Winifred
Meaning of Winifred
The name Winifred is a classic and timeless choice for a baby girl, with deep roots in history and culture. Originating from the Old English elements "wine," meaning "friend," and "frithu," meaning "peace," Winifred translates to "peaceful friend." This name has been cherished for its gentle and harmonious connotations. In English, it is pronounced as WIN-uh-fred (/ˈwɪnəfrɛd/), while the German pronunciation is VEE-ni-frayt (/vi:nifrɛit/). Variations of this name include Winnie and Winnifred, offering more casual or formal alternatives.
Winifred has seen fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. It was quite popular in the early 20th century, peaking in the 1920s when it consistently ranked within the top 200 names for baby girls. Its popularity waned mid-century but has seen a modest resurgence in recent years. In 2023, it ranked at #963 with 267 occurrences, indicating a renewed interest among modern parents who appreciate vintage names with historical significance.
Winifred carries associations with strength and tranquility, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that embodies both elegance and resilience.
Pronunciation
German
- Pronunced as VEE-ni-frayt (/vi:nifrɛit/)
English
- Pronunced as WIN-uh-fred (/ˈwɪnəfrɛd/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Winifred
| Una Winifred Atwell was a Trinidadian pianist who achieved great success in Britain and Australia during the 1950s with her boogie-woogie and ragtime hits, selling over 20 million records and becoming the first black artist to have a number-one hit in the UK Singles Chart. |
| Winifred Holtby was an English novelist and journalist, best known for her posthumously published novel South Riding. |
| Winifred Margaret Knights was a British painter known for her notable works, including The Marriage at Cana and The Deluge, which reflect her influence from the Italian Quattrocento and a modernist style. |
| Rosa Winifred Nicholson, a British painter, was known for her artistic contributions and was part of a renowned family of artists. |
| Winifred Cavendish-Bentinck, Duchess of Portland - Winifred Anna Cavendish-Bentinck, Duchess of Portland, was a prominent British humanitarian and animal welfare activist. |
| Winifred Maxwell, Countess of Nithsdale, is renowned for orchestrating the bold escape of her husband, William Maxwell, 5th Earl of Nithsdale, from the Tower of London in 1716. |
