List of Kazakhs
This is a '''list of notable ethnic Kazakhs.'''
Actors, filmmakers and fashion models
- Farhat Abdraimov, actor
- Shaken Aimanov, film director, actor
- Berik Aitjanov, actor, film producer
- Dinmukhamet Akhimov, actor
- Damir Amangeldin, actor
- Emir Baigazin, actor, film director
- Timur Bekmambetov, film director
- Khadisha Bukeyeva, theater and film actress
- C.C.TAY, singer and actress
- Eva Dedova, actress
- Ruslana Korshunova, international fashion model
- Sergei Lukyanenko, author, screenwriter
- Sabira Maykanova, actress
- Rashid Nugmanov, film director
- Linda Nigmatulina, actress
- Venera Nigmatulina, actress
- Gulshat Omarova, writer, film director and actress
- Darezhan Omirbaev, film director, screenwriter
- Kuman Tastanbekov, actor
- Vladimir Tolokonnikov, actor
- Gulnara Sarsenova, film producer
- Alyona Subbotina, international fashion model
- Bayan Yessentayeva, producer, television presenter, actress
- Samal Yeslyamova, actress
Artists
- Altynai Asylmuratova, ballerina
- Dilka Bear, painter
- Agimsaly Duzelkhanov, artist
- Aigana Gali, multimedia artist
- Aisha Galimbaeva, painter and educator
- Gulfairus Mansurovna Ismailova, artist, actress
- Lazzate Maralbayeva, painter and architect
- Sergey Kalmykov, painter, draughtsman and writer
- Abilkhan Kasteev, painter
- Zhenis Kakenuly Nurlybayev, painter
- Rustam Khalfin, painter
- Leyla Mahat, artist, curator, gallery director, associate professor
- Almagul Menlibayeva, artist
- Shaken Niyazbekov, artist, designer of the flag of Kazakhstan
- Edige Niyazov, photographer
- Malik Oskenbay, artist, sculptor
- Yesken Sergebayev, sculptor
- Chezhina Svetlana, comic book artist
- Ural Tansykbayev
- Ola Volo, Canadian muralist of Kazakh descent
Writers and poets
- Zharaskan Abdirash – poet
- Karina Abdullina – poet and singer
- Daniyar Adilbekov - journalist
- Ibrahim Altynsarin – pedagogue, writer
- Mukhtar Auezov – writer, public figure
- Ahmed Baitursynuli – poet, writer, pedagogue and politician
- Alikhan Bukeikhanov – writer, political activist and environmental scientist
- Mir Yakub Dulatuli – poet, writer and a leader of Alash Orda government
- Bukhar-zhirau Kalmakanov – poet
- Aigul Kemelbayeva – prose writer and literary critic
- Baqytjan Kanapyanov – poet and lyricist
- Mukaghali Makatayev – akyn, poet
- Bakhyt Kenjeev Russian poet and writer
- Bauyrjan Momyshuly – writer, hero of the Soviet Union during World War II
- Sabid Mukanov – poet and writer
- Gabit Musirepov – writer, playwright
- Seitzhan Omarov – writer
- Ibrahim Qunanbaiuly – poet, composer and philosopher
- Saken Seifullin – poet and writer, national activist
- Mukhtar Shakhanov – writer, lawmaker, ambassador
- Oljas Suleimenov – poet, politician, and anti-nuclear activist
- Aigerim Tazhi – poet
- Sultanmahmud Toraygirov – poet and writer
- Tauman Torekhanov – writer, journalist and executive editor
- Muhammed Shoqan Qanafiya Shynghysuly Walikhanov – scholar, ethnographer and historian
- Ahmad Yasawi – poet and Sufi
- Zhambyl Zhabayuly – akyn, student of Suinbay
- Muhammedjan Jumabayev – writer, publicist, founder of modern Kazakh literature
- Qabdesh Zhumadilov – writer
Businessmen
- Mukhtar Ablyazov, BTA Bank
- Bulat Abilov, Sun & Wind Electric Stations
- Vladimir Kim, KAZ Minerals
- Vyacheslav Kim, Kaspi.kz
- Timur Kulibayev, Halyk Bank, son-in-law of Nursultan Nazarbayev
- Oleg Novachuk, Kazakhmys
- Dzhambulat Sarsenov, Kazenergy
- Margulan Seisembayev, Seimar
Composers and musicians
- Dilnaz Akhmadieva, pop singer
- Jania Aubakirova, pianist
- Roza Baglanova, opera singer
- Kulyash Baiseitova, opera singer
- Marat Bisengaliev, violinist and director of orchestras
- Alan Buribayev, conductor
- Dos Mukasan, rock and pop music group
- Zhanar Dugalova, singer
- Nagima Eskalieva, singer
- Imanbek, DJ and record producer
- Makpal Isabekova, singer
- Darkhan Juzz, indie pop singer, songwriter, sound producer and musician
- Shamshi Kaldayakov, composer
- Nurzhan Kermenbayev, singer
- Stanislav Khegai, pianist
- Almas Kishkenbayev, singer
- Kristian Kostov, Bulgarian-Russian singer of Kazakh descent
- Erzhan Kulibaev, Spanish violinist of Kazakh descent
- Erik Kurmangaliev, opera singer
- Maria Mudryak, operatic soprano
- Mayra Muhammad-kyzy, opera singer
- Ninety One, Qpop band
- Aisha Orazbayeva, violinist
- Kairat Nurtas, singer
- Makhambet Otemisuly, akyn, composer, leader of rebellious movement against Russian Empire
- Dimash Qudaibergen, singer with songs in 13 languages
- Roza Rymbayeva, singer
- Madina Saduakasova, opera singer
- Kurmangazy Sagyrbaev, composer, instrumentalist and folk artist
