Lists of Albanians
This is a list of historical and living Albanians who are famous or notable, sorted by occupation and alphabetically.
Religious
Priests
- Dhimitër Frëngu, friar and scholar of a noble family, treasurer and councilor of Giorgio Castriota, in 1480 wrote the first biography, in Latin, on the life of Skanderbeg, from which all later writers drew.
- Father Marin Barleti, Catholic ecclesiastic and writer, author of the life of Skanderbeg.
- Gjon Buzuku, bishop Catholic, author of the oldest known document in Albanian: a translation of the Roman Missal, "Meshari".
- Pjetër Budi, Catholic priest and writer, published three books in Albanian and I leave several poems in his native language.
- Papa Luca Matranga, priest and scholar, author of the first literary expression arbëresh of the Albanians in diaspora.
- Frang Bardhi, Catholic bishop, lexicographer, folklorist and ethnographer, author of the first dictionary of the Albanian language known so far.
- Pjetër Bogdani, Catholic bishop and writer, author of the first Albanian work in prose.
- Papa Nikollë Filja, priest and writer.
- Nicoleta Kenini, writer and priest
- Mons. Giuseppe Crispi, one of the major figures of the Arbëresh community of Sicily of that era, wrote a number of works on the Albanian language.
- Papa Francesco Antonio Santori, writer, poet and playwright.
- Nikoll Kaçorri, Catholic religious, politician and patriot, deputy prime minister with Ismail Kemal, in the first Albanian government.
- Gjergj Fishta, Franciscan friar, poet, politician and translator.
- Mons. Theofan Stilian Noli, bishop and intellectual, writer, scholar, diplomat, politician, historian, orator, founder of the Orthodox Church of Albania.
- Papa Marco La Piana, priest and scholar, gave his contribute through his studies on Albanian language.
- Anton Harapi, Franciscan friar, teacher, writer and politician.
- Zef Valentini, Italian Jesuit, albanologist, byzantinist and historian, naturalized Albanian.
- Cyril of Bulgaria, the first Patriarch of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, born of an Albanian family.
- Father Zef Pllumi, Franciscan priest and writer, author of the memoirs of Christian religious persecution in Albania.
- Mons. Ercole Lupinacci, Bishop of Italo-Albanian Catholic Eparchies of Piana degli Albanesi and Lungro.
- Mons. Sotir Ferrara, the Bishop of the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi, a diocese of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church in Sicily, Italy.
- Papa Eleuterio Francesco Fortino, priest of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church, Archimandrite in the Eparchy of Lungro in Calabria, served as the Under Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and albanolog.
- Arch. Rrok Kola Mirdita, Catholic archbishop.
- Mons. Angelo Massafra, metropolitan archbishop of Scutari-Pult and president of the Albanian Episcopal Conference.
- Mons. Donato Oliverio, Bishop of the Eparchy of Lungro.
- Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani, Islamic scholar and Muslim revivalist in the 20th century. He is well known for his anti-extremist leanings all over the Muslim world.
Martyrs
- Papa Kristo Negovani, religious leader and writer for the Albanian cause.
- Father Daniel Dajani, Jesuit religious and martyr, of the Catholic Church, killed by the regime during the communist dictatorship in Albania.
- Stath Melani was an Albanian [Eastern Eastern Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox] priest who participated in the Congress of Manastir and helped spread awareness of the Albanian written language in southern Albania.
Pope
Saints and blessed
- Saint Papa Josif Papamihali, priest of Byzantine rite, formed in the Albanian communities of Italy, martyr of the Albanian Greek-Catholic Church, arrested, sentenced to forced labor, and killed during the communist dictatorship in Albania.
- Saint Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic religious and missionary.
- Saint Astius, bishop of Dyrrhachium, martyr and saint venerated by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.
- Saint Pelinus, native of Dyrrhachium and later Bishop of Brindisi in Italy.
- Saint Angelina of Serbia, the Albanian Despotess consort of Serbian Despot Stefan Branković, and a daughter of Albanian nobleman Gjergj Arianiti. She was proclaimed a saint and venerated as such by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
- Saint John Koukouzelis recognized as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Saints Eleutherius and Antia venerated as Christian saints and martyrs in Greece and Albania by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.Saint Christos the Arvanid Saint Christos the Arvanid or the gardener was an 18th-century Eastern Orthodox saint from Albania.
- Therinus, also known as Therius of Buthrotum, was a Christian saint revered in Albania.
