Winifred comes from the Welsh Gwenfrewi — gwen (blessed, fair) and frewi (peace, reconciliation) — meaning "blessed peacemaker" or "fair reconciliation." Saint Winifred of Wales (7th century) is the patron of healing wells; her shrine at Holywell remains a pilgrimage site.
Winifred was popular in the late 19th century and the first decades of the 20th — peaking at #29 in 1916. After a long decline, it is returning as part of the vintage revival. The short forms Winnie and Freddie make it accessible. Today Winifred sits in the U.S. top 700 and is climbing.
Winifred reduces to nine — the number of bridge-building grace.