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Gladys First Name Meaning

Gladys is a female name of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh name Gwladus or Gwladys, with the meaning "Country." Its origins can be traced back to the late 5th and early 6th centuries, associated with a Welsh royal queen who later became a Christian saint. The name gained popularity in the late 1800s in the Anglosphere through its use in historical romance novels, gaining a reputation for its exotic and unique appeal. It is sometimes considered the Welsh equivalent of the name Claudia, although this association is subject to debate. Gladys was particularly popular in English-speaking countries at the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, experiencing a resurgence in usage after 1990, partly due to the influence of singer Gladys Nelly del Carmen Jiménez. The name also gained traction in African and South American countries in the middle and late 20th century. Additionally, it shares a phonetic resemblance with the words "glad" and "gladiolus flower," and is often associated with the latter.

Sources: Wikipedia, available at https://www.wikipedia.org | BabyNames.com, available at https://www.babynames.com

How popular Gladys first name? (2000 - Now)

Historical popularity of Gladys first name (1880 - Now)

Sources: Social Security Administration, available at https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/



Famous people with Gladys first name

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight

Gladys Maria Knight, born on May 28, 1944, is an iconic American singer known for her incredible contributions to the music industry. As the lead vocalist of the family group Gladys Knight & the Pips, she achieved immense success, recording hits throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Knight's impressive accolades include winning seven Grammy Awards, with hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "That's What Friends Are For," which she performed with Dionne Warwick, Sir Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. Her remarkable talent has earned her numerous recognitions, such as being referred to as the "Empress of Soul," induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and being ranked among the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine. Knight's impact extends beyond her music, as she is also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors. Her early experiences in gospel music and subsequent rise to stardom are a testament to her enduring influence and remarkable career.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Gladys Pearl Baker
Gladys Pearl Baker

Gladys Pearl Monroe, also known as Gladys Pearl Monroe Baker Mortensen Eley, was the mother of the iconic American actress Marilyn Monroe. Born in Mexico in 1902, she grew up in the Los Angeles metro area, facing numerous challenges in her personal life. Gladys experienced the hardships of three marriages, each lasting only a few years, and coped with the loss of her father, mental illness, and alcoholism. Her life took a dramatic turn when she became pregnant with her third child, Norma Jeane Mortenson, who would later become known as Marilyn Monroe. Despite her struggles, Gladys persevered, working in the film industry and navigating through difficult relationships. However, she faced mental health challenges and spent a significant portion of her later years in psychiatric facilities. Gladys' life was marked by resilience and perseverance, and she eventually found solace living with her daughter Berniece before moving to a senior care facility. Throughout her life, Gladys Pearl Monroe embodied strength in the face of adversity and played a significant role in shaping the legacy of her famous daughter, Marilyn Monroe.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Gladys Gillem
Gladys Gillem

Gladys Gillem Wall (January 6, 1920 – August 12, 2009), also known as Gladys "Killem" Gillem or Gladys "Kill 'Em" Gillem, was a renowned American professional wrestler. She embarked on her wrestling journey after being inspired by the legendary Mildred Burke. Trained in Tennessee with Wilma Gordon, Gillem showcased her wrestling prowess in carnival shows and even grappled with bears and alligators as part of her act. Joining promoter Billy Wolfe's troop of women wrestlers in 1942, she notably wrestled against Burke for the World Women's Championship. Despite enduring injuries, including losing an eye during a match, Gillem continued to captivate audiences with her resilience and talent.Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Gillem's life was marked by diverse experiences. She excelled in sports during her high school years, winning the Alabama State softball championship. Following her retirement from wrestling, she explored various endeavors such as working as a trapeze artist, a lion tamer, and even wrestling alligators. She married John Wall, with whom she had three children, and tragically lost him in a work-related accident. Gillem's journey concluded on August 12, 2009, when she passed away at her home in Pensacola, Florida, after battling Alzheimer's disease. Her remarkable legacy and contributions to professional wrestling continue to be celebrated and remembered.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Gladys Cooper
Gladys Cooper

Dame Gladys Constance Cooper (18 December 1888 – 17 November 1971) was a distinguished English actress, theatrical manager, and producer, whose illustrious career spanned an impressive seven decades, encompassing stage, film, and television. Beginning her career as a teenager in Edwardian musical comedy and pantomime, she transitioned to dramatic roles and silent films before the First World War. She managed the Playhouse Theatre from 1917 to 1934, during which time she also starred in numerous roles. Cooper's talent and versatility were further highlighted in her acclaimed performances in plays by W. Somerset Maugham and various other productions, earning her praise both in London's West End and on Broadway.In 1940, she ventured into Hollywood, where she achieved success in a diverse range of character roles, garnering three Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in "The Song of Bernadette" (1943), "My Fair Lady" (1964), and the iconic "Now, Voyager" (1942). Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she continued to captivate audiences on stage and screen, concluding her remarkable career with stage performances even in her final year.Born in Hither Green, Lewisham, London, Cooper's early life and career endeavors shaped her into a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry. From her stage debut in 1905 to her memorable roles in productions such as "

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Gladys George
Gladys George

Gladys George, born Gladys Clare Evans, was an esteemed American actress known for her stage and screen performances. She gained recognition for her Academy Award-nominated leading role in "Valiant Is the Word for Carrie" (1936) and portrayed supporting characters in notable films including "Marie Antoinette" (1938), "The Roaring Twenties" (1939), "The Maltese Falcon" (1941), "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946), and "Flamingo Road" (1949). George's early exposure to acting came from touring the United States with her British actor parents. Her career spanned both stage and film, earning her critical acclaim and a Best Actress nomination at the 9th Academy Awards. Despite her professional success, George's personal life was marked by four marriages, all of which ended in divorce without children. Tragically, she battled various health issues, ultimately succumbing to a cerebral hemorrhage in 1954 at the age of 50. Gladys George's legacy lives on through her timeless contributions to the entertainment industry.For more information, you can visit Gladys George's IMDb page or explore her work on the Internet Broadway Database.

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