Explore 5 of the record-breaking largest families in history

Throughout history, the extraordinary sizes of some families have broken records and fascinated people across the globe.

These kinds of families usually consist of several children born to a single mother in a few years as well as multiple generations.

Let's take a look at some of the most remarkable large families in history.

The Vassilyev Family (Russia)

Feodor Vassilyev and his first wife, Valentina hold the record for the most children born to a couple. Between 1725 and 1765, the Russian couple had 69 children across 27 births. This included 16 pairs of twins, 7 sets of triplets, and 4 sets of quadruplets. The man is believed to have had an extra 18 more children with his second wife, bringing the total number to 87.

Mr. and Ms. Kirillov (Russia)

Mr. and Ms. Kirillov, a couple from Russia had 57 children in 21 births. The children included 4 sets of quadruplets, 7 sets of triplets, and 10 sets of twins. They had their last birth in 1755.

Barbara and Adam Stratzmann (Germany)

Having their last birth in 1498, Barbara and Adam Stratzmann are claimed to have had 53 children, including 1 set of septuplets, 1 set of sextuplets, 4 sets of triplets, and 5 sets of twins.

Mariam Nabatanzi Babirye (Uganda)

By the age of 36, Mariam had given birth to 44 children, including 3 sets of quadruplets, 4 sets of triplets, and 6 sets of twins, due to a rare genetic condition. As of 2023, 38 of her children are still living. Her last childbirth was in 2016.

Elizabeth and John Mott (England)

Elizabeth and John Mott were a couple from Monks Kirby, England. Elizabeth Mott gave birth to 42 children, making her one of the mothers with the most children in history by 1720.