Notable orphans and foundlings include world leaders, celebrated writers, entertainment greats, figures in science and business, as well as innumerable fictional characters in literature and comics. While the exact definition of orphan and foundlings varies, one legal definition is a child bereft through "death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from, both parents". According to the United Nations, the definition of an orphan is anyone that loses one parent, either through death or abandonment.

Figures from classical history and religious scripture

Africa

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Europe

Political, civic and religious leaders

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Asia

Australia/Oceania

Europe

North America

South America

Writers

Africa

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Australia/Oceania

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North America

Musicians and singers

Africa

Asia

Australia/Oceania

Europe

North America

South America

Artists, actors, and entertainers

Africa

Asia

Australia/Oceania

Europe

North America

South America

Athletes

Africa

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Australia/Oceania

Europe

North America

South America

Scientists and scholars

Africa

Europe

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Business people

Asia

Europe

North America

Otherwise notables

Asia

Australia/Oceania

Europe

North America

South America

Fictional characters

See also Category:Fictional orphans

In literature

In popular culture

Related lists

See also Category:Adoptees for lists of notable people who have been adopted (including by step-parents): many adoptees are neither orphans nor foundlings.