their stories.
We all grow up hearing stories about the great and the not-so-great people in our history books. Space and time constraints prevent our history classes from going into too much detail, so we rarely learn much about historical figures’ personal lives.
Perhaps because of this, we tend to picture people from the past as frozen tableaux, rather than as the ordinary people they actually were. Picture Joseph Stalin in bed with his wife – hard to do, isn’t it? Well, he had kids, and so did Einstein. And some of these people’s descendants are still around today:
Albert Einstein
Crazy-hair guy. Best known for gracing the walls of every college dorm in the Western world, and for his work on the piezoelectric effect in crystals, which is what he got his Nobel Prize for. But Albert Einstein also had a mastery of space and time – specifically the space between himself and his mistresses, and the time he took to father some kids. Source: Deluxe Battery
Bernhard Einstein
Bernhard Caesar Einstein was the only grandchild of Albert to survive childhood and father children of his own. He died in 2008, but a few of his five children can still be found here and there around the world.
Thomas Einstein
Dr. Thomas Einstein doesn't include this little gem in his online profile, but he's Albert Einstein's great-grandson. He graduated from medical school and now runs an outpatient surgery clinic in the Los Angeles area. He speaks four languages, and apparently doesn't make a big deal out of his family connections. Though his patients sure do, judging from a glance at his online reviews.
Paul Einstein
Another great-grandson of the great man is doing exactly what you'd expect the great-grandson of a European physicist to be doing. Paul Einstein is a classical violinist living in the south of France. Source: Cassandra Einstein
Ted Einstein
Eduard (Ted) Einstein, on the other hand, is doing the exact opposite of playing the violin for French audiences. He dropped out of school and now runs a furniture store in Los Angeles. According to the available sources, he's pretty successful, so maybe you can't keep the Einsteins down. Source: Open Waterpedia
Mira Einstein
Mira Einstein is also a musician, though she also works as a partner in – of all things – a telemarketing firm in Switzerland.
Hermann Goering
Let's hope that's the only thing that runs in families. Hermann Goering. pictured here doing an impression of Al Pacino, left a wife and daughter behind when he swallowed cyanide in Nuremberg to cheat the hangman.
Edda Goering
Edda Goering was seven years old when her father died, and she grew up with fond memories of him. Adolf Hitler was her godfather, and as an adult she lent her rather high-profile presence to memorials and other public functions relating to Nazi party members. Her unwillingness to publicly denounce her father led to the state of Bavaria refusing her the pension it normally paid the surviving descendants of Nazi officials. Today, Edda lives quietly, though rumor has it she moved to South Africa during the 1990s.
Rudolf Höss
Hermann Goering was one thing, what with being really high in the government and having lots of non-genocide duties, but this guy is quite another. Rudolf Höss was the commandant of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he sat on top of the busiest killing machine ever built. He was also a devoted family man whose 1947 execution left behind a wife and several children who had lived with him at the camp.
Brigitte Höss
Rudolf's daughter grew up to work as a fashion model in Spain. Eventually, her family history caught up with her, and she felt the need to retreat to a quiet retirement in Northern Virginia. She's reluctant to grant interviews, fearing reprisals, though it's hard to imagine who would hunt down an 80-year-old cancer patient for something her father did over 70 years ago.
Amon Goeth
Another camp commandant. You know him as that bastard with the rifle from Schindler's List. Amon Goeth was picked up after the war and given the standard improvised hanging that was all the rage back then.
Monika Hertwig
According to her own account, Monika Hertwig didn't know anything about her father until she was an adult. Her mother flatly refused to discuss the matter. She knew he had been mixed up in the SS, but it wasn't until the movie came out that it was driven home how bad her father was. In what has become a running theme, Monika lives in something like quiet anonymity and rarely grants interviews. Source: Youtube
Joseph Stalin
Whew! Those Nazis sure were depressing, right? Let's take a break and have a look at Joseph Stalin. Stalin had three children, though he wasn't what you'd call a devoted family man. Stalin's wife killed herself with his pistol, and the couple's three children went on to rough futures. His first son, Yakov, was captured immediately after the war began and died in captivity in 1943. Vasily, the lazy drunk of the family, rose to the rank of major general of the air force, only to be fired and arrested for corruption – first by his father, then by Khrushchev – before serving seven years in prison. A year after his release, he got drunk and crashed into another car. Eventually, he drank himself to death in internal exile in Kazan.
