Find out how popular the first name Gladys has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gladys by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Gladys is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Gladys being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 61 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gladys.

The history of the first name Gladys

The name Gladys has its origins in the Welsh language and culture, deriving from the Welsh word "gwlad," meaning "country" or "land." It is believed to have first emerged as a given name during the Middle Ages, around the 11th or 12th century.

In its earliest forms, the name was often spelled as "Gwladus" or "Gwladys," reflecting its Welsh roots. As it spread to other parts of Britain and Europe, the spelling evolved to the more familiar "Gladys" form that we recognize today.

While there are no definitive historical records of the name appearing in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is thought to have been used primarily among Welsh families and communities during its early years.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gladys can be found in the 13th-century Welsh chronicle known as the "Brut y Tywysogion" (Chronicle of the Princes), where a woman named Gwladus ferch Llewelyn is mentioned.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Gladys. One of the most famous was Gladys Cooper (1888-1971), an English actress and singer who had a prolific career in theater, film, and television.

Another well-known Gladys was Gladys Aylward (1902-1970), a British missionary who spent much of her life in China and was known for her work in rescuing children during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

In the world of literature, Gladys Bronwyn Stern (1890-1973) was a British novelist and playwright, best known for her popular novels set in the English countryside.

The name Gladys also has a connection to the world of fashion, with Gladys Peto (1900-1976), a British fashion designer and entrepreneur who founded the successful clothing brand "Peto Fashions."

Another notable figure was Gladys Radcliffe (1905-1991), an Australian athlete who competed in the 1928 and 1932 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 4x100-meter relay in 1932.

While the name Gladys experienced its peak popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the United Kingdom and United States, it has since declined in usage but still maintains a certain nostalgic charm and historical significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gladys was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gladys, please contact us.

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