- Altynay Sapargalieva, singer
- Eldar Sattarov
- Scriptonite, rapper, singer-songwriter
- Rinat Shakirov,, pianist and composer
- Maira Shamsutdinova
- Baluan Sholak, singer, composer
- Amir Tebenikhin, pianist
- Bibigul Tulegenova, opera singer
- Daneliya Tuleshova, singer
- Kayrat Tuntekov, singer
- Ulytau, Folk metal, Neo-classical metal
- Anastasiya Usova, singer
- Tolkyn Zabirova, singer
- Zhambyl Zhabayuly, Kazakh traditional folksinger
- Gaziza Zhubanova, composer
- Ziruza, Q-pop singer
- Akmaral Zykayeva, artist, singer-songwriter
Heads of state
- Abu'l-Mansur Khan, khan of Middle jüz, leader of Kazakh Khanate
- Abu'l-Khair Muhammed Khan, khan of the Kazakh Junior jüz
- Burunduk Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Esim Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Janibek Khan, founder and co-leader of Kazakh Khanate
- Qasim Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Muhammed Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Tahir Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Ahmed Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Haqnazar Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Salqam-Jahangir Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Kenesary Khan, khan of all three jüzes
- Kerei Khan, founder and co-leader of Kazakh Khanate
- Tauke Khan, leader of the Kazakh Khanate
- Dinmukhamed Kunaev, First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR, Prime Minister, President Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences
- Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan
- Jumabay Shayahmetov, First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR, former NKVD officer who participated in repressions against Kazakh people
Philosophers
- Miftahetdin Akmulla, educator, poet and philosopher
- Shakarim Qudayberdiuli, poet, theologian, philosopher
- Ibrahim Qunanbaiuly, poet, translator, composer and philosopher.
- Ahmad Yasavi, poet and Sufi
Politicians and activists
- Vladimir Vasilyev (politician)
- Baurzhan Abdishev, Soviet army veteran and Kazakhstani politician
- Gulshara Abdykhalikova, politician
- Byrganym Aitimova, ambassador, minister, former Komsomol leader who supported Soviet government rogue actions against Kazakh people during Jeltoqsan
- Zhanar Aitzhanova, politician, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Geneva
- Daniyal Akhmetov, Prime Minister
- Akhmet Baitursynov, poet, writer and politician
- Nurlan Balgimbayev, Prime Minister
- Osman Bahadur, fighter for the freedom of the Kazakh people in Xinjiang
- Alikhan Bukeikhanov, writer, political activist and environmental scientist
- Tamara Duisenova, politician, e Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population
- Mir Yaqub Dulatuli, poet, writer and a leader of Alash Orda government
- Kabibulla Dzhakupov, former Chair of the Mazhilis from 2014 to 2016
- Janabil, politician in China
- Guljan Karagusova, member of Majilis, Minister of Labour and Social Protection
- Ashat Kerimbay, politician in China
- Oralbeg Abdu Kerimovic, Secretary General of the government of Kazakhstan
- Yurii Khitrin, Prosecutor General
- Dinmukhamed Kunaev, soviet politician, First Secretary of the Kazakh Communist Party between 1960–1962 and 1964–1986
- Muhambet Kopeev, Kazakh senator, former Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan and Mazhilis, former Minister of Emergency Situations
- Eset Kotibaruli, leader of the anti-colonial war against Russian Empire
- Mukhtar Kul-Mukhammed, senator, former Deputy Chairman of the Nur Otan, and former advisor to the President of Kazakhstan
- Asqar Mamin, former Prime Minister
- Karim Massimov, former Prime Minister
- Nursultan Nazarbayev, first President of Kazakhstan and founder of the Nur Otan party
- Bolat Nurgaliyev, diplomat
- Makhambet Otemisuly, akyn, composer, leader of rebellious movement against Russian Empire
- Toleutai Raqymbekov, politician
- Qairat Rysqulbekov, participant in Jeltoqsan protests, posthumous Hero of Kazakhstan
- Kanat Saudabayev, politician, Secretary of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Mustafa Shokay, leader of the Kokand revolt against the Bolsheviks
- Älihan Smaiylov, current Prime Minister
- Oljas Suleimenov, poet, politician, and anti-nuclear activist
- Imangali Tasmagambetov, Prime Minister
- Isatay Taymanuly, leader of rebellious movement against Russian Empire
- Marat Tazhin, Foreign Minister
- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and current President of Kazakhstan
- Janseiıt Tüimebaev, Minister of Education and Science
- Aman Tuleyev, governor of Kemerovo Oblast, Russia
- Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev, Kazakh engineer, ethnographer, historian, and political activist
- Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Kazakh politician and former chairman of Samruk-Kazyna
- Adilbek Zhaksybekov, politician, State Secretary, Minister
- Sayragul Sauytbay, physician, headteacher, whistleblower and political activist from China about the persecution of Uyghurs in China, she was now based in Washington DC and elected as a Vice President of East Turkistan Government-in-Exile
Military
- Nurken Abdirov, fighter pilot, Hero of the Soviet Union
- Galiy Adilbekov, The only Kazakh tank brigade commander of World War II
- Aidyn Aimbetov, fighter pilot and cosmonaut
- Toktar Aubakirov, first Kazakh in space, MP
- Mukhtar Aymakhanov, cosmonaut
- Rahim-Bek Bahadur, warrior in the 18th century against Dzungars
- Nasrullah Nauryzbai Bahadur, Kazakh commander in the 18th century who fought against the Dzungars
- Murat Bektanov, Minister of Defence
- Talgat Bigeldinov, Il-2 pilot, only Kazak twice awarded Hero of the Soviet Union
- Syrym Datuly, leader of the Kazakhs of the Junior Jüz
- Khiuaz Dospanova, aviation navigator, officer in the "night witches"
- Raziya Iskakova, recipient of the Florence Nightingale Medal
- Murat Maikeyev, military figure
- Manshuk Mametova, World War II machine gunner, posthumous Hero of the Soviet Union
- Jaqipbek Maldybayev,, the first Kazakh combat pilot
- Aliya Moldagulova, female Soviet sniper during World War II
- Bauırjan Momyshuly, writer, posthumous Hero of the Soviet Union for actions in World War II
- Talgat Musabayev, test pilot, former cosmonaut, Director of Aerospace Agency of Republic of Kazakhstan
- Sagadat Nurmagambetov, Soviet and Kazakh general
- Qasim Qaysenov, Kazakh partisan detachment commander during World War II
- Rahimjan Qoshqarbaev, first soldier to raise the Soviet flag in the Reichstag
- Ibragim Suleymanov, sniper of World War II and Hero of Kazakhstan
- Saken Zhasuzakov, Minister of Defence
Rulers
Kazakh Khans before the jüzs split
Junior jüz khans
Middle jüz khans
Scientists
- Serikbolsyn Abdildin, economist and politician
- Maukhida Abdulkabirova, geologist and metallurgist
- Zinesh Abisheva, metallurgist
- Murat Aitkhozhin, molecular biologist
- Kimal Akishev, scientist, archeologist, and historian
- Ken Alibek, microbiologist
- Sarsen Amanzholov, linguist, Turkologist
- Gulsum Asfendiyarova, medical doctor, health care system organizer
- Kaisha Atakhanova, genetic biologist
- Shafik Chokin, engineer, President of Academy of Sciences
- Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat, historian, Chagatai Turco-Mongol military general
- Askar Dzhumadildayev, mathematician
- Orazak Ismagulov, anthropologist
- Zhenis Kembayev, jurist
- Khalida Mamanova, professor, medical doctor, and participant in the Second World War
- Tasbolat Mukhametkaliev, scientist
- Abilbek Nurmagambetov, linguist-etymologist
- Marat Sarsembaev, jurist
- Kanysh Satbayev, engineer, geologist, President of Academy of Sciences
- Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev, engineer, enthnographer, historian, activist
Sportspersons
Boxers
- Ruslan Abdullaev – champion of the 2023 World Championships
- Merey Akshalov – boxer, champion of the 2013 World Championships
- Janibek Alimkhanuly – – boxer, champion of the 2013 World Championships
- Bakhtiyar Artayev – champion of the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Saken Bibossinov – boxer, champion of the 2021 World Championships, bronze medalist at 2019 World Championships and bronze medal winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov – silver medal winner of the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Yermakhan Ibraimov – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics, champion of the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Kanat Islam – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics, WBA Inter-Continental, WBO NABO, WBO Inter-Continental, WBA Fedelatin, WBA Fedecaribe Super welterweight
- Serik Konakbayev – silver medal winner of the 1980 Summer Olympics
- Kamshybek Kunkabayev – bronze medal winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Nazym Kyzaibay – boxer, champion of the 2014 and 2016 World Championships, bronze medal winner of the 2024 Summer Olympics
- Adilbek Niyazymbetov– silver medal winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics, 2016 Summer Olympics
- Bulat Niyazymbetov – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics
- Bekzad Nurdauletov – boxer, champion of the 2019 World Championships
