What does Winifred mean and where does it come from?
Winifred is of Old English origin, from 'Winefrid', meaning 'blessed reconciliation' or 'holy peace'. The name was popularized by Saint Winifred, a Welsh martyr in the 7th century, and it has since been used in a variety of cultures. The name saw a decline in usage in the mid-20th century but has se
Cultural significance
Winifred has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of holy, blessed peace.
Peak popularity
Reached #141 in 1917 — currently #923 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Winifred?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Winifred?
Winifred works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Winifred Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Winifred Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Winifred Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Winifred Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Winifred Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Winifred Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Winifred right now?
Rising fast — up 110 spots — currently #923 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #923 | 284 | ▲ up 110 · +16% births |
| 2024 | #1033 | 245 | ▼ down 70 · -9% births |
| 2023 | #963 | 269 | ▲ up 129 · +17% births |
| 2022 | #1092 | 229 | ▼ down 21 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #1071 | 235 | ▲ up 18 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #1089 | 222 | ▲ up 346 · +39% births |
| 2015 | #1435 | 160 | ▲ up 4536 · +627% births |
| 2010 | #5971 | 22 | ▼ down 1148 · -19% births |
| 2005 | #4823 | 27 | ▲ up 487 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #5310 | 21 | ▲ up 128 · +24% births |
| 1995 | #5438 | 17 | ▼ down 2142 · -48% births |
| 1990 | #3296 | 33 | ▲ up 1563 · +120% births |
| 1985 | #4859 | 15 | ▼ down 1791 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #3068 | 28 | ▼ down 1190 · -42% births |
| 1975 | #1878 | 48 | — |
The story of Winifred
Winifred has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 44,932 babies have received this name. Once ranked #150 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #963 in 2023. Winifred is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Winifred in 1917:
Winifred by decade
Winifred peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,314 | |
| 1890s | 2,293 | |
| 1900s | 2,717 | |
| 1910s | 10,460 | |
| 1920s ★ | 12,400 | |
| 1930s | 5,490 | |
| 1940s | 3,856 | |
| 1950s | 2,620 | |
| 1960s | 1,323 | |
| 1970s | 483 | |
| 1980s | 218 | |
| 1990s | 191 | |
| 2000s | 255 | |
| 2010s | 1,090 | |
| 2020s | 751 | |
What are good nicknames for Winifred?
ENGLISH
FredaFreddieWinnie
ANGLO-SAXON
WinfrithWinfrið
What names sound and feel like Winifred?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Winifred also consider these
How is Winifred written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Winifred
What does the name Winifred mean?
Winifred means "Holy, blessed peace" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Winifred?
Winifred is currently ranked #963 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Winifred have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Winifred?
Winifred originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Winifred?
Winifred is a three-syllable name pronounced WIN-ifr-id. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Winifred?
Winifred pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.