Gladstone is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years, but it was originally a surname. The name comes from the Old English words "glæd" meaning "happy" or "joyful," and "stan" meaning "stone." Therefore, Gladstone can be interpreted as "happy stone."
The use of Gladstone as a given name is relatively modern, with its first recorded usage in the late 19th century. However, it became more popular in the mid-20th century and has continued to be used sporadically since then.
One notable figure who bore the surname Gladstone was William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898), a British statesman who served as Prime Minister four times during the late 19th century. He is considered one of the most prominent figures in British politics during that era, and his name has since become synonymous with political leadership and integrity.
Despite its origins as a surname, Gladstone has not been widely used as a given name throughout history. However, it is possible that its use may increase in popularity due to its unique sound and positive connotations associated with the name's meaning. Overall, Gladstone is an interesting and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Gladstone appears to have had varying popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 200 births recorded between 1898 and 1993. The highest number of births in any given year was 13, which occurred twice - once in 1917 and again in 1922. Interestingly, there were periods where the name fell out of favor, with no recorded births between 1933 and 1942, a span of nine years. However, it seems that Gladstone made a comeback post-World War II, with several births occurring in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Despite its ups and downs, Gladstone remains a unique and historically significant name, with a total of 200 individuals bearing this name coming into the world over the course of nearly a century.