Winfield is an English given name derived from the Old English words "wine" meaning friend and "feld" meaning field or open land. It originated in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, likely as a descriptive name for someone who lived near an open field or vineyard.

The name gained popularity in medieval England, appearing in various historical records and documents from the 12th to 15th centuries. One of the earliest recorded examples is Winfield de Winefeld, a landowner mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.

In the 13th century, Winfield was the name of a prominent English nobleman, Winfield de Montfort, who fought in the Second Barons' War against King Henry III. He was captured and executed in 1265 after the Battle of Evesham.

During the Renaissance period, the name Winfield was associated with several notable figures. Winfield Scott (1586-1651) was an English clergyman and theologian who served as a chaplain to King Charles I. Winfield Thacker (1609-1669) was an English politician and member of the House of Commons.

In the 18th century, Winfield Scott (1786-1866) was a prominent American military commander who served in the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and as a general during the American Civil War. He was a presidential candidate in 1852 and is considered one of the most influential military figures in American history.

Another famous bearer of the name was Winfield Hancock (1824-1886), a distinguished American Civil War general who later served as a Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 1880, losing to James A. Garfield.

Winfield Stratton (1837-1918) was an American dwarf performer and entrepreneur who co-founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus and became a celebrated circus attraction known as "General Tom Thumb".