What does Winnifred mean and where does it come from?
Winnifred is of Welsh origin, derived from the elements 'wyn' meaning 'blessed' and 'fred' meaning 'peace'. The name has been in use since the early 20th century. The name was notably borne by Saint Winifred, a 7th-century Welsh virgin martyr. Popularity has fluctuated over the decades, but it has s
Cultural significance
Winnifred has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.
Peak popularity
Reached #419 in 1888 — currently #2782 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Winnifred?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Winnifred?
Winnifred works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Winnifred Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Winnifred Rose
Floral · soft ending
Winnifred Mae
Sweet · timeless
Winnifred Claire
French influence · crisp
Winnifred Jane
Literary · strong
Winnifred Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Winnifred right now?
Falling — down 147 spots — currently #2782 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2782 | 62 | ▼ down 147 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #2635 | 67 | ▲ up 609 · +34% births |
| 2021 | #3244 | 50 | ▼ down 172 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #3072 | 51 | ▲ up 2753 · +132% births |
| 2015 | #5825 | 22 | ▲ up 7620 · +214% births |
| 2010 | #13445 | 7 | ▲ up 1062 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #14507 | 6 | ▼ down 1542 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #12965 | 5 | ▼ down 6589 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #6376 | 7 | ▼ down 2974 · -50% births |
| 1965 | #3402 | 14 | ▲ up 291 · +17% births |
| 1960 | #3693 | 12 | ▼ down 1671 · -57% births |
| 1955 | #2022 | 28 | ▼ down 469 · -22% births |
| 1950 | #1553 | 36 | ▼ down 37 · +24% births |
| 1945 | #1516 | 29 | ▼ down 415 · -33% births |
| 1940 | #1101 | 43 | — |
The story of Winnifred
Winnifred has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 4,814 total births recorded, Winnifred remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #627 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2782 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Winnifred in 1888:
Winnifred by decade
Winnifred peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 180 | |
| 1890s | 278 | |
| 1900s | 352 | |
| 1910s | 1,107 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,275 | |
| 1930s | 560 | |
| 1940s | 361 | |
| 1950s | 254 | |
| 1960s | 115 | |
| 1970s | 43 | |
| 1980s | 7 | |
| 1990s | 12 | |
| 2000s | 33 | |
| 2010s | 186 | |
| 2020s | 51 | |
💎With 4,814 total births, Winnifred is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Winnifred?
ENGLISH
FredaFreddieWinnie
ANGLO-SAXON
WinfrithWinfrið
What names sound and feel like Winnifred?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Winnifred also consider these
How is Winnifred written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Winnifred
What does the name Winnifred mean?
Winnifred means "Welsh" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Winnifred?
Winnifred is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Winnifred have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Winnifred?
Winnifred originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Winnifred?
Winnifred is a three-syllable name pronounced W IH1 N IH0 F R EH1 D. 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 Winnifred?
Winnifred pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar United Kingdom heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.