What does Gladis mean and where does it come from?
Gladis is an Anglicized adaptation of the name Gladys, which has roots in Latin and Welsh. It is commonly used in Spanish-speaking regions and prominently in the United States, particularly among those with Hispanic heritage. Famous people with this name include Gladys Knight, an acclaimed singer kn
Cultural significance
Gladis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from 'claudia,' meaning 'lame' or 'enclosure'.
Peak popularity
Reached #888 in 1909 — currently #1080 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gladis?
Gladis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gladis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gladis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gladis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gladis Claire
French influence · crisp
Gladis Jane
Literary · strong
Gladis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gladis right now?
Holding steady — currently #1080 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1080 | 1,120 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1085 | 1,100 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1090 | 1,070 | ▲ up 7266 · +8817% births |
| 2020 | #8356 | 12 | ▼ down 1380 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #6976 | 17 | ▼ down 1717 · -35% births |
| 2010 | #5259 | 26 | ▼ down 1992 · -45% births |
| 2005 | #3267 | 47 | ▼ down 323 · -2% births |
| 2000 | #2944 | 48 | ▼ down 890 · -27% births |
| 1995 | #2054 | 66 | ▼ down 76 · -4% births |
| 1990 | #1978 | 69 | ▲ up 2022 · +245% births |
| 1985 | #4000 | 20 | ▼ down 373 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #3627 | 22 | ▲ up 3625 · +214% births |
| 1975 | #7252 | 7 | ▼ down 88 · +17% births |
| 1970 | #7164 | 6 | ▼ down 512 · +20% births |
| 1965 | #6652 | 5 | — |
The story of Gladis
Gladis has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 3,015 total births recorded, Gladis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1548 in 1900 to #1080 in 2023. Gladis is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Gladis in 1909:
Gladis by decade
Gladis peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 7 | |
| 1900s | 107 | |
| 1910s | 319 | |
| 1920s | 459 | |
| 1930s | 266 | |
| 1940s | 143 | |
| 1950s | 120 | |
| 1960s | 56 | |
| 1970s | 82 | |
| 1980s | 256 | |
| 1990s ★ | 567 | |
| 2000s | 464 | |
| 2010s | 157 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎With 3,015 total births, Gladis is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Gladis?
Common
GlaGladGladieGladyAdis
Famous people named Gladis
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Gladis (Spanish saint)
Gladis helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
G(
Gladis (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Gladis bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
G(
Gladis (Spanish saint)
Gladis helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
G(
Gladis (Flamenco artist)
Gladis carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Gladis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gladis also consider these
Common questions about the name Gladis
What does the name Gladis mean?
Gladis means "Derived from 'Claudia,' meaning 'lame' or 'enclosure'" — a name rooted in Spanish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Gladis?
Gladis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Gladis?
Gladis originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Gladis a common or rare name?
Gladis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Gladis more of a girl or boy name?
Gladis is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.