* "Man of the Year" as a concept: The idea of recognizing a prominent figure for their achievements goes back centuries. Kings, military leaders, and other influential individuals have been lauded throughout history.
* Early magazine awards: While magazines existed before the 20th century, they didn't have awards like "Man of the Year" in their modern format.
* TIME Magazine: TIME Magazine is most closely associated with the "Man of the Year" title. Their first "Man of the Year" was Charles Lindbergh in 1927, for his transatlantic flight.
So, while Lindbergh is the first person to be named "Man of the Year" by TIME, it's important to recognize that the concept of honoring a notable individual existed long before TIME magazine began its tradition.