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 has been given to a total of 4994 babies born in the United States over the years. From 1880 to 2023, the number of births per year has varied significantly.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the popularity of the name Winnifred was quite high. The peak occurred in 1915 with 139 births. This trend continued until around 1926, when the number of births began to decline gradually.
By the mid-20th century, the popularity of the name had decreased significantly. Between 1947 and 1968, there were fewer than 25 births per year on average. This trend continued into the late 20th century and early 21st century, with only a few births each year.
However, since around 2015, there has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Winnifred. In fact, between 2015 and 2023, the number of births has ranged from 22 to 67 per year. This recent uptick suggests that the name may be experiencing a resurgence in popularity among parents in the United States.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Winnifred has fluctuated over the years, it remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking for a classic and elegant name for their daughter.