In a year defined by unforgettable events and influential personalities, Google searches in 2024 have provided a revealing look into global interests and priorities.

From the political stage to the entertainment world, the most-searched individuals reflect a mix of triumphs, controversies, and moments that resonated deeply with people everywhere.

This list highlights what mattered most, capturing the key figures who shaped conversations and inspired curiosity.

Donald Trumpโ€™s historic return to the presidency and Taylor Swiftโ€™s record-breaking success in music and personal life kept them at the forefront of global attention.

This list explores the individuals who made waves, sparked discussions, and became a significant part of 2024โ€™s narrative. Musicians, athletes, politicians, and entrepreneurs all played their roles in defining a year filled with memorable milestones and impactful stories.

Rank Name US Search Volume in 2024
1 Donald Trump 66184027
2 Elon Musk 38483548
3 Taylor Swift 37833748
4 Ariana Grande 20812465
5 Drake 17081516
6 Billie Eilish 12067516
7 Bruno Mars 11496660
8 Kendrick Lamar 10506897
9 Cristiano Ronaldo 9149996
10 Kamala Harris 8091789
11 Justin Bieber 7956661
12 Adele 7348722
13 Lady Gaga 6663730
14 LeBron James 6367620
15 Travis Scott 6136960
16 Rihanna 6081208
17 Dua Lipa 5765904
18 Selena Gomez 5058087
19 Olivia Rodrigo 4633648
20 Joe Rogan 4625939
21 Shakira 4503688
22 Ed Sheeran 4455432
23 Max Verstappen 4129963
24 Bad Bunny 3901697
25 Will Smith 3806200
26 Harry Styles 3698200
27 Kim Kardashian 3586249
28 Zendaya 3586016
29 The Weeknd 3554543
30 Jennifer Lopez 3546136
31 Kanye West 3505654
32 Bill Gates 3109475
33 Lewis Hamilton 3106482
34 Miley Cyrus 2988319
35 Nicki Minaj 2917607
36 Post Malone 2881033
37 LaMelo Ball 2734016
38 Tom Holland 2722794
39 Dwayne Johnson 2679904
40 Shawn Mendes 2648716
41 Patrick Mahomes 2568458
42 Kylie Jenner 2506540
43 Scarlett Johansson 2463394
44 Anthony Edwards 2256685
45 Emma Watson 2238031
46 Chris Evans 2137027
47 Stephen Curry 1959730
48 Mark Zuckerberg 1858985
49 Doja Cat 1852542
50 Ja Morant 1762479
51 Giannis Antetokounmpo 1721767
52 Jeff Bezos 1711238
53 Lionel Messi 1687120
54 Cardi B 1673656
55 Maluma 1658925
56 Jayson Tatum 1650525
57 Kyrie Irving 1616911
58 Charles Leclerc 1555749
59 Anthony Davis 1488427
60 Zayn Malik 1474337
61 Chris Hemsworth 1448311
62 Kevin Durant 1432232
63 James Harden 1424193
64 Paul George 1374357
65 Kendall Jenner 1339963
66 Serena Williams 1304797
67 Gal Gadot 1301710
68 Trae Young 1240861
69 Franz Wagner 1175346
70 Beyoncรฉ 1147679
71 Donovan Mitchell 1133130
72 Camila Cabello 1115534
73 Gigi Hadid 1106046
74 Rafael Nadal 1102740
75 Jaylen Brown 1028408
76 Jimmy Butler 1014502
77 Devin Booker 939849
78 Cade Cunningham 873863
79 Damian Lillard 861597
80 Jalen Green 856695
81 Demi Lovato 854952
82 Simone Biles 848128
83 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 807014
84 Russell Westbrook 796175
85 Ben Simmons 758588
86 Oprah Winfrey 747369
87 Tiger Woods 716972
88 Zion Williamson 679662
89 Tyrese Haliburton 658465
90 Scottie Barnes 646931
91 J Balvin 582564
92 Evan Mobley 559932
93 Lil Nas X 533608
94 Roger Federer 508275
95 Novak Djokovic 501847
96 Kawhi Leonard 495180
97 Brandon Ingram 492776
98 Josh Giddey 460570
99 Bam Adebayo 413908
100 Nikola Jokiฤ‡ 409045
101 SZA 3850000
102 Pedro Pascal 3600000
103 Timothรฉe Chalamet 3500000
104 Margot Robbie 3400000
105 Keanu Reeves 3300000

Donald Trump

Trump at the NATO Summit in Brussels
Trump at the NATO Summit in Brussels|YouTube Screenshot/Search Party

Donald Trump stood out in 2024, becoming the most searched person on Google. His year was packed with political milestones and controversies that kept him at the center of global discussions.

