East and Prosser Families of Ross. (General)

by Jefff , West London, Middlesex, Sunday, September 11, 2011, 12:41 (4875 days ago) @ tuthill

Hi,
Apparently the name "Gwladys" is of ancient Welsh origin, originally "Gwladus".

It's uncertain as to it's exact original meaning, it may derive either from the Latin name Claudius, (hence the name Claudia) or from the Welsh word "gwlad," meaning "countryside" which seems more probable to me. "Gladys" is the later English derivative.

As these links show the name's associated with ancient Welsh royalty/nobility.

http://www.breconbeacons.org/visit-us/about-the-brecon-beacons/legend-of-gwladys-and-ei...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwladus_Ddu

I suspect in this instance the name was intended as "Gwladys" but has perhaps been understandably mispelt by Census recorders/transcribers.
It's interesting to see the above Brecon Beacons hyperlink even mis-spells it as it points to the story of "Gwladus" !

Hope this helps.