- Nicodemus of Elbasan The new martyr Nicodems also known as Nicodemus of Berat was born in Vithkuq in present-day Albania. He was married and had children there. Later he converted to Islam and then became a Christian again, at Mount Athos, Greece. After three years he decided to return in his native town, informing the Muslim authorities of his decision. He was beheaded on 11 July 1722. His relics are venerated in Berat.Nephon II of Constantinople, born Nicholas, was Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople three times: from 1486 to 1488, from 1497 to 1498 and for a short time in 1502. He is honored as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and his feast day is August 11.
- Shtjefën Kurti was an Albanian Roman Catholic priest killed during a period of communist persecution.
- Çiprian Nika, OFM was an Albanian Catholic priest, Franciscan, teacher, and publicist.
- Saint Laura of Constantinople was a Christian who lived in Constantinople during the 15th century. She was born in Greece into a noble family: her father was a Latin knight named Michael and her mother was Albanian. Her name was Theodolinde Trasci. After she became a nun in Constantinople, she changed it into Laura, eventually rising to become an abbess. She was martyred by the Ottoman Turks who took Constantinople on 29 May 1453. They scalded her to death with the other 52 sisters of her convent.
- Bernardin Palaj was an Albanian Franciscan friar, folklorist and poet.Vinçenc Prennushi was an Albanian Roman Catholic professed member from the Order of Friars Minor and he served as the Archbishop of Durrës from 1940 until his death.
- Qerim Sadiku was a Catholic Albanian blessed who had converted from Islam. He was executed by a firing squad in Shkodër along with clerics Danjel Dajani, Giovanni Fausti, Gjon Shllaku, Mark Çuni and Gjelosh Lulashi.
- Lazër Shantoja was an Albanian blessed, publicist, poet, satirist, and translator into Albanian from Goethe, Schiller and Leopardi, as well as his country's first Esperantist.
- Alfons Tracki was an Albanian Catholic priest of German origin, who died as a martyr as a result of the religious persecution by the regime of Enver Hoxha in communist Albania.
- Maria Tuci was an Albanian laywoman and Roman Catholic martyr from Lezhë who was imprisoned and died in Shkodra.
Academic sciences
Scientists
- Teki Biçoku geologist; former member and president of the Academy of Sciences of Albania
- Gjon Gazulli astronomer
- Pandi Geço geographer
- Shtjefën Gjeçovi ethnographer
- Sotir Kuneshka physicist
- Rexhep Meidani physicist
- Laura Mersini-Houghton Albanian-American cosmologist and theoretical physicist; associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; proponent of the multiverse hypothesis which holds that our universe is one of many
- Betim Muço seismologist
- Ferid Murad physician and pharmacologist; co-winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
- Shefqet Pllana ethnographer
- Niko Qafzezi agronomist and pedagogue
- Nijazi Ramadani ethnographer
- Andrea Shundi – agronomist of the 20th and 21st century
- Xhezair Teliti mathematician
Philosophers
- Marin Beçikemi 15th- and 16th-century humanist, orator, and chronist
- Sami Frashëri
- Gani Bobi philosopher and sociologist from Kosovo
- Ibrahim Gashi Kosovar Albanian academic and philosopher
- Ukshin Hoti Kosovo Albanian philosopher and activist
- Zef Jubani
- Muhamedin Kullashi
- Shkëlzen Maliqi Kosovo Albanian philosopher, art critic, political analyst and intellectual; was involved in politics in the 1990s
- Arshi Pipa Albanian-American philosopher, writer, poet and literary critic
- Petro Zheji linguist, translator, philosopher, and author from Gjirokastër; lived and worked in Tirana, Albania
Social scientists
- Gëzim Alpion academic, political analyst, writer, playwright, and civil society activist
- Albert Doja social anthropologist, member of the National Albanian Academy of Sciences and University Professor of Anthropology at the University of Lille, France.
Economists
- Kostandin Boshnjaku banker, politician, one of the earliest Albanian communists
- Shkëlqim Cani Governor of the Bank of Albania, 1997–2004
- Sokrat Dodbiba economist and politician who served as Minister of Finance of Albania, 1943–44
- Ardian Fullani
- Ilir Hoti economist and banker
- Arben Malaj
- Qirjako Mihali
- Filip Noga politician; Minister of Finance of the country for four months in 1914; also known as Philippe Nogga
- Gramoz Pashko economist and politician
- Ferit Vokopola
- Vrioni family one of the great aristocratic and biggest landowner families of Albania
Rulers
- Skanderbeg 15th-century Albanian lord; "Hero of Christianism"; initiated and organized the League of Lezhë, which proclaimed him Chief of the League of the Albanian people
- Karl Thopia was an Albanian feudal prince and warlord who ruled Albanian domains from 1358 until the first Ottoman conquest of Albania in 1388. He claimed the titles Prince of Albania, Lord of Krujë and Duke of Durrës
- Andrea II Muzaka was an Albanian nobleman of the Muzaka family and the ruler of the Principality of Muzaka in the 14th century. He inherited the principality from his father, Teodor I Muzaka, who died around 1331. Andrea II is known for having expanded the Principality of Muzaka to its greatest extent, from the southern Adriatic coastline of Albania in the west to Kastoria in the east by the time of his death in 1372. He claimed the titles Despot of the Kingdom of Albania, Marshal of Albania and Despot of Epirus.
