Meaning & History
Gladys is a female given name used in English, French, Spanish, and Welsh. It originates from the Old Welsh name Gwladus, which is probably derived from gwlad meaning "country". Alternatively, it may have been adopted as a Welsh form of Claudia.
Etymology and Origins
The earliest known bearer is Saint Gwladus or Gwladys, a 5th-6th century Welsh queen and mother of Saint Cadoc. She was one of the daughters of Brychan Brycheiniog. The name declined in use in Wales after 1500, but saw a revival among Welsh nationalists in the mid-1800s.
Popularization
Gladys became popular in the Anglosphere after appearing in several novels: Louisa M. Spooner's historical romance Gladys of Harlech (1858), Anne Beale's Gladys the Reaper (1860), and most notably Ouida's Puck (1870), where the heroine Gladys Gerant represents an idealized romantic figure. The name was considered pretty, exotic, and unlike other names of the time.
Variant Forms
The original Welsh form is Gwladys. The Old Welsh Gwladus is also a root form.
Notable Bearers
- Gladys Cooper (1888–1971), English actress
- Gladys Knight (born 1944), American singer
- Gladys Aylward (1902–1970), English missionary to China
Among records are actresses, sports figures, and an evangelist; Wikipedia lists additional notable bearers.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "country" (from Welsh gwlad)
- Origin: Welsh
- Type: Given name, feminine
- Usage regions: English, French, Spanish, Welsh
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Gladys (given name)