Winferd is a unique and distinctive name of Germanic origin. It is composed of the elements "win" meaning "friend" or "joy," and "ferth" which refers to "journey" or "voyage." Therefore, the name Winferd can be interpreted as "happy journey" or "joyful voyage."
The name Winferd has a rich history that dates back to the Early Middle Ages. It was borne by several figures in Germanic mythology and legend. One notable example is Winferðr Hrodberctrson, who appears in the Old Norse poem "Hávamál" as one of Odin's warriors. This association with Norse mythology has contributed to the name's enduring popularity among those interested in Viking history and culture.
Winferd was also used in early Anglo-Saxon England, where it was likely brought by Germanic settlers. It is recorded in various forms such as Winfrith, Wynfrið, and Winferð in historical documents from this period.
Despite its ancient origins and rich history, Winferd remains relatively uncommon today. This uniqueness makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep roots in history and mythology. Although it may not be widely familiar, the name Winferd has a strong and meaningful heritage that sets it apart from more common choices.
The name Winferd has been given to a total of 390 babies in the United States over the years from 1915 to 1965. While it may not be one of the most popular names, there have been periods where it was given more frequently than others.
From 1915 to 1929, Winferd was given to an average of around 12 babies per year, with a high of 22 births in 1929. However, after that peak, the number of babies named Winferd began to decline, dropping below 10 births per year from 1930 onwards.
There were brief periods where the name saw a slight resurgence in popularity, such as in 1936 and 1939 where there were 15 births each year. However, these periods were short-lived and overall, the number of babies named Winferd continued to decrease over time.
From 1940 onwards, there were fewer than 10 babies named Winferd each year, with some years seeing as few as 5 or 6 births. This trend continued until at least 1965, suggesting that the name Winferd became less common over time in the United States.
Despite its decline in popularity, it is still worth noting that Winferd was given to babies for over five decades, from 1915 to 1965. While it may not have been one of the most popular names during this period, there were still families who chose to give their children this unique name.