Gladstone is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years, but it was originally a surname. The name comes from the Old English words "glæd" meaning "happy" or "joyful," and "stan" meaning "stone." Therefore, Gladstone can be interpreted as "happy stone."
The use of Gladstone as a given name is relatively modern, with its first recorded usage in the late 19th century. However, it became more popular in the mid-20th century and has continued to be used sporadically since then.
One notable figure who bore the surname Gladstone was William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898), a British statesman who served as Prime Minister four times during the late 19th century. He is considered one of the most prominent figures in British politics during that era, and his name has since become synonymous with political leadership and integrity.
Despite its origins as a surname, Gladstone has not been widely used as a given name throughout history. However, it is possible that its use may increase in popularity due to its unique sound and positive connotations associated with the name's meaning. Overall, Gladstone is an interesting and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
"Gladstone experienced a peak in popularity between 1915 and 1922 with the highest number of births in those years, and after that, its usage gradually declined until the late 20th century."