Gladys
Gladys is a Christian girl name of Welsh origin, meaning “Possibly 'country' or 'ruler'”.
| Meaning | Possibly 'country' or 'ruler' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Welsh |
| Pronunciation | GLAD-is |
| Tradition | Christian, Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United Kingdom, Wales, United States |
Meaning and origin of Gladys
Gladys is the English form of the Welsh Gwladys, an old name whose meaning is debated. It is often linked to the Welsh gwlad, 'country' or 'land', suggesting 'ruler of the land', while others think it is a Welsh form of the Latin Claudia. Saint Gwladys, a sixth-century Welsh saint, was the mother of Saint Cadoc. The name was very popular in Britain around 1900.
Is Gladys a Christian name?
Gwladys is honoured as an early Welsh saint, giving the name a Celtic Christian history, though Gladys is generally used today without religious meaning.
How popular is Gladys?
Very old-fashioned in Britain today; more familiar among older generations.
Gifts with the name Gladys
- Gladys name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Gladys baby gifts (Amazon)
- Christian baby gifts & books (Amazon)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.
Spellings and variants of Gladys
Names similar to Gladys
More Christian girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gladys mean?
Gladys means 'Possibly 'country' or 'ruler''. It is of Welsh origin.
Is Gladys a Christian name?
Gwladys is honoured as an early Welsh saint, giving the name a Celtic Christian history, though Gladys is generally used today without religious meaning.
How do you pronounce Gladys?
Gladys is pronounced GLAD-is.
Is Gladys a boy or girl name?
Gladys is usually a girl name.