Trump returned to the White House after defeating Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election, marking a dramatic political comeback. The election not only secured his presidency but also gave Republicans control of both the House and Senate, reshaping the nationโ€™s political landscape.

Key Moments in 2024

  • Winning the Election: Trumpโ€™s victory against Harris was seen as one of the most decisive and debated moments in recent U.S. history. It solidified his base and reignited fierce political divides.
  • Surviving an Assassination Attempt: In July, Trump survived an attempt on his life that made global headlines. The attack left him with a minor injury and resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries among bystanders.
  • Legal Challenges: Trumpโ€™s ongoing legal troubles, including defamation cases and allegations of hush money payments, kept his name in courtrooms and on front pages.

Impact on the Public

Trumpโ€™s supporters rallied behind him at events like his Madison Square Garden speech, which drew massive crowds.

Critics, however, intensified their opposition, pointing to his legal issues and polarizing policies. Trumpโ€™s ability to remain a dominant figure in politics, business, and media ensured he remained a topic of interest throughout the year.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk
Elon Musk shaping industries and sparking global discussions|YouTube/Tech Chasm

Elon Musk stood out in 2024 for his wide-ranging influence across technology, business, and global affairs. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Muskโ€™s decisions and actions made waves in industries that shape the future.

His role as an advisor to the Trump administration on technology and energy policies further cemented his presence in the political arena. Muskโ€™s ability to challenge conventions while driving innovation kept him at the center of discussions worldwide.

Key Highlights

  • Legal Battle with OpenAI: Musk pursued legal action against OpenAI, alleging unauthorized use of proprietary AI research. This case brought renewed focus to the ethics and regulation of artificial intelligence, an area Musk has long warned about. We also have to mention his feud with the Brazilian government over the X platform.

  • SpaceX Expansions: SpaceX announced ambitious plans for its largest space exploration project yet, targeting interplanetary travel. This bold move underscored Muskโ€™s vision for humanityโ€™s future in space.
  • Energy Advocacy: Musk collaborated with international leaders to advance renewable energy initiatives, emphasizing the need for faster adoption of sustainable solutions in regions still reliant on fossil fuels.

Public Perception

Supporters viewed him as a visionary pushing the boundaries of innovation, while critics questioned the ethics and long-term impacts of his projects. Regardless of opinion, his influence in shaping technology and policy in 2024 remained undeniable.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift and Hayley Williams on The Eras Tour in London
The Eras Tour in London|YouTube Screenshot/MsMojo

Her achievements in music and her personal life made her one of the most discussed figures of the year. Swift broke new records during her Eras Tour, which became the highest-earning concert tour in history.

Her ability to consistently deliver hit performances and maintain a strong connection with her fans defined her success this year.

Swift also made history at the MTV Video Music Awards, winning seven awards in a single night. These wins included Video of the Year, adding to her already record-breaking list of career achievements.

Beyond her professional accolades, her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce became a topic of widespread interest, drawing attention from both fans and media outlets.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande at Hot Ones YouTube talk show
Music comeback|YouTube Screenshot/First We Feast

Grandeโ€™s year was marked by a return to music, ongoing philanthropic work, and renewed attention to her acting projects. Fans eagerly followed her creative endeavors, while her personal relationships added another layer to her public intrigue.

Music Comeback

Ariana Grande made headlines with the announcement of her new album, her first in several years. The release included chart-topping singles that showcased her vocal range and songwriting skills.

Critics praised her evolution as an artist, and fans celebrated her return to the music scene.

Acting Projects

Grande also gained attention for her role in the upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked. Playing Glinda, she impressed audiences with her ability to transition seamlessly between music and acting.

