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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Girls name - Gladys?

192 replies

Sheffield2000 · 18/02/2020 04:29

I'm pregnant with my second daughter. Our first is Elsie (middle name Alice). My husband and I have always liked the name Gladys and are thinking of naming our second daughter this.

To me, its cute whilst baby is little and she grows up I like to think of it as a strong, and elegant name. I also like that it's unique and there are not lots of Gladys's out there. But on the other hand, i'm getting myself a bit worried that its a name that a lot of people do not like. I try to stay away from forums, yet here I am positing on one, worrying about the negative comments people have posted about this name in previous threads! For anyone else who likes Gladys, what middle name do you think could match well with it? Elsie was such an easy choice, it was always our favourite name. We are really struggling to be confident with our choice this time!

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Original poster
Sheffield2000 · 23/02/2020 13:29

Thank you for your responses. They have been really interesting to read. Some of the comments have confirmed for me why I try to stay away from online forums. It’s a shame that people can be such cutting with comments like ‘cruel’ ‘sht’ ‘horrid’. I didn’t see the comments that were removed and I’m glad I didn’t. Everyone has different tastes and that makes the world interesting. Thank you to those who have disliked the name gracefully and offered suggestions and even bigger thank you to those who have been so encouraging. I know I’m in a minority for liking this name and if we decide to call our daughter Gladys, she will probably not meet another Gladys in her age bracket. That’s part of the reason why I like it. I hope I will be able to bring my daughter up to be strong and secure with her identity, regardless of her name.
I’m still not sure. I have moments where I love it and then feel doubtful again. Nothing is an obvious choice for us this time, hence making the post. I will definitely ponder it some more.
Thanks again mums and mums to be.

OP posts:
Neptunesgiraffe · 23/02/2020 13:25

I love it! My dad's auntie Gladys was called Lal for short and another Gladys I know was nicknamed Dizzy.

MaxPaddyandHarry · 23/02/2020 13:20

What about Hilda, Edna, Joyce?

Original poster
Sheffield2000 · 23/02/2020 13:13

What did you name your little one? Thanks for your lovely comment

OP posts:
YawnYawnYawnYawnzy · 22/02/2020 22:57

Not really my cup.of tea.

Alsohuman · 22/02/2020 21:31

Oh wow, Dulcie, haven’t heard that for years, it’s gorgeous.

Cherrysherbet · 22/02/2020 21:26

I love it! My Gran was a Gladys, she was lovely and feisty as hell! A great character.

Charis1503 · 22/02/2020 21:21

HHHHHHIIIIIIDEOUS.

LynetteScavo · 22/02/2020 21:17

I like the name Gladys

Gloria on the other hand is awful

Gladys Dulcie

Alsohuman · 22/02/2020 20:58

After their great grannies probably, it’s very turn of the 20th century. I’m dreading the comeback of my generation’s names - all those poor Lindas, Susans, Elaines and Jennifers.

BoggiesBonnieBelle · 22/02/2020 20:51

I've just checked the Scottish records and Gladys has been used quite a few times in the last ten years as a middle name. Presumably these girls are getting Gladys as a middle name after their grannies. But if it's making a comeback as a middle name, I reckon it'll come back has a first name soon.

SeeUNextTuesday · 22/02/2020 20:45

I love it (it was my nans name) but I don't think she will thank you for it !

BoggiesBonnieBelle · 22/02/2020 20:42

If you love it but don't use it, you will regret it in 5 years time when it makes a comeback.

SalmonOfKnowledge · 22/02/2020 19:07

Unlike Gladys, i feel like Beryl is a beatiful sound. But I realise its extremely subjective. If i tune out fashion, gladys still sounds so harsh 🥴

Clawdy · 22/02/2020 18:28

It's one of those names I never thought would come back, because it sounds so awful. Also Beryl, and Bertha and Ethel. Interesting to see I am wrong!

TatianaLarina · 21/02/2020 12:11

A great aunt in fact.

TatianaLarina · 21/02/2020 12:11

I had an aunt called Beryl it is beyond grim. On a par with Gladys.

ArriettyJones · 21/02/2020 10:26

PP’s suggestion of Beryl is actually really nice because it’s a semi precious stone.

Being brutally honest I think siblings named Elsie Alice and Gladys are at risk of sounding like a set of rhyming Victorian kitchen maids.

ArriettyJones · 21/02/2020 10:23

All the old ladies named Gladys used to go by the NN “Glad”, which feels inevitable really, although I suppose she also has the option of “Lyssie” or using a middle name?

AlpacaGoodnight · 21/02/2020 10:21

I really dislike it BUT if you love it-go for it, as soon as people get used to it she will own the name and make it 'hers'

PointlessAddict · 21/02/2020 07:47

@yesyesyesyes you are utterly, utterly vile. I’ve reported your hateful post.

CatherineOfAragonsPomegranate · 21/02/2020 04:50

So you have an Elsie Alice and now you want a Gladys?

Too similar sounding. I also think Elsie doesn't draw attention but Gladys will definitely be remarked on meaning that there's a possibility that Elsie may be a bit overlooked by others.

Maybe something still old lady but 'softer' and more complementary of Elsie?

Ava
Meryl/Beryl
Sylvie
Flora
Hattie
Lottie
Daphne

NewInTown08 · 21/02/2020 04:23

I usually love old granny names.
I don't know how I feel about Gladys. I hate it and I like it at the same time.
What I like about it is that it's a unique name because I don't think a lot of people will use it, but its familiar at the same time. I also like that it's a strong name.
I think I like it.

Topseyt · 21/02/2020 03:57

It's a no from me.

Sorry, but it just isn't a nice sounding name. It is one that has always been old fashioned no matter how old the person is.

It should be consigned to history.

KatherineJaneway · 21/02/2020 03:44

Awful name.