Origins & Early Life

André Weil (; French: [ɑ̃dʁe vɛj]; 6 May 1906 – 6 August 1998) was a French mathematician, known for his foundational work in number theory and algebraic geometry. He was one of the most influential mathematicians of the twentieth century. His influence is due both to his original contributions to a remarkably broad spectrum of mathematical theories, and to the mark he left on mathematical practice and style, through some of his own works as well as through the Bourbaki group, of which he was one of the principal founders. Weil's father was Bernard Weil (1872–1955), a medical doctor from an agnostic Alsatian Jewish background, who moved to Paris after the German annexation of Alsace–Lorraine.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Weil's mother was Salomea "Selma" Reinherz (1879–1965), who was born into a Jewish family in Rostov-on-Don and raised in Belgium. According to Osmo Pekonen, "the family name Weil came to be when many Levis in the Napoleonic era changed their names this way, by anagram." Weil was born in his parents' apartment in Paris on 6 May 1906. His younger sister and only sibling, Simone Weil, would later become a famous philosopher. The family was fairly affluent, and the children were raised in...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. J. P. Taylor — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Adolf Eichmann — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Nazi SS officer and key organizer of the Holocaust's logistics.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Aitana Bonmatí — Contemporary (Born in 1998) (1998): Star Spanish midfielder known for her decorated career with Barcelona and the Spain national team.
• Akira Kurosawa — Contemporary (Died in 1998) (1998): Master of Japanese cinema, known for dynamic style and epic storytelling.
• Alan Hodgkin — Contemporary (Died in 1998) (1998): Pioneering physiologist known for action potential theory and Nobel laureate.
• Alessandra Ferri — Shared historical date (05-06 · Born) (1963): Esteemed Italian prima ballerina known for her technical prowess and dramatic roles.
• Alexander Suvorov — Shared historical date (05-06 · Died) (1800): Brilliant Russian general whose victories defined military prowess in the late 18th century.
• Alexander Fleming — Shared historical date (08-06 · Born) (1881): Pioneering microbiologist known for the discovery of penicillin, revolutionizing medicine.
• Andy Warhol — Shared historical date (08-06 · Born) (1928): Pioneering Pop Art figure who blurred lines between high and low culture.
• 1906 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1906
• May 6 (05-06) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 6
• 1998 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1998
• August 6 (08-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 6