Winna is a unique and captivating feminine given name that originates from the Scandinavian region. It is believed to have emerged as a variant of the Old Norse female name Winfrith or Vinfrith, which were popular among the Vikings during the Middle Ages.
The name Winna is derived from the Old Norse elements 'vin' meaning 'friend' and 'frith' signifying 'peace.' Therefore, its literal translation would be "friend of peace." This charming moniker suggests a person who is gentle, amicable, and brings harmony wherever they go. Although it may not be as widely known as some other Scandinavian names like Ingrid or Signe, Winna has been used throughout history and continues to be chosen by parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughters.
In literature, one notable bearer of the name Winna is a character from "The Adventures of Robin Hood" by Howard Pyle. In this classic tale set in medieval England, Winna is a loyal and brave young woman who becomes involved with the legendary outlaw and his band of merry men. This portrayal adds to the intrigue and allure of the name Winna, further emphasizing its Scandinavian roots and adventurous spirit.
While there may not be many historical figures or famous individuals named Winna, this unique feminine given name has a rich history and appealing meaning that sets it apart from other choices. For parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their baby girl, Winna could be an excellent option with its roots in Old Norse tradition and its enchanting signification of friendship and peace.
The name Winna has been used relatively infrequently in the United States over the past century, with a total of only 108 babies being given this name during that time period. The name's popularity peaked in 1961 when it was given to 11 newborns, marking its highest frequency of use during any single year.
Interestingly, there is quite some variation in the number of Winna births from year to year. For instance, after reaching a high of 11 babies named Winna in 1961, this figure dropped significantly to just 7 in 1962. This suggests that while there may have been brief periods where naming one's child Winna was somewhat trendy, overall it remained quite uncommon.
Furthermore, it appears that the name Winna was not given to any babies at all during several years within this timeframe. For example, no births of Winna were recorded between 1928 and 1930, or again from 1940 until 1948. This indicates that the name did not enjoy consistent popularity over extended periods but rather experienced intermittent spikes in usage followed by extended periods of dormancy.
In conclusion, while the name Winna has seen some use within the United States since at least 1922, it remains a relatively rare choice among parents selecting names for their newborn children.