Svetlana Stalin
Stalin's daughter Svetlana, however, was less of a wreck. In 1967, she defected to the United States and became a naturalized citizen, which was a nice "F-you" to Moscow, which she felt had been treating her badly since her father's death. Svetlana eventually married and took the name Lana Peters. In 2011, at the age of 85, she died in Wisconsin, survived by her two sons – Joseph Stalin's grandchildren – who were born in America. As natural-born citizens, they're eligible to run for the presidency, so what do you say America? Let's roll those dice! Source: Live Internet
Christopher Columbus
Columbus, seen here throwing up a gang sign, sailed the ocean blue, invented genocide and slavery, and shares his name with one of the most boring cities ever founded by humans. It's a rare pedigree that stretches back over 500 years, since most important families fall apart within two or three generations, but the Columbuses have been plugging away for half a millennium. Source: Wikipedia
Cristobal Colon
Cristobal Colon is the 18th-great-grandson of the old Admiralissimo y Viceroy, and – surprisingly – he and his father were the only two direct descendants of Columbus to serve in the Spanish Navy. Both worked their way up the ranks, with the 17th-great grandson being killed in a Basque terrorist attack in 1986. This Columbus actually captained a replica Santa Maria for the commemorative 1992 voyage. Incidentally, if the historical Columbus had been a little more careful with his contracts and demanded his share of the revenue from the New World to pass to his descendants in perpetuity – which was a standard clause at the time – this man would be richer than all of the other people in the world today put together. So, if you're an astronaut on the way to Mars, the lesson is to have a lawyer look over your documents first.
John I
Here's the man with one of the most unfortunate reputations in royal history. King John I was kind of a screw up, which explains his casting as the bad guy in Robin Hood stories. He was cornered and forced to sign the Magna Carta, and nobody liked him. So, what kind of losers are descended from this dishrag?
These Presidents
These guys. According to original research by, of all people, a 12-year-old girl from California, 43 of the 44 US presidents are descendants of John I of England. Guess who the odd man out is? You're wrong, it's Martin Van Buren. Barack Obama is related through his mother, and every other president is his cousin. Insert David Icke-style Reptilian conspiracy theory. Source: Pix Good
King Narmer
Here's what might be the oldest pedigree in the world. This relief depicts the Egyptian King Narmer at his moment of triumph. Here, he's getting ready to brain a captive after successfully conquering Lower Egypt and forging a united kingdom with himself as its head. This happened in the fourth millennium BC, maybe 700 years before the pyramids were built, so – who could possibly trace their ancestry to such a remote figure?
Enjoy this look at the descendents of prominent people from history? Then check out our other posts on famous last words of historical greats and old school cool, the best of history's cool kids.
FAQs
Are there any living descendants of Aristotle? ›
Athina Hélène Onassis (Greek: Αθηνά Ωνάση; born Athina Hélène Roussel (Greek: Αθηνά Ρουσσέλ), 29 January 1985) is a French-Greek heiress and equestrian, the only surviving descendant of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, and the only child of Aristotle's daughter Christina Onassis.
Who are historical figures? ›Historical figure is a person who lived in the past and whose deeds exerted a significant impact on other people's lives and consciousness. These figures are attributed with certain features that are a compilation of the actual values they proclaimed and the manner they were perceived by others.
Who is the most famous person in the world alive today? ›Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson is known as “The Rock” and is currently the most well-known person in the world. Dwayne, who was previously a WWE champion wrestler, is now an actor as well as a producer.
