Winfred is an ancient, historic name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'win' meaning 'friend' and 'frithu' signifying 'peace'. It was brought to England by the Anglo-Saxons, who were a collection of Germanic tribes that migrated to Britain in the mid-first century AD. The name was popular among the nobility during this period and was often used as a personal name or a title for noblemen.
One of the most notable figures with the name Winfred was SaintWinfrith (also known as Wynfrith), who was born in the late 7th century in Wessex, England. He became a missionary bishop to the Germans, spending many years in Frisia and helping to convert them to Christianity. His efforts were ultimately successful, leading to his canonization in the 12th century.
The name Winfred has not been particularly common in recent times, but it has appeared sporadically throughout history. It was occasionally used in England during the Middle Ages, and there have been a few notable individuals with this name in more modern times as well. For example, Winfred Philipps was a Welsh politician who served as the Secretary of State for Wales from 1964 to 1970.
In terms of variations and related names, Winfred can be associated with names such as Winfrid, Wynfrith, and even Wynne or Win. Some people may also associate it with the name Frederick, which has a similar Germanic origin but is more commonly used today.
Overall, Winfred is an ancient and historic name with a rich background dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. While it may not be as popular as some other names today, its past significance and association with notable figures like SaintWinfrith make it a name of interest for those looking for unique and meaningful namesakes.
The name Winfred had its peak popularity between the years 1916 to 1922 with a high of 23 births in 1919. After that period, its usage decreased significantly, never again reaching double-digit numbers until the 1960s when it saw a slight resurgence, peaking at 8 births in 1968. Overall, Winfred has been a relatively uncommon name, with a total of 351 births recorded over the given period from 1909 to 1980.