- Nurbek Oralbay – champion of the 2023 World Championships
- Makhmud Sabyrkhan – boxer, gold at 2023 World Championships
- Serik Sapiyev – boxer, champion of the 2012 Summer Olympics, champion of the 2005 World Championships, 2007 World Championships, bronze medalist 2009 World Championships, silver medalist 2011 World Championships
- Bakhyt Sarsekbayev – champion of the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Bekzat Sattarkhanov – champion of the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Dariga Shakimova – bronze medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Zhaina Shekerbekova – boxer, won a silver medal at the 2018 World Championships
- Aslanbek Shymbergenov – gold at 2023 World Championships
- Yerkebulan Shynaliyev – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Sanzhar Tashkenbay – boxer, champion of the 2023 World Championships
- Kairat Yeraliyev – boxer, champion of the 2017 World Championships and bronze medalist at 2013 World Championships
- Daniyar Yeleussinov – champion of the 2016 Summer Olympics, champion of the 2015 World Championships and silver medalist at 2013 World Championships
- Serik Yeleuov – bronze medal winner of the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Zhanat Zhakiyanov – former professional boxer WBA and IBO bantamweight titles
- Birzhan Zhakypov – champion of the 2013 World Championships and bronze at 2005 World Championships
- Yerdos Zhanabergenov – champion of the 2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships
- Dina Zholaman – boxer, won a gold medal at the 2016 World Championships
- Bulat Zhumadilov – silver medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics and 2000 Summer Olympics, gold medal at the 1999 World Championships, silver medal at the 1995 World Championships, bronze medal at the 1997 World Championships
- Ablaikhan Zhussupov – bronze medal winner of the 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships
- Temirtas Zhussupov – boxer, champion of the 2021 World Championships
Wrestling
Greek-Roman (Classic) style
- Meirambek Ainagulov – silver medal winner of the 2017 World Championships
- Bakhtiyar Baiseitov – champion of the 1998 World Championships
- Almat Kebispayev – won a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships
- Asset Mambetov – bronze medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Kazhymukan Munaitpasov – first Kazakh who won a World Championship in 1908
- Aytjan Khalmakhanov– champion of the 2025 World Championships
- Walihan Sailike – bronze medals winner in the 2018 World Championships and 2020 Summer Olympics
- Meirzhan Shermakhanbet – bronze medal winner of the 2018 World Championships
- Shamil Serikov – champion of the 1980 Summer Olympics, champion of the 1978 World Championships, 1979 World Championships
- Aidos Sultangali – champion of the 2025 World Championships and two bronze medals winner at the 2018 and 2022
- Elmurat Tasmuradov – bronze medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Nurbakyt Tengizbayev – silver medal winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov – champion of the 1980 Summer Olympics and 1981 World Championships
- Demeu Zhadrayev – won a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships
- Khorlan Zhakansha – won a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships
- Dauren Zhumagaziyev – won a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships
Freestyle
- Rizabek Aitmukhan – champion of the 2023 World Championships
- Zhamila Bakbergenova – won three silver medals and bronze medal winner at the 2023 World Championships
- Islam Bayramukov – silver medal winner of the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Zhuldyz Eshimova – silver medal winner of the 2008 World Championships and bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships
- Nurkozha Kaipanov – champion of the 2024 World Championships, silver medalist 2019 World Championships, bronze medalist 2025 World Championships
- Maulen Mamyrov – bronze medal winner of the 1996 Summer Olympics
- Daulet Niyazbekov – silver medal at the 2019 World Championships and bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships
- Daulet Shabanbay – bronze medal winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Baluan Sholak – poet and wrestler
- Elmira Syzdykova – bronze medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Akzhurek Tanatarov – bronze medal winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Daulet Turlykhanov – silver medal winner of the 1988 Summer Olympics, bronze medal winner of the 1992 Summer Olympics
Sumo
- Kinbōzan Haruki – Top division rikishi.