 

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A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande)

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Beyond her career, Grande focused on supporting mental health initiatives. She partnered with organizations to provide resources and raise awareness about mental health challenges, earning admiration for her efforts to give back to her community.

Drake

Drake in the interview for the FUTUREMOOD
Drake discusses his music and career|YouTube Screenshot/FUTUREMOOD

Drake continued to make waves in 2024, solidifying his position as one of the biggest names in music and pop culture. His album For All the Dogs became a global success, drawing both praise and controversy.

Album Success and Global Reach

Tracks from the album resonated with fans worldwide, and the project highlighted his versatility as an artist. Collaborations with emerging and established artists added depth to the album, making it a defining moment of his career.

Feuds and Public Disputes

Rivalry with Kendrick Lamar escalated in 2024, fueled by an exchange of AI-generated diss tracks that became viral sensations. The feud reignited debates about authenticity in music and the role of AI in the industry. The drama kept fans engaged and divided, ensuring ongoing media attention.

Personal Life in the Spotlight

His personal relationships also attracted significant interest. Rumors about a new romance and his candid discussions about fatherhood during interviews gave fans a glimpse into his private life, adding another dimension to his public persona.

Billie Eilish

Live Performance from Amazon Musicโ€™s Songline
Live Performance from Amazon Musicโ€™s Songline|YouTube Screenshot/Billie Eilish

Known for her unique artistry and boundary-pushing approach to music, Eilish made headlines for her creative projects, public appearances, and candid discussions about her personal life.

Musical Releases and Achievements

Eilish surprised fans this year with the release of her third studio album, which explored darker and more introspective themes. She also performed at major festivals, drawing massive crowds and showcasing her growth as a performer.

Public Advocacy

Eilish used her platform to address pressing social issues, including climate change and mental health. She partnered with organizations to raise awareness and fund initiatives, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact.

Her openness about her own struggles resonated deeply with fans, solidifying her role as a voice for her generation.

Personal Growth and Public Appearances

Her interviews in 2024 revealed a new chapter in her personal growth. She discussed finding balance between fame and privacy, offering insights into how she navigates life in the spotlight.

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars in the official video for the song
Bruno Mars in the official video for the song “Leave the Door Open”|YouTube Screenshot/Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars continued to hold a strong presence in 2024, captivating audiences with his music and performances. Known for his exceptional talent and stage presence, Mars delivered a series of unforgettable live shows that cemented his place as one of the most talented entertainers of the year.

Major Concert Tours

Mars went on a worldwide tour, performing his greatest hits and introducing new music. His high-energy shows sold out arenas globally, attracting fans from all age groups.

New Collaborations

This year, Mars collaborated with other top artists, creating chart-topping hits that dominated the airwaves. His ability to seamlessly blend genres made these collaborations stand out.

Awards and Recognition

Mars received multiple awards in 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a music industry leader. His contributions to music and entertainment continued to earn him widespread respect.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick in the official video for the song "Count Me Out"
Kendrick in the official video for the song “Count Me Out”|YouTube Screenshot/Kendrick Lamar

As one of the most influential rappers of his generation, Lamar focused on addressing social issues through his art while maintaining a strong connection with his fans.

Music with a Message

Lamar released a new album that explored themes of identity, struggle, and empowerment. Critics praised the project for its depth and relevance, while fans appreciated its raw honesty.

Rivalry with Drake

As we already mentioned, the ongoing feud between Lamar and Drake intensified this year, dominating headlines across the music industry. The exchange of diss tracks highlighted their competitive spirit and differing artistic styles.

Cristiano Ronaldo

 

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A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

Cristiano Ronaldo remained one of the most searched and admired figures in 2024, continuing his reign as a global icon. With unmatched popularity in the world of sports and beyond, Ronaldoโ€™s name transcends football, making him a household name in nearly every country.

His enduring appeal stems from his exceptional talent, work ethic, and connection with fans worldwide.

Social Media Dominance

Ronaldo is the most followed individual on Instagram, with his follower count surpassing 650 million in 2024. His posts, ranging from personal updates to promotional content, consistently rank among the most liked and shared on the platform. His influence on social media drives conversations across sports, fitness, and fashion.

