MallowbyNames

Winfred

WIN-fred · Friend of peace

Peak popularity
1917
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1986

Declining since 1986.

Popularity of Winfred since 1880

Babies named Winfred per year in U.S. Social Security records.

811632441880192019602000Most births 1922Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1880s100
1890s103
1900s137
1910s1,303
1920s2,147
1930s1,500
1940s1,342
1950s1,533
1960s934
1970s400
1980s303
1990s163
2000s70
2010s54
2020s15

Meaning & origin

Winfred is a traditional English name that has seen a long decline in popularity. First recorded in 1880, it reached its peak in 1917, with significant usage in the early 20th century. Since 1986, its usage has steadily fallen, and it has become rare in recent years. The name's meaning, 'friend of peace,' reflects its Old English roots, connecting it to a heritage of compound names common in Anglo-Saxon culture. Although it has largely disappeared from modern naming charts, Winfred offers a classic option for families seeking an old-fashioned, masculine name with a clear meaning.

Winfred is an English name derived from the Old English elements 'wine' (friend) and 'frithu' (peace). It was used in Anglo-Saxon England but declined after the Norman Conquest. The name saw a revival in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, where it peaked in the 1910s. It is historically masculine, though variant spellings like Winfreda have been used for females.

Where Winfred is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Win, Fred, Freddie

Variants: Winfrid, Wynfred

Sibling names for Winfred

Names that share Winfred's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

W is for Winfred, our favorite little boy.

W is for Winfred…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Winfred's letter becomes Winfred's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Winfred's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Winfred mean?
Winfred means 'friend of peace', derived from Old English elements.
How popular is the name Winfred today?
Winfred has fallen out of common use since the mid-20th century, with no rank data available for recent years. It peaked in 1917.
Is Winfred a boy's name or a girl's name?
Winfred is traditionally a masculine name, though variants like Winfreda have been used for girls.