Holding steady.
Popularity of Gladiola since 1915
Babies named Gladiola per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gladiola's real moment was 1932.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 26 |
| 1920s | 75 |
| 1930s | 41 |
| 1940s | 14 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gladiola is a floral name with a distinctly vintage feel, drawn from the gladiolus flower. First recorded in 1915, it saw its peak in 1932, reflecting the early 20th-century fashion for botanical names. Despite never ranking among the top 1000 names, it has maintained a steady presence, with its trajectory described as stable. The name evokes a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of an era when flower names like Iris and Lily were popular, though Gladiola remained far rarer. Its top states for usage are not documented, indicating its scattered, low-frequency use across the country. Gladiola carries a sense of old-fashioned grace, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a uncommon floral name with historical roots.
Gladiola is taken directly from the genus name Gladiolus, derived from Latin gladius meaning 'sword', in reference to the plant's sword-shaped leaves. The gladiolus flower became popular in ornamental gardens in the 19th century, and the name Gladiola emerged as a feminine form in the early 20th century, likely influenced by floral names like Viola and Magnolia. It enjoyed modest use in the 1930s, coinciding with the peak of flower-themed names in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gladdy, Glad, Lola, Goldie
Variants: Gladiolus, Gladyola
Sibling names for Gladiola
Names that share Gladiola's style, for a brother or sister.
