Winnifred is a unique and enchanting name of English origin, derived from the Old English elements 'wine' meaning 'friend' or 'joy', and 'fred' which means 'peace'. Therefore, the name Winnifred can be interpreted as 'joyful peace'.
The name has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. It was initially used by the Normans who brought it over to England after their conquest in 1066. However, it was not until the 19th century that the name Winnifred started to gain popularity as a given name for girls.
Over time, Winnifred has evolved and become more popular in various forms such as Winifred, Winfred, or even Freda. Despite its variations, the original spelling of Winnifred remains unique and distinctive.
Today, Winnifred is still considered an uncommon but memorable name, perfect for those who wish to honor its rich history while giving their child a truly special moniker. It's a name that embodies warmth, happiness, and tranquility, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet meaningful.
"The name Winnifred experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. While it was quite common during the late 1800s and early 1900s, with a peak of 139 births in 1915, its usage dropped sharply by mid-century, reaching as low as 6 births per year between 1966 and 1974. Since then, it has maintained a steady but low level of popularity, with an average of around 20 births per year from the late 1980s onwards."