Winifred Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationWIN-ih-fred / /ˈwɪnɪfrɛd/Old English; Welsh
Meaning
Old English: blessed peacemaking; Welsh: fair and blessed
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Winifred has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "wine," meaning "friend," and "freoth," meaning "peace" or "joy." The name can be traced back to the 7th century, notably associated with Saint Winifred, a Welsh virgin martyr who is believed to have lived during this period. Her story is recounted in various hagiographies, and she is venerated in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions, with her feast day celebrated on November 3rd. The name was introduced into the English language through the Latin form "Winifridus," which was used in ecclesiastical contexts, particularly in the writings of early medieval scholars and clerics.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Winifred became more widely recognized, particularly in Wales and England, where it was borne by several notable figures. The name was often associated with nobility and piety, reinforcing its cultural significance. The popularity of the name was further solidified by the translation of religious texts, including the Vulgate Bible, which contributed to the dissemination of saints' names throughout Europe. By the 16th century, Winifred appeared in various forms in English literature and records, reflecting its enduring presence in the cultural landscape.
Symbolically, the name Winifred has been associated with friendship and peace, qualities that resonate with its etymological roots. This connection to positive virtues has contributed to the name's longevity in various cultural contexts. Diminutive forms such as Winnie have emerged, reflecting a more affectionate or familiar usage, though the original form retains its historical and cultural weight. Overall, Winifred embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution, historical significance, and cultural resonance.
Trend Summary
Winifred has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Winnie
- Fred
International Variants
- Guinevere (French)
- Winifrede (Spanish)
Famous people named Winifred
Winifred Atwell was a pianist best known for her recordings of classical and popular music, including 'The Poor People of Paris' and 'Let's Have Another Party'.
Winifred Holtby was a novelist and writer best known for her works South Riding and The Land of Green Ginger.
Fictional characters named Winifred
Winifred Sanderson is a fictional character from the film Hocus Pocus. She is the leader of the Sanderson sisters, a trio of witches who are resurrected in modern-day Salem.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Winifred was first seen in the United States in 1880. Winifred has ranked as high as #243 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Winifred has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Winifred (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
IL | 18 | |
NY | 17 | |
VA | 14 | |
TX | 12 | |
PA | 10 | |
OH | 9 | |
IN | 9 | |
CA | 9 | |
FL | 8 | |
GA | 7 | |
WI | 7 | |
OR | 7 | |
WA | 7 | |
MA | 6 | |
MD | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 92 |
1881 | 81 |
1882 | 83 |
1883 | 125 |
1884 | 146 |
1885 | 120 |
1886 | 146 |
1887 | 154 |
1888 | 176 |
1889 | 186 |
1890 | 204 |
1891 | 235 |
1892 | 213 |
1893 | 232 |
1894 | 216 |
1895 | 234 |
1896 | 212 |
1897 | 217 |
1898 | 289 |
1899 | 241 |
1900 | 302 |
1901 | 232 |
1902 | 226 |
1903 | 272 |
1904 | 252 |
1905 | 276 |
1906 | 287 |
1907 | 264 |
1908 | 281 |
1909 | 297 |
1910 | 370 |
1911 | 463 |
1912 | 662 |
1913 | 741 |
1914 | 904 |
1915 | 1,299 |
1916 | 1,365 |
1917 | 1,526 |
1918 | 1,593 |
1919 | 1,332 |
1920 | 1,432 |
1921 | 1,417 |
1922 | 1,428 |
1923 | 1,420 |
1924 | 1,269 |
1925 | 1,221 |
1926 | 1,111 |
1927 | 1,014 |
1928 | 955 |
1929 | 816 |
1930 | 699 |
1931 | 670 |
1932 | 572 |
1933 | 554 |
1934 | 510 |
1935 | 491 |
1936 | 462 |
1937 | 444 |
1938 | 471 |
1939 | 416 |
1940 | 384 |
1941 | 404 |
1942 | 457 |
1943 | 438 |
1944 | 312 |
1945 | 319 |
1946 | 371 |
1947 | 374 |
1948 | 302 |
1949 | 363 |
1950 | 297 |
1951 | 294 |
1952 | 278 |
1953 | 261 |
1954 | 224 |
1955 | 263 |
1956 | 253 |
1957 | 216 |
1958 | 222 |
1959 | 193 |
1960 | 162 |
1961 | 156 |
1962 | 171 |
1963 | 162 |
1964 | 134 |
1965 | 110 |
1966 | 96 |
1967 | 101 |
1968 | 84 |
1969 | 76 |
1970 | 85 |
1971 | 58 |
1972 | 50 |
1973 | 58 |
1974 | 44 |
1975 | 48 |
1976 | 23 |
1977 | 32 |
1978 | 27 |
1979 | 36 |
1980 | 29 |
1981 | 28 |
1982 | 22 |
1983 | 21 |
1984 | 24 |
1985 | 15 |
1986 | 20 |
1987 | 17 |
1988 | 23 |
1989 | 14 |
1990 | 33 |
1991 | 18 |
1992 | 26 |
1993 | 24 |
1994 | 12 |
1995 | 17 |
1996 | 15 |
1997 | 15 |
1998 | 17 |
1999 | 14 |
2000 | 21 |
2001 | 26 |
2002 | 21 |
2003 | 22 |
2004 | 21 |
2005 | 27 |
2006 | 27 |
2007 | 23 |
2008 | 29 |
2009 | 38 |
2010 | 22 |
2011 | 30 |
2012 | 49 |
2013 | 71 |
2014 | 100 |
2015 | 160 |
2016 | 147 |
2017 | 169 |
2018 | 154 |
2019 | 193 |
2020 | 222 |
2021 | 235 |
2022 | 229 |
2023 | 269 |
2024 | 244 |