Global Fanbase

Ronaldoโ€™s popularity spans continents, with fan clubs and supporters in virtually every corner of the world. Whether in Europe, Asia, or the Americas, his name draws massive crowds and unwavering loyalty. His ability to connect with fans through his performances and public appearances keeps him relevant year after year.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

In addition to his athletic achievements, Ronaldoโ€™s brand power remains unparalleled. He continues to secure high-profile endorsement deals with leading global companies. His CR7 brand, which includes clothing, fragrances, and hotels, thrives as a symbol of his influence beyond football.

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris's speech during the presidential campaign
Kamala replaced Joe Biden as the presidential candidate|YouTube Screenshot/Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris drew significant attention in 2024 as the Democratic presidential candidate. Her campaign efforts and political leadership placed her at the forefront of U.S. politics, making her one of the most searched names of the year.

Presidential Campaign

Harrisโ€™s campaign against Donald Trump was a defining feature of the 2024 election. Her focus on issues like healthcare, climate change, and social justice earned her both praise and criticism from various sectors.

Public Challenges

Harris faced intense scrutiny during the election cycle, particularly in debates and public appearances. Her ability to address tough questions showcased her resilience and commitment.

Legacy as Vice President

Harrisโ€™s time as vice president also came under review this year, with analysts reflecting on her accomplishments and challenges during her tenure in office.

Most Searched People by Category in 2024

1. Most Searched Man

Donald Trump search volume data for 2024
Donald Trump search volume data for 2024/Google Trends

Donald Trump led this category, driven by his election victory, legal cases, and the attention surrounding his political comeback. His influence throughout the year kept him at the center of global discussions.

2. Most Searched Woman

Taylor Swift search volume data for 2024
Taylor Swift search volume data for 2024/Google Trends

Taylor Swift earned this title, fueled by her career achievements and personal life. From record-breaking awards to her relationship with Travis Kelce, Swift remained in the spotlight all year.

3. Most Searched Athlete

Cristiano search volume data for 2024
Cristiano search volume data for 2024/Google Trends

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed this spot with his popularity as a football legend. His decision to retire from international matches and his record-breaking milestones kept fans engaged.

4. Most Searched Actor

Will Smith search volume data for last 30 days
Will Smith search volume data for last 30 days/Ahrefs

Will Smith continued to draw attention in 2024. His recent projects, combined with ongoing public interest in his personal life, ensured his place in this category.

5. Most Searched Entrepreneur

Elon Musk search volume data for last 30 days
Elon Musk search volume data for last 30 days/Ahrefs

Elon Musk remained the most searched entrepreneur, with his ambitious projects and influence across industries like technology and space exploration.

6. Most Searched Celebrity Couple

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce search volume data for 2024
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce search volume data for 2024/Google Trends

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce topped this category as fans followed their relationship, making it one of the most talked-about stories of the year.

7. Most Searched Controversial Figure

Kanye West search volume data for 2024
Kanye West search volume data for 2024/Google Trends

Kanye West held this position, with his public statements and actions sparking debates and discussions throughout 2024.

Methodology

The data was created using a combination of trusted tools and verified sources to ensure accuracy. The process involved collecting information from Ahrefs and Google Trends, analyzing it to understand search behavior, and ranking the most searched individuals of 2024.

Data Sources

  • Google Trends: This tool helped identify trends in search interest throughout the year. It provided insights into the timing and context of significant search spikes.
  • Ahrefs: Search volume metrics from Ahrefs allowed us to quantify the exact number of searches for each name. This helped rank individuals based on actual popularity.

Steps Taken

  • Keyword Identification: Billions of keywords were filtered to isolate names of notable individuals.
  • Cross-Checking Results: Data from Ahrefs was cross-checked with trends identified in Google Trends to ensure consistency and avoid errors.
  • Final Rankings: Rankings were based on the highest search volumes and moments of peak public interest throughout the year.

Conclusion

The most searched people in 2024 represent the events and personalities that drove global attention. From Donald Trumpโ€™s political comeback to Taylor Swiftโ€™s historic achievements and Cristiano Ronaldoโ€™s unmatched fame, these individuals influenced culture and sparked discussions across the world. The yearโ€™s search trends showcase the figures who shaped conversations and captured the curiosity of millions.