Gladys is a name of Welsh origin that has been used by people for centuries. Its meaning can vary depending on the source, but it is often said to mean "joyful" or "happy". The name Gladys was popularized in the United States and other English-speaking countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was particularly fashionable among the Victorian aristocracy, who often chose names with Welsh roots for their daughters. Some famous people named Gladys include Gladys Pugh, a Welsh poet, and Gladys Aylward, a British missionary who worked in China during the mid-20th century. Despite its historic popularity, the name Gladys has become less common in recent years, but it remains a beloved classic that evokes feelings of happiness and joy.
Between 1895 and 1991, the name Gladys was given to a total of 1023 newborns in the United States. The most popular year for the name was 1914, with 33 births. However, it appears that the name's popularity declined over time, as the last recorded birth with the name Gladys occurred in 1991, with only 5 newborns being named Gladys that year.
Despite its decline in recent years, the name Gladys has had a notable presence in American history. At its peak, it was given to more than double the number of newborns compared to other years, indicating that there were periods when the name was particularly favored by parents.
Overall, these statistics provide insight into the trends and fluctuations in the popularity of the name Gladys over time in the United States.