Gladys Forster

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Gladys Forster — Welsh
318K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
Advertisement

Gladys Forster is a name that combines Welsh origins. The first name Gladys is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. Gladys (or, alternately, Gladis) is a female name from the Welsh name Gwladus or Gwladys, which is of uncertain meaning. It was the name of Gwladys, a Welsh queen who lived in the late 5th century and early 6th century and became a Christian saint. The name was also used for other Welsh noblewomen, but declined in use in Wales after 1500. The name was used mainly by Welsh nationalists in the mid-1800s. It was popularized in the late 1800s in the Anglosphere after it was used for the heroine of the historical romance novel Gladys of Harlech by Louisa M. The surname Forster: Forster baronets, several persons Adam Forster (1850–1928), artist Albert Forster, several people: Albert Forster (1902–1952), German Nazi governor executed for war crimes Albert Forster (shot putter) (born 1906), American shot putter, 1928 All-American for the Stanford Cardinal track and field team Anthony Forster (academic), vice-chancellor of the University of Essex Anthony Forster (Australian politician) (1813–1897) South Australian MLC and newspaperman Anthony Forster (MP), Member of Parliament for Abingdon (UK Parliament constituency) 1566–1572 Anthony Forster, mayor of Markham, 1889–189. Gladys is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 318K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Gladys reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Gladys

Welsh

Gladys (or, alternately, Gladis) is a female name from the Welsh name Gwladus or Gwladys, which is of uncertain meaning. It was the name of Gwladys, a Welsh queen who lived in the late 5th century and early 6th century and became a Christian saint. The name was also used for other Welsh noblewomen, but declined in use in Wales after 1500. The name was used mainly by Welsh nationalists in the mid-1800s. It was popularized in the late 1800s in the Anglosphere after it was used for the heroine of the historical romance novel Gladys of Harlech by Louisa M.

Surname: Forster

English

Forster baronets, several persons Adam Forster (1850–1928), artist Albert Forster, several people: Albert Forster (1902–1952), German Nazi governor executed for war crimes Albert Forster (shot putter) (born 1906), American shot putter, 1928 All-American for the Stanford Cardinal track and field team Anthony Forster (academic), vice-chancellor of the University of Essex Anthony Forster (Australian politician) (1813–1897) South Australian MLC and newspaperman Anthony Forster (MP), Member of Parliament for Abingdon (UK Parliament constituency) 1566–1572 Anthony Forster, mayor of Markham, 1889–189.

Advertisement

Geographic Distribution

The first name Gladys is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Gladys by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Advertisement

Notable People Named Gladys Forster

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Gladys Forster:

7
Expression Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

3
Soul Urge Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

4
Personality Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Gladys?
The first name Gladys originates from Welsh. Gladys (or, alternately, Gladis) is a female name from the Welsh name Gwladus or Gwladys, which is of uncertain meaning. It was the name of Gwladys, a Welsh queen who lived in the late 5th century and early 6th century and became a Christian saint. The name was also used for other Welsh noblewomen, but declined in use in Wales after 1500. The name was used mainly by Welsh nationalists in the mid-1800s. It was popularized in the late 1800s in the Anglosphere after it was used for the heroine of the historical romance novel Gladys of Harlech by Louisa M.
When was Gladys most popular?
The name Gladys reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Forster?
The surname Forster originates from English. Forster baronets, several persons Adam Forster (1850–1928), artist Albert Forster, several people: Albert Forster (1902–1952), German Nazi governor executed for war crimes Albert Forster (shot putter) (born 1906), American shot putter, 1928 All-American for the Stanford Cardinal track and field team Anthony Forster (academic), vice-chancellor of the University of Essex Anthony Forster (Australian politician) (1813–1897) South Australian MLC and newspaperman Anthony Forster (MP), Member of Parliament for Abingdon (UK Parliament constituency) 1566–1572 Anthony Forster, mayor of Markham, 1889–189.
What are the origins of the name Gladys Forster?
The name Gladys Forster combines two different traditions: the first name Gladys has Welsh roots, while the surname Forster originates from English.
Advertisement