- Demetrio Progoni was an Albanian leader who ruled as Prince of the Albanians from 1208 to 1216 the Principality of Arbanon, the first Albanian state. He was the successor and brother of Gjin Progoni and their father, Progon of Kruja.Gjin Progoni was an archon of Kruja, located in present-day Albania, from c. 1198 until his death in 1208. He succeeded his father, Progon of Kruja, becoming the second ruler of the Principality of Arbanon. During his reign, he controlled the areas around Elbasan and the fortress of Krujë. He also maintained good ties with the Despotate of Epirus due to the Venetian threat in northern Epirus. Gjin was succeeded by his younger brother Dhimitër Progoni.
- Progon was the first Albanian ruler known by name, an archon of the Kruja Fortress (modern Krujë) and its surroundings, known as the Principality of Arbanon. He ruled between 1190 and 1198. Progon was succeeded by his two sons, Gjin, and Dimitri.
- Gregorios Kamonas was the Greek-Albanian Lord or Prince of Krujë in c. 1215. Demetrios Chomatenos mentioned him as having the title of sebastos, given to him by the emperor Alexios III Angelos after 1205, during his stay in the Despotate of Epirus at the court of his nephew Michael I Komnenos Doukas. He first married the daughter of Gjin Progoni, then married Serbian princess Komnena Nemanjić, the daughter of King Stefan Nemanjić and widow of Dimitri Progoni, thus inheriting the rule of Arbanon. He strengthened ties with Serbia and secured Arbanon through an Orthodox alliance. He had a daughter together with Komnena, who married Golem of Kruja the later lord of Kruje.
- Golem of Kruja was an Albanian nobleman who ruled the Principality of Arbanon, in its phase of semi-independency. He was the last ruler of Arbanon before its final annexation in the reemerging Byzantine Empire. His holdings included Krujë and probably Ohrid.
- Leke III Dukagjini was a 15th-century member of the Albanian nobility, from the Dukagjini family. A contemporary of Skanderbeg, Dukagjini is known for the Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit, a code of law instituted among the tribes of northern Albania. Dukagjini is believed to have been born in Lipjan, Kosovo.
- Zog was the leader of Albania from 1922 to 1939. At age 27, he first served as Albania's youngest ever Prime Minister, then as president, and finally as king.
Politicians and diplomats
- Ramiz Alia
- Taulant Balla
- Sali Berisha
- Enver Hoxha
- Besiana Kadare
- Ravesa Lleshi
- Ilir Meta
- Fatos Nano
- Agim Nesho
- Ismail Kemal
- Edi Rama
- Ibrahim Rugova
- Dashnor Shehi, 20th-century
- Mehmet Shehu
- Hashim Thaçi
- Esad Toptani
- Ahmet Zogu
Visual arts
Multimedia artists
- Anri Sala – contemporary artist
- Armando Lulaj - contemporary artist
- Burim Myftiu – contemporary photographer
- Ilia Xhokaxhi scenographer
- Pleurad Xhafa - contemporary artist
- Saimir Strati multi-media artist, achieved six Guinness World Records
Architects
- Andrea Alessi – architect, painter and sculptor
- Architect Kasemi master of Ottoman classical architecture
- Carl Ritter von Ghega – engineer and designer of railways
- Enver Faja architect and diplomat
- Qemal Butka architect, painter, politician and postage stamps engraver
- Sedefkar Mehmed Agha – chief architect of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
- Valentina Pistoli architect
Cartoonists and illustrators
- Agim Sulaj illustrator and cartoonist
- Ali Dino cartoonist
- Fahri Axhanela cartoonist
- Shyqri Nimani graphic designer
Sculptors
- Dhimitër Çani
- Agim Çavdarbasha
- Sadik Kaceli
- Kristina Koljaka
- Genc Mulliqi
- Vasiliev Nini
- Janaq Paço
- Odhise Paskali
- Ardian Pepa
- Agim Rada
- Kristaq Rama
- Murad Toptani
- Sislej Xhafa
- Helidon Xhixha
Photographers
- Fadil Berisha official photographer for Miss Universe, Miss USA and Rolex
- Emin Kadi fashion photographer, journalist, art director and magazine publisher
