MyNameList

    Winifred

    Also spelled: Gwenfrewi

    Pronunciation: WIN-ih-fred

    ♀ Female
    Welsh, Old English

    Meaning

    Holy peace; blessed peacemaking

    Origin

    Welsh, Old English

    The Story Behind Winifred

    The name Winifred has a dual origin. It is primarily derived from the Welsh name Gwenfrewi, meaning 'holy stream' or 'holy peace' (from Welsh 'gwen' meaning 'white, fair, blessed, holy' and 'frewi' meaning 'reconciliation, peace'). Saint Winifred was a 7th-century Welsh virgin martyr, whose legend involves her head being restored after decapitation, and a spring appearing where her blood fell. This legend significantly boosted the name's popularity in Wales and England.

    Separately, Winifred also has roots in Old English, from 'wine' meaning 'friend' and 'frith' meaning 'peace', leading to the meaning 'friend of peace' or 'peaceful friend'. While the Welsh origin is more prominent in its historical usage, the Old English elements contributed to its adoption and understanding in English-speaking regions. The name saw a resurgence in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Vintage Revival
    Peak decade:1920s
    Era:Medieval, Victorian, Early 1900s

    Popularity Trends

    Is Winifred Right for Your Baby?

    Winifred is a Vintage, Gentle, Classic name for girls that suits parents looking for something with character. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables3
    LengthLong
    International UseRegional
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Winifred Is Used

    British
    Anglo-Saxon

    Name Vibe

    Vintage
    Gentle
    Classic

    Famous People Named Winifred

    • Winifred Holtby (1898-1935), English novelist and journalist
    • Winifred Atwell (1914-1983), Trinidadian-British pianist
    • Winifred Wagner (1897-1980), British-born German daughter-in-law of Richard Wagner
    • Winifred Edgerton Merrill (1852-1951), first American woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics
    • Winifred C. Stanley (1909-1996), American politician

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Winnie
    Freda
    • Winnie
    • Freda
    • Freddie

    Winifred in different fonts

    WinifredDancing Script
    WinifredCaveat
    WinifredSatisfy
    WinifredPacifico
    WinifredGreat Vibes

    Names Similar to Winifred

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Winifred, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic
    Vintage
    Literary

    Related Names

    Found in these lists

    Frequently Asked Questions About Winifred

    What does Winifred mean?

    Winifred means "Holy peace; blessed peacemaking". It is derived from Welsh, Old English.

    What is the origin of Winifred?

    Winifred originates from Welsh, Old English. Its cultural origin is Welsh, Old English.

    Is Winifred a male or female name?

    Winifred is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Winifred?

    Winifred is pronounced "WIN-ih-fred".

    What language does Winifred come from?

    Winifred comes from Welsh, Old English.

    Is Winifred a popular name?

    Winifred is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is vintage revival.

    What are variants of Winifred?

    Variants of Winifred include Gwenfrewi.

    What are nicknames for Winifred?

    Common nicknames for Winifred include Winnie, Freda.

    Articles You Might Like

    Browse more W names →