Gladys

“royalty”

Wales origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#1212US 2023

988Births / yr

→Stable

267.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 49 years in top 1001.12% of births at peak

How to pronounce Gladys

GLAD·is

/ˈɡlæd.ɪs/ · stress on GLAD · 2 syllables

“royalty”

Wales origin · Unisex name

What does Gladys mean and where does it come from?

Gladys is of Welsh origin, derived from the word 'glaed' meaning 'royalty.' It became popular in Wales and was introduced to the English-speaking world through the Welsh poet William Morris. However, it is also thought to have Latin roots linked to the word 'lame.' The name saw significant popularit

Cultural significance

Gladys has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Wales-speaking communities, where it reflects values of royalty.

Peak popularity

Reached #11 in 1901 — currently #1212 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Gladys?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Gladis

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Gladys?

Gladys works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gladys Grace

How popular is Gladys right now?

Holding steady — currently #1212 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1212 · Top 0.89%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1212	988	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1217	968	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1222	938	▲ up 1078 · +1134% births
2020	#2300	76	▼ down 52 · -8% births
2015	#2248	83	▼ down 306 · -19% births
2010	#1942	103	▼ down 797 · -49% births
2005	#1145	203	▼ down 37 · +10% births
2000	#1108	184	▼ down 384 · -35% births
1995	#724	282	▼ down 195 · -37% births
1990	#529	448	▲ up 162 · +75% births
1985	#691	256	▼ down 65 · -12% births
1980	#626	291	▼ down 76 · -6% births
1975	#550	311	▼ down 26 · -15% births
1970	#524	365	▼ down 145 · -37% births
1965	#379	579	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gladys

Best Year1905Rank #14

Peak Count8,819

Average Rank#631

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Gladys

Gladys has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #11 in 1901. More than 267,449 babies have been named Gladys since 1880. Once ranked #370 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1212 in 2023. Gladys is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Gladys in 1901:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

Gladys by decade

Gladys peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	1,420
1890s	13,659
1900s	30,417
1910s	66,059
1920s ★	72,812
1930s	34,977
1940s	19,121
1950s	12,222
1960s	5,950
1970s	2,775
1980s	2,528
1990s	2,922
2000s	1,767
2010s	744
2020s	76

What are good nicknames for Gladys?

FRENCH

ClaudetteClaudine

RUSSIAN

Klava

ANCIENT ROMAN

Claudius

CROATIAN

Klaudio

What names sound and feel like Gladys?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gladys also consider these

English · a variant of

Gradys

American · Irish

Gladis

Spanish · Derived from 'Claudia,'

Lithuania · Lithuanian

How is Gladys written in other languages?

Gender variants of Gladys

Claudius ANCIENT ROMAN Klaudio CROATIAN Claud ENGLISH Claude ENGLISH Claude FRENCH Claudio ITALIAN Klaudijs LATVIAN Klaudiusz POLISH Cláudio PORTUGUESE Claudiu ROMANIAN Claudio SPANISH

Common questions about the name Gladys

What does the name Gladys mean?

Gladys means "royalty" — a name rooted in Wales 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 Gladys?

Gladys 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 Gladys?

Gladys originates from Wales tradition. Wales names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Gladys?

Gladys is a two-syllable name pronounced G L AE1 D IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gladys a common or rare name?

Gladys is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.