The mother of Jesus, Mary is venerated by both Christians and Muslims, and is probably the most famous woman in history. The actual details of her life are veiled as much as they are elucidated by the New Testament.
Who is the first known historical figure? ›Kushim is the earliest known example of a named person in writing. The name "Kushim" is found on several Uruk period (c. 3400–3000 BCE) clay tablets used to record transactions of barley.
What historical figures were alive at the same time? ›Thomas Edison (1847-1931) and William Shatner (1931-). Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) and Betty White (1922-). Albert Einstein (1879-1955) and Opran Winfrey (1945-). John Wayne (1907-1979) and Kanye West (1977-).
Who is the most important person in the past 100 years? ›In a separate issue on December 31, 1999, Time recognized Albert Einstein as the Person of the Century.
Who is a historical figure in America? ›| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Abraham Lincoln 16th President of the United States |
| 2 | George Washington First President of the United States of America |
| 3 | Thomas Jefferson Third president of the United States of America, and the most conspicuous apostle of democracy in America. |
Women's History
From raising families to leading armies, women such as Catherine the Great, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen Elizabeth I, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie and countless others have played a vital role in human civilization.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” With more than 2,000,000,000 followers, Jesus Christ is the most famous Person in history.
Are we all descended from Charlemagne? ›
In 2013, geneticists Peter Ralph and Graham Coop showed that all Europeans are descended from exactly the same people. Basically, everyone alive in the ninth century who left descendants is the ancestor of every living European today, including Charlemagne, Drogo, Pippin and Hugh.
Are there descendants of Columbus? ›Cristopher Columbus
Is everyone a descendant of Charlemagne? ›According to Scientific American, "because Charlemagne lived before the isopoint and has living descendants, everyone with European ancestry is directly descended from him." Some Europeans who take a DNA tests can see even their lineage directly traced back to the common ancestor.
Who is most loved person in the world? ›1. Jesus Christ: In Bethlehem, Palestine, Jesus Christ was born. He was born to Mary, who was found carrying a child of the Holy Spirit, according to the Bible (Matthew 1:18). He was both a human and a divine being (John 20:28).
Who is the #1 famous person? ›1 Jesus Christ Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, Palestine. He was born to Mary, as the bible says "she was found with child of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 1:18). He was both man and God (John 20:28). According to the bible He is God alone (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Who has been the most beautiful woman? ›According to science, Bella Hadid is the most beautiful women in the world.
What is the oldest last name? ›The oldest surname known to have been recorded anywhere in Europe, though, was in County Galway, Ireland, in the year 916. It was the name “O Cleirigh” (O'Clery). In England, the Normans introduced surnames after 1066.
What is the oldest female name? ›Oldest Female Name in History
Per Oldest.org, Neithhotep is the earliest named woman in history. A queen consort of Pharoah Narmer in Ancient Egypt, Neithhotep had her name recorded between circa 3150 and 3125 BCE. Looking for more ancient names for girls.
Homo sapiens, the first modern humans, evolved from their early hominid predecessors between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago. They developed a capacity for language about 50,000 years ago. The first modern humans began moving outside of Africa starting about 70,000-100,000 years ago.
Who lived at the same time as Jesus? ›Because not only do both Jesus and Seneca share the same story, but both were born—according to many sources—in the same year. No one can confirm for certain the exact birth date for either, but it is indisputable that these two men walked the earth at the same time and lived roughly parallel lives.
Which historical figure lived the longest? ›
The oldest person ever whose age has been independently verified is Jeanne Calment (1875–1997) of France, who lived to the age of 122 years and 164 days. The oldest verified man ever is Jiroemon Kimura (1897–2013) of Japan, who lived to the age of 116 years and 54 days.
Who was the last person alive from the 1500s? ›Thomas "Old Tom" Parr ( c. 1482/1483 (reputedly) – 13 November 1635) was an Englishman who was said to have lived for 152 years.
Who changed history the most? ›- Muhammad (570 – 632) Founder of Islam.
