Winifred is a unique and historic name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the elements "guen" meaning "fair", "white", or "blessed", and "fred" which means "peace". Thus, Winifred can be interpreted to mean "blessed peace" or "fair and peaceful".
The name Winifred has a rich history in Wales. Saint Winifred is one of the most venerated saints in Welsh history. According to legend, she was a young woman who devoted herself to God after her father refused to let her marry against his wishes. After her death, many miracles were attributed to her intercession, leading to the construction of a shrine in her honor at Holywell, which became one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in medieval Europe.
The name Winifred was particularly popular during the Victorian era and has since experienced periodic surges in popularity throughout the 20th century. Despite its rich history and unique sound, Winifred remains relatively uncommon today, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their child.
In summary, Winifred is a beautiful and historic Welsh name that means "blessed peace". It has been popular throughout history due to the veneration of Saint Winifred in Wales. Although less common today, choosing Winifred as a first or middle name would give your child a unique and meaningful moniker with a rich historical legacy.
The given statistics illustrate the annual number of births with the name Winifred in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, the name's popularity has fluctuated significantly.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Winifred was a moderately popular name. The highest number of births recorded during this time was 904 in 1914, while the lowest was just 67 births in 1953. However, from the mid-20th century onwards, the name's popularity declined substantially.
By the 1980s, fewer than 30 Winifreds were being born each year. This trend continued into the 21st century, with the number of annual births falling to as low as 49 in 2012. However, there has been a recent resurgence in popularity; since 2015, the number of yearly Winifred births has consistently exceeded 100.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there have been 44,561 births with the name Winifred in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, Winifred remains a unique and historic name choice for parents in America.