- Jan 10 Christian August Crusius, German philosopher and theologian, born in Leuna, Germany (d. 1775)
- Jan 12 Jacques Duphly, French composer and harpsichordist, born in Rouen, France (d. 1789)
- Jan 26 Claude Adrien Helvétius, French controversial philosopher (On the Mind), born in Paris, France (d. 1771)