- Martin Luther King (1929 – 1968) Civil Rights leader.
- Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865) American President during civil war, helped end slavery.
- Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013) Anti-apartheid leader, first President of democratic South Africa in 1994.
David Aikman chronicles six "great souls" of the twentieth century and the virtues that they represent: Billy Graham (salvation), Nelson Mandela (forgiveness), Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (truth), Mother Teresa (compassion), Pope John Paul II (human dignity), and Elie Wiesel (remembrance).
Who changed the world for good? ›Inspirational people – People who made a difference in a positive way and left the world a better place. Includes Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa and Emil Zatopek. – People who campaigned for equality, civil rights and civil justice. Includes Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks.
Who are some black historical figures? ›- Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Leader. Rev. ...
- Serena Williams, Pro Athlete. ...
- Malcolm X, Human Rights Activist. ...
- Katherine Johnson, Mathematician. ...
- Ruby Bridges, Civil Rights Activist. ...
- Duke Ellington, American Composer. ...
- Madam C.J. Walker, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
A 'historical figure' is a famous or well-known person in history.
Who is the famous man in history? ›Johann Gutenberg (1395 – 1468) – Inventor of the printing press. Christopher Columbus (1451 – 1506) – Italian explorer landed in America. Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955) German/ US scientist discovered Theory of Relativity. Louis Pasteur (1822 – 1895) French biologist.
Who was the first female born in the world? ›EVA. EVA, EVE is the first woman. There are two stories of the creation of Eve and Adam.
Who is the most respected woman in the world? ›Roosevelt was named the most admired woman 13 times. The highest number of top-ten appearances belongs to Queen Elizabeth II, with 52. Despite never winning, broadcaster Oprah Winfrey has finished in the top ten a total of 33 times, including finishing second 14 times.
Who did Jesus like the most? ›
Since the end of the first century, the beloved disciple has been commonly identified with John the Evangelist.
Who is the most popular person after Jesus? ›- Jesus Christ.
- Socrates.
- Alexander the Great.
- Leonardo Da Vinci.
- Confucius.
- Julius Caesar.
- Homer.
- Pythagoras.
Yes. It is the Greek transliteration (because the New Testament was written in Greek) of Joshua.
Who is the greatest figure in American history? ›1. Jesus of Nazareth (circa 5 BCE – 30 CE) Spiritual Teacher, central figure of Christianity.
Who is the most studied person in history? ›Benjamin Bradley Bolger (born 1975) is an American perpetual student who has earned 17 degrees as of March 2022 and claims to be the second-most credentialed person in modern history after Michael W. Nicholson (who has 30 degrees). Like Nicholson, Bolger is from Michigan. Flint, Michigan, U.S.
Who is the greatest man in human history? ›He is frequently recognized as the greatest person to ever exist. Muhammad is said to have been born in Mecca(now in Saudi Arabia) in 570 AD and to have migrated with his followers in 622 AD before passing away in Medina in 632 AD.
Who changed America the most? ›- Ronald Reagan, 40th president of the United States (1981–89).
- Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States (1861–65).
- Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist.
- George Washington, 1st president of the United States (1789–97).
- Benjamin Franklin,
Inspirational people – People who made a difference in a positive way and left the world a better place. Includes Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa and Emil Zatopek. – People who campaigned for equality, civil rights and civil justice. Includes Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks.
Who is the woman that changed the world? ›Florence Nightingale: 1820 - 1910
If there was ever a true hero who dedicated her life to helping others, Florence Nightingale is it. Born in Italy in 1820, Florence went against what was traditionally expected of her, by becoming a war-hero nurse.
Which is the toughest degree in the world? ›
- Chartered Accountancy.
- Astrophysics.
- Quantum Mechanics.
- Law.
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
- Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
- Nursing.
- Dentistry, Medicine.
Doctoral degrees can take up to 7 years of intense study to complete.
Who is the most educated man on earth? ›Abdul Karim Bangura is a Researcher in Residence at American University's Center for Global Peace.