Find out how popular the first name Winchester has been for the last 10 years (from 2014 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Winchester by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Winchester is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Winchester.

The history of the first name Winchester

Winchester is an English given name derived from the Old English words "wintan" meaning "to join" and "ceaster" meaning "a Roman town or camp." It is believed to have originated in the medieval period, specifically referring to the city of Winchester in Hampshire, England, which was the ancient capital of Wessex and a significant town during the Saxon era.

The name Winchester is closely associated with Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest and most historically significant cathedrals in England. The cathedral's construction began in the 11th century and it has played a crucial role in the city's history and cultural identity. The name may have been adopted as a given name to honor the city's significance or to commemorate an individual's connection to the area.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Winchester can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions several individuals bearing the name, suggesting its usage during the Norman period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Winchester. One of the most renowned was Winchester Goold (1717-1770), an English clergyman and scholar who served as the Master of Sion College in London. Another notable figure was Winchester Rese (1814-1889), an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia.

In the literary world, Winchester Peyton Randolph (1858-1938) was an American author and historian who wrote extensively about Virginia's history and culture. The name also appeared in the military, with Winchester Churchill (1838-1900) serving as a British Army officer and participating in the Crimean War and the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Additionally, Winchester Smith (1866-1945) was an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Hyatt Roller Bearing Company and made significant contributions to the development of the modern roller bearing industry.

While the name Winchester has a rich historical background and has been borne by notable individuals throughout the centuries, its usage as a given name has declined in modern times. However, its connection to the city of Winchester and its iconic cathedral remains a significant part of its legacy.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Winchester was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Winchester, please contact us.

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