Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Winifred
GirlWelsh, Old English· “blessed reconciliation; friend of peace”
- Meaning
- blessed reconciliation; friend of peace (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Welsh, Old English
- Pronunciation
- WIN-uh-frid
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #923
- US babies 2025
- 284
- Best rank
- #141 (1917)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Winifred
Winifred is often said to mean “blessed reconciliation; friend of peace”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and Old English roots.
Winifred is the English form of the Welsh Gwenfrewi, the name of a seventh-century saint whose holy well at Holywell in north Wales has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Gwenfrewi is usually explained as combining words for "white" or "blessed" with a word meaning reconciliation, while the English form was influenced by the Old English Winfrith, "friend of peace." Because of this blending, the exact meaning is debated. Winifred has a charming vintage character, with Winnie and Freddie as lively nicknames.
Popularity over time
Winifred has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 88 different years. Its best national rank was #141 in 1917, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 1,593 were named Winifred. In 2025, 284 babies were named Winifred, and it ranked #923 nationally. That is 78% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #160 in 1920, #470 in 1950, #3,066 in 1980, #5,487 in 2000, #6,172 in 2010, and #923 in 2025. Of the 45,094 US girls named Winifred since records began, 27% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 10,255 babies. Since 2010, 2,579 more have been named Winifred.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lola, Lucile, Olga, Susie, and Henrietta.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Winifred ranked highest in Massachusetts, Nebraska, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #479 | 12 |
| Nebraska | #479 | 5 |
| Oregon | #480 | 8 |
| Wisconsin | #483 | 11 |
| Minnesota | #501 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Winifred is usually pronounced WIN-uh-frid, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with W and ends in “-ed”.
Middle names for Winifred
A few middle names that flow with Winifred: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Winifred
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Lists that include Winifred
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Winifred mean?
Winifred is often said to mean “blessed reconciliation; friend of peace”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Welsh and Old English roots.
What is the origin of the name Winifred?
Winifred has Welsh and Old English roots. Winifred is the English form of the Welsh Gwenfrewi, the name of a seventh-century saint whose holy well at Holywell in north Wales has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Is Winifred a popular name?
Yes. Winifred ranked #923 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Winifred a boy or girl name?
Winifred is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Winifred?
Winifred is usually pronounced WIN-uh-frid. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings