Great Women Of History That Should Have Been Famous
History is filled with extraordinary women who, for one reason or another, never got the recognition they truly deserved. While we celebrate the likes of Cleopatra, Marie Curie, and Rosa Parks, countless other women made significant contributions to science, politics, literature, and social change—only to be brushed aside by the history books. Here are just a few of the great women who should have been household names.
1. Hedy Lamarr (1914–2000) – The Hollywood Star Who Invented Wi-Fi
Best known as a glamorous actress of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Hedy Lamarr was also a brilliant inventor. She co-developed a frequency-hopping technology to prevent enemy torpedoes from being jammed—an invention that later became the foundation for modern Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Yet, for most of her life, she was only recognized for her beauty.
2. Alice Ball (1892–1916) – The Woman Who Found a Cure for Leprosy
At just 23 years old, Alice Ball developed the first effective treatment for leprosy, known as the “Ball Method.” Her groundbreaking work allowed thousands of patients to recover and live normal lives. Tragically, she passed away before she could see the full impact of her work, and for years, a male scientist took credit for her discovery. Only recently has her contribution been acknowledged.
3. Lilian Bland (1878–1971) – The Daredevil Aviator
Lilian Bland was a fearless Irish aviator who built and flew her own airplane in 1910—making her the first woman in the world to do so. While the Wright brothers were making history, Bland was pushing boundaries, defying societal norms, and proving that women belonged in aviation. Yet, her story remains largely untold.
4. Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) – The Hidden Figures Mathematician
Thanks to the movie Hidden Figures, Katherine Johnson’s name is more well-known today, but for decades, her contributions to NASA’s space missions were overlooked. Her calculations helped put the first American astronaut into orbit and later guided the Apollo missions to the Moon. Despite her critical role in space exploration, history initially forgot her achievements.
5. Ching Shih (1775–1844) – The Most Powerful Pirate in History
Pirates are usually depicted as gruff, bearded men with eye patches, but Ching Shih was arguably the most successful pirate of all time. She commanded a fleet of over 1,800 ships and 80,000 men, enforcing a strict code of conduct and successfully resisting the Chinese navy, Portuguese forces, and even the British Empire. Unlike most pirates, she retired peacefully and lived to old age—an incredible feat in the cutthroat world of piracy.
6. Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) – The Journalist Who Took on Racism
Ida B. Wells was a fearless investigative journalist and civil rights activist who exposed the horrors of lynching in the U.S. She faced threats, attacks, and exile, but she never stopped fighting for justice and equality. Despite her pivotal role in the anti-lynching movement and women’s suffrage, her name is rarely mentioned alongside other civil rights leaders.
7. Sophie Scholl (1921–1943) – The Student Who Defied the Nazis
A member of the German resistance group White Rose, Sophie Scholl risked her life distributing anti-Nazi pamphlets during World War II. She was arrested, tried, and executed at just 21 years old. Her courage and unwavering belief in justice should have made her a global symbol of resistance, but her story remains lesser known outside Germany.
Why Weren’t They Famous?
Many of these women were ignored, erased, or overshadowed by men who took credit for their work. Others were simply victims of the times they lived in, when women's achievements were often dismissed or forgotten.
The Takeaway
History may have tried to forget these women, but we don’t have to. Their stories remind us of the importance of recognition, representation, and rewriting the past to reflect the true contributions of women. So, the next time someone tells you history is written by the victors, remember—it’s also written by those who had the power to hold the pen.
It's time to celebrate the great women of history who should have been famous. Let’s make sure they are never forgotten again.