Famous, famed, renowned, celebrated, eminent, illustrious are comparable when meaning known far and wide among men.
Famous and famed apply chiefly to men, events, and things that are much talked of or are widely or popularly known throughout a section, a country, a continent, or a cultural tradition; they also imply good repute or a favorable reputation. Normally these terms are applied without qualification only to those persons or things that are still so known or that were so known in the time under consideration.
Renowned implies more glory or honor and more widespread acclamation than either famous or famed; it is, however, often employed as a stronger or more emphatic term than famous with little actual difference in meaning except for a suggestion of greater longevity of fame.
Celebrated stresses reception of popular or public notice or attention and frequent mention, especially in print; it may also suggest public admiration or popular honor.
Eminent implies conspicuousness for outstanding qualities; it is applicable chiefly to persons or things that are recognized as topping others of their kind.
Illustrious carries a stronger implication of renown than eminent; it also imputes to the thing so described a gloriousness or splendor that increases its prestige or influence.