Judo
- Abiba Abuzhakynova – judoka, two bronze medal-winner of the 2022 World Judo Championships, 2024 World Judo Championships
- Gusman Kyrgyzbayev – judoka, bronze medal-winner of the 2024 Summer Olympics, silver medal-winner of the 2021 World Judo Championships
- Aidyn Smagulov – judoka, bronze medal-winner of the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Yeldos Smetov – judoka, champion of the 2024 Summer Olympics, silver medal-winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics, bronze medal-winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Askhat Zhitkeyev – judoka, silver medal-winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
Mixed Martial Arts
- Kairat Akhmetov – mixed martial artist, fighting for ONE Championship
- Asu Almabayev – UFC fighter
- Bekzat Almakhan – UFC fighter
- Damir Ismagulov – UFC fighter
- Shayilan Nuerdanbieke – UFC fighter
- Shavkat Rakhmonov – UFC fighter
- Zhalgas Zhumagulov – UFC fighter
Chess
- Bibisara Assaubayeva – International Master, Woman's Grandmaster, and Women's World Blitz Champion
- Zhansaya Abdumalik – International Master and Woman Grandmaster
- Gulmira Dauletova – Woman Grandmaster
- Madina Davletbayeva – Woman Grandmaster
- Rinat Jumabayev – Grandmaster
- Meruert Kamalidenova – International Master
- Murtas Kazhgaleyev – Grandmaster
- Guliskhan Nakhbayeva – International Master and Woman Grandmaster
- Dinara Saduakassova – International Master and Woman Grandmaster
- Darmen Sadvakasov – Grandmaster
- Dana Tuleyeva-Aketayeva – Woman International Master
Ice hockey
- Nik Antropov – former NHL player
- Anton Khudobin – current NHL goaltender
- Vitali Kolesnik – former NHL goaltender
- Evgeni Nabokov – former NHL goaltender
Football
- Nuraly Alip – footballer playing for Zenit St. Petersburg
- Seilda Baishakov – FC Kairat and Soviet Union national football team
- Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov – Kazakh professional footballer, FC Dynamo Moscow
- Dastan Satpayev – Kazakh professional footballer, FC Chelsea/FC Kairat
Other
- Dzinara Alimbekava – Kazakh-born Belarusian biathlete, Olympic Champion of the 2014 Winter Olympics
- Darkhan Assadilov – karateka, bronze medal winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Assan Bazayev – cyclist
- Arman Chilmanov – taekwondo athlete, bronze prize-winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Zarina Diyas – tennis player
- Dias Keneshev – biathlete
- Gusman Kosanov – sprinter, silver medal winner of the 1960 Summer Olympics
- Nurlan Mendygaliyev – water polo player, bronze medal winner of the 1988 Summer Olympics
- Kaisar Nurmaganbetov – flatwater canoer
- Assan Takhtakhunov – ski jumper
- Elizabet Tursynbaeva – figure skater and 2019 World Silver Medalist
- Yernar Yerimbetov – gymnast
- Aliya Yussupova – athlete
- Radik Zhaparov – ski jumper
- Alzhan Zharmukhamedov – basketball player, gold medalist at the 1972 Summer Olympics, bronze medal winner of the 1976 Summer Olympics
Weightlifting
- Zulfiya Chinshanlo – champion of the 2012 Summer Olympics, bronze medal winner of the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Farkhad Kharki – bronze medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Maiya Maneza – won two golds at the World Weightlifting Championships
- Anna Nurmukhambetova – bronze medal winner of the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Zhazira Zhapparkul – silver medal winner of the 2016 Summer Olympics
Other Kazakhs
- Kanseyt Abdezuly, philologist, university dean, and professor
- Ashirbek Torebayuly Sygai, theater critic, translator, educator, and professor