The name Winifred has its origins in the ancient Brythonic Celtic language, which was spoken in parts of what is now England and Wales. It is derived from the Welsh elements "wyn" meaning fair or blessed, and "fryd" meaning mind or spirit. The name can be interpreted to mean "blessed peacemaker" or "pure spirit."

In the 7th century, St. Winifred (also known as Gwenffrewi) was a Welsh medieval saint and virgin martyr who lived in Holywell, Flintshire. According to legend, she was beheaded by a prince after refusing his advances, and where her head fell, a spring emerged. This holy well became a site of pilgrimage and miraculous healings were attributed to its waters.

The earliest recorded example of the name Winifred dates back to the 9th century. It gained popularity in England and Wales during the Middle Ages, particularly after the Norman Conquest, when many Norman names were introduced to Britain.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Winifred. One of the earliest was Winifred, Countess of Nithsdale (1672-1749), a Scottish noblewoman who famously aided her husband's escape from the Tower of London in 1716 after he had been condemned for his role in the Jacobite rising.

Another notable Winifred was Winifred Holtby (1898-1935), an English novelist and feminist who wrote works such as "South Riding" and "The Crowded Street." She was also a campaigner for various social causes, including birth control and women's rights.

In the United States, Winifred Sackville Stoner Jr. (1920-2003) was an American educator and activist who played a significant role in the civil rights movement. She was one of the organizers of the famous Tallahassee bus boycott in the 1950s, which helped inspire the Montgomery bus boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr.

Winifred Atwell (1914-1983) was a British pianist and popular entertainer known for her distinctive "other piano" style. She achieved widespread success in the 1950s and was the first female instrumentalist to have a million-selling album.

Lastly, Winifred Wagner (1897-1980) was the daughter-in-law of the famous German composer Richard Wagner. She was the co-founder and artistic director of the Bayreuth Festival, which showcased Wagner's operas, and played a significant role in promoting and preserving his legacy.