Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Gladys
GirlWelsh· “Welsh Gwladys; meaning uncertain”
- Meaning
- Welsh Gwladys; meaning uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Welsh
- Pronunciation
- GLAD-ihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,224
- US babies 2025
- 49
- Best rank
- #11 (1901)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Gladys
Gladys is often said to mean “Welsh Gwladys; meaning uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh roots.
Gladys is the English form of the Welsh Gwladys, a name whose meaning is uncertain. It may be connected to the Welsh gwlad, meaning country, or it may have been influenced by the Latin Claudia, though scholars disagree. Saint Gwladys was a Welsh saint, remembered as the mother of Saint Cadoc. Gladys became very popular in English-speaking countries in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It is usually pronounced GLAD-is. The name has a vintage, comfortable feel. Glad and Gladdie are old-fashioned nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Gladis.
Popularity over time
Gladys has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 119 different years. Its best national rank was #11 in 1901, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 8,819 were named Gladys. In 2025, 49 babies were named Gladys, and it ranked #3,224 nationally. That is 41% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #22 in 1920, #182 in 1950, #629 in 1980, #1,108 in 2000, #1,950 in 2010, and #3,224 in 2025. Of the 266,718 US girls named Gladys since records began, 27% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 65,812 babies. Since 2010, 1,104 more have been named Gladys.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Eleanor, Louise, Lucille, Thelma, and Lillian.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gladys ranked highest in California and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2585 | 7 |
| Texas | #3056 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Gladys is usually pronounced GLAD-ihs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with G and ends in “-ys”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Gladis.
Middle names for Gladys
A few middle names that flow with Gladys: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gladys
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Lists that include Gladys
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gladys mean?
Gladys is often said to mean “Welsh Gwladys; meaning uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh roots.
What is the origin of the name Gladys?
Gladys has Welsh roots. Gladys is the English form of the Welsh Gwladys, a name whose meaning is uncertain.
Is Gladys a popular name?
Not especially. Gladys ranked #3,224 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Gladys a boy or girl name?
Gladys is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Gladys?
Gladys is usually pronounced GLAD-ihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings