The top three tallest men ever were all born of the United States. Robert Pershing Wadlow, also known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois, is the tallest human in recorded history confirmed by Guinness World Records. Born on 22 February 1918 in Alton, Illinois, United States, Robert Wadlow measured 272cm (8 ft 11 in) at his tallest height - that is about as tall as the shoulder height of an adult Asian elephant.

Robert Pershing Wadlow

Tallest human ever lived

Compare the tallest man, Robert Pershing Wadlow, with the second tallest man ever, John William Bud Rogan.

At the second tallest recorded height of 267 cm (8 ft 9 in), John William Bud Rogan (1868-1905) was an American man who was the tallest person ever recorded until passed by Robert Wadlow.

At third with a height of 264 cm (8 ft 7 in), was John F. Carroll, whom at one point, grew eight inches in height in a year. Édouard Beaupré (251 cm) is the tallest Canadian ever, fourth in this list. Édouard was both the tallest strongman as well as the tallest wrestler in history. The tallest NBA player (former) in this list is Shawn Bradley at 229 cm (7 ft 6 in).

Side Note: If you are interested in the latest Analysis of the Tallest NBA Players and Average Heights By Position and Countries, click here for an insightful read.