A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Winnifred since 1880
Babies named Winnifred per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Winnifred's real moment was 1888.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 180 |
| 1890s | 278 |
| 1900s | 352 |
| 1910s | 1,107 |
| 1920s | 1,275 |
| 1930s | 560 |
| 1940s | 361 |
| 1950s | 255 |
| 1960s | 114 |
| 1970s | 43 |
| 1980s | 7 |
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 33 |
| 2010s | 187 |
| 2020s | 363 |
Meaning & origin
Winnifred was first recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1880, and its peak year came in 1888, when it was at its highest popularity during the Victorian era. After declining for much of the 20th century, it has been rising steadily since 2003, reflecting a broader revival of late-1800s vintage names. In 2025, the name ranked 2,514th with a 1 in 22,961 rate, showing gradual but consistent growth. The spelling 'Winnifred', with an 'n' rather than the 'Winifred' form, is the variant most associated with the Welsh saint and has been the more common spelling historically, especially in Texas, one of its top states. Its gentle meaning and retro charm appeal to parents seeking a name with substance and history.
Winnifred is an anglicized variant of the Welsh name Gwenfrewi, derived from gwen meaning 'white, fair, blessed' and frewi meaning 'peace' or 'reconciliation'. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world through Saint Winifred, a 7th-century Welsh martyr. The spelling with 'Win-' became common in the 19th century, and the name saw a revival in the late 1800s, particularly in the United States.
Where Winnifred is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Winnie, Freddie, Win, Freda
Variants: Winifred
Sibling names for Winnifred
Names that share Winnifred's style, for a brother or sister.