- Gegë Marubi photographer
- Kel Marubi photographer
- Gjon Mili photographer known for his work published in Life Magazine
- Burim Myftiu photographer
- Kristo Sulidhi photographer and writer
- George Tames photographer for The New York Times
- Mimoza Veliu photographer
Performing arts
Comedians and satirists
Dancers and choreographers
- Olta Ahmetaj choreographer and dancer
- Esdalin Gorani ballet dancer
- Tringa Hysa ballet dancer
- Ilir Kerni ballet dancer
- Spartak Hoxha ballet dancer
- Kledi Kadiu dancer on the popular talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi; starred in Passa a Due in 2005
- Altin Kaftira ballet dancer
- Eno Peçi ballet dancer
- Enkel Zhuti ballet dancer
- Tony Dovolani Albanian-American professional ballroom dancer, instructor and judge; known for his involvement in the American version of Dancing with the Stars; appeared in Shall We Dance?; spent time coaching actress Jennifer Lopez
- Angelin Preljocaj choreographer of contemporary dance
- Ferbent Shehu dancer and choreographer
Models and beauty pageant participants
Television personalities
- Blendi Fevziu – television host
- Ardit Gjebrea – producer, television host, singer-songwriter
- Baton Haxhiu – journalist, television host
- Claudia Conserva Chilean actress, model and television presenter; of Italian-Albanian descent
- Benet Kaci Kosovan television personality; from Kosovo
- Florina Kaja American reality-television participant, singer and actress
- Drita D'Avanzo – reality TV star on the VH1 series ''Mob Wives''
Music
Pianists
Violinists
Guitarists
Sports
Football players
- Admir Mehmedi
- Altin Rraklli
- Andi Lila
- Ansi Agolli
- Anxhelo Mumajesi
- Armando Sadiku
- Artim Shaqiri
- Besart Berisha
- Blerim Džemaili
- Cyme Lulaj
- Elseid Hysaj
- Erjon Bogdani
- Ervin Skela
- Fatmire Bajramaj
- Granit Xhaka
- Hamdi Salihi
- Igli Tare
- Kosovare Asllani
- Kristjan Asllani
- Lorik Cana
- Loro Boriçi
- Mehmet Durakovic
- Migjen Basha
- Nedim Bajrami
- Panajot Pano
- Perlat Musta
- Qemal Vogli
- Rudi Vata
- Shkodran Mustafi
- Sulejman Demollari
- Taulant Xhaka
- Thomas Strakosha
- Valon Behrami
- Xherdan Shaqiri
Martial artists
- Azem Maksutaj kickboxer
- Aziz Salihu boxer
- Besim Kabashi kickboxer
- Elis Guri wrestler
- Enver Idrizi Karate World Champion
- Ilir Latifi MMA fighter
- Kreshnik Qato boxer
- Luan Krasniqi boxer
- Majlinda Kelmendi judoka
- Naim Terbunja boxer
- Nuri Seferi boxer
- Gzim Selmani MMA fighter and pro wrestler
- Sahit Prizreni wrestler
- Shaban Sejdiu wrestler
- Shaban Tërstena wrestler
- Valdrin Vatnikaj kickboxer
- Xhavit Bajrami boxer and kickboxer
Other sports
- Adem Yze – Australian rules footballer
- Aldo Zadrima former national chess champion
- Donald Suxho – US Olympic team volleyball player
- Emerson Jeka – Australian rules footballer
- Erjon Tola Olympic skier
- Ermal Kuqo basketball player for the Turkish team Anadolu Efes
- Frank Leskaj – Olympic swimmer
- Harley Reid – Australian rules footballer
- John Ibrahim - Australian Rules footballer.
- Linda Zetchiri badminton player
- Molly Qerim sports anchor and moderator for ESPN's First Take.
- Rrapush Papoj – cyclist, coach
- Tie Domi – ice hockey player
Others
- Joseph Ardizzone organized crime boss
- Joseph J. DioGuardi American certified public accountant and a Republican politician; his family traces its roots to the Arbëreshë people
- Kara DioGuardi American contemporary composer of Albanian descent
- Donald Lambro American journalist; chief political correspondent of The Washington Times; columnist nationally syndicated by United Feature Syndicate
- Laura Mersini-Houghton Theoretical Physicist-Cosmologist; Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Martin Shkreli Pharma executive and convict.
- Arber Ndreu Tour Guide 25 country's Europe,Azia,Ballkans.Activist and famous for first program : Table Of Orator!