Gladys is a vintage feminine given name of Welsh origin, meaning "joyful." It was particularly popular during the early to mid-20th century but has since fallen out of fashion. Notable individuals named Gladys include Gladys Aylward, a British missionary and inspiration for the film "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness," and Gladys Knight, an American singer-songwriter known as the "Empress of Soul." The name Gladys is often associated with warmth, kindness, and a touch of old-fashioned charm.
"Gladis was quite popular in 1925 with five babies named that year."