Nearly a third chose the Monty Python legend as the countys best export. Second on the list was gruff actor Sean Bean followed by Sir Patrick Stewart.
Halifax-born Ed Sheeran is fourth with Jeremy Clarkson completing the top five.
Dame Judi Dench was chosen by almost half of respondents as the greatest-ever Yorkshirewoman followed by Jess Ennis-Hill and the Bronte sisters.
The poll was conducted by the energy supplier Npower to celebrate Yorkshire Day, which is today.
When asked to think about the county, the first thing that springs to mind for the majority of Brits is Yorkshire pudding.
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POLL: A survey found that Judi Dench and Michael Palin were the most popular Yorkists
One in five believe the Sunday roast staple is the single best thing to have originated from the region.
It also emerged that two-thirds of the country have either visited Yorkshire or lived there at some point in their lives, with 34% still to visit.
And one in 10 respondents loved their time there so much they would consider making the move permanently. This could be due to the accent, which 45% of Brits say they are happy to hear.
But one in eight would struggle to locate Yorkshire on a map of the UK.
Researchers also found Yorkshires reputation for being careful with money is well founded, with 10% believing people from the county are better at looking after the pennies than those from elsewhere.
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“Weve generated some of the most famous names throughout history”
Andy Wiggans, commercial director at Npower
And twice as many people think those from Yorkshire are more likely to be careful when it comes to saving energy than anywhere else in the UK.
Andy Wiggans, commercial director at Npower and proud Yorkshireman, said: “Whether youve been once, twice or lived there for years, its great to see how much the area has contributed to society.
“Weve generated some of the most famous names throughout history and its exciting to wonder who the next will be.
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LEGENDS: Patrick Stewart and Alan Bennett appeared on the list
Top 10 men
1. Michael Palin
2. Sean Bean
3. Sir Patrick Stewart
4. Ed Sheeran
5. Jeremy Clarkson
6. Brian Blessed
7. Alan Bennett
8. The Chuckle Brothers
9. Brian Clough
10. Geoffrey Boycott
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Top 10 women
1. Dame Judi Dench
2. Jess Ennis-Hill
3. The Bronte sisters
4. Dame Diana Rigg
5. Maureen Lipman
6. Kimberley Walsh
7. Penelope Wilton
8. Jodie Whittaker
9. Nicola Adams
10. Amy Johnson
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