Gladys
GLAD-iss
A Welsh feminine name likely connected to Claudia, with a long, traditional British feel.
Meaning
In the excerpts, Gladys is described as a Welsh female name, appearing in forms such as Gladuse, Gladusa, Gwladus, Gwladis, Wladis, and Gladowsa. The most likely explanation given is that it is a Welsh form of Claudia. One source also mentions a possible meaning of “lame,” but treats that interpretation as doubtful.
Origin
WelshLatinfeminine
Fun fact
The 19th-century sources note that it was not uncommon among Welsh women and even had several historical spellings.
Confidence: mixed. Sources: History of Christian Names, Praenomina; or, the etymology of the principal Christian names of Great Britain and Ireland.