The nameGladys
Gladys is a Welsh name that was in the American top 20 at the start of the 20th century.
- Girl's name
- Welsh
Meaning
Gladys comes from the Welsh Gwladys, often linked to gwlad, "country, land".
Origin
Welsh.
History
In the United States Gladys reached 11th place in 1901.
Did you know?
- Gladys Knight and the Pips reached number one in the United States in 1973 with Midnight Train to Georgia.
Famous people named Gladys
- Gladys Knight, singer
- Gladys Aylward, missionary
Popularity of the name Gladys
Gladys in the United States
Gladys was most popular in the United States in the 1920s, with 72,812 births over the decade, 27% of all recorded babies named Gladys. Its rise began around 1893, and it peaked in 1921. Half of all babies named Gladys in the United States were born before 1922, so it is mostly a great-grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 62 births a year.
Gladys in France
Gladys was most popular in France in the 1970s, with 2,270 births over the decade, 23% of all recorded babies named Gladys. Its rise began around 1946, and it peaked in 1974. Half of all babies named Gladys in France were born before 1983, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 21 births a year on average, against 48 in the five years before.
Sibling names for Gladys
Names from the same generation as Gladys, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Gladys? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Gladys with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Gladys side by side with the name of your choice.
Gladys in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gladys mean?
Gladys comes from the Welsh Gwladys, often linked to gwlad, "country, land".
What is the origin of the name Gladys?
Welsh.
Is Gladys a girl's or a boy's name?
Gladys is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Gladys?
In 2024, Gladys was the 3487th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 45 births.
What are good sibling names for Gladys?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Glenda, Fabiola, Olga and Angelita for a sister, Michel, Rigoberto, Claudio and Luc for a brother.
Who are famous people named Gladys?
Gladys Knight, singer; Gladys Aylward, missionary.