George David Birkhoff, American mathematician (d. 1944)

George David Birkhoff (March 21, 1884 – November 12, 1944) was an American mathematician best known for what is now called the ergodic theorem. Birkhoff was one of the most important leaders in American mathematics in his generation, and during his time he was considered by many to be the preeminent American mathematician.The George D. Birkhoff House, his residence in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been designated a National Historic Landmark.