Gwladus

Gwladus is a feminine given name of Welsh origin. In Wales, the form Gwladus has historic usage and is commonly regarded as the Welsh cognate of the English name Gladys. The two names are linked in onomastic traditions and have appeared together in discussions of Welsh and British naming practices.

Etymology and origins are not entirely settled. The name Gwladus appears in medieval Welsh records and literature, where it was borne by several noblewomen. Some explanations connect the form to Welsh linguistic elements such as gwlad, meaning country or homeland, while others treat Gwladus as a distinct medieval name whose precise roots are difficult to trace. In later centuries, the English form Gladys became widely known, and Gwladus remained the traditional Welsh variant used in Wales and among Welsh-speaking communities.

Usage and cultural context describe Gwladus as a historically common choice in medieval and early modern Wales, with its popularity peaking in periods when Welsh names were being recorded more frequently in genealogies and church sources. In contemporary Wales, Gwladus is relatively uncommon as a given name, though it persists in genealogical references and among families seeking to reflect Welsh heritage. The name is also encountered in broader British historical literature and in translations of Welsh narratives.

See also: Gladys, Gwladys, and related Welsh given names.