The name Winter is an English word derived from the Old English term "wintertide", which referred to the coldest season of the year. This name's origins can be traced back to the Germanic roots "wintar" and "ventr", both words connected to the concept of wind or adverse weather conditions.

In ancient times, Winter was not commonly used as a given name. However, it appeared as a descriptive term in various texts, such as Beowulf, an Old English epic poem composed between the 8th and 11th centuries, where it was used to depict the harshness of the winter season.

The earliest recorded use of Winter as a given name dates back to the 16th century. One of the first notable individuals to bear this name was Winter de Worde, an English printer and publisher active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Throughout history, several notable figures have been associated with the name Winter. One such individual was Winter de Wynter (c. 1495-1589), an English judge and law writer who served as Chief Justice of the Common Pleas during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Another prominent figure was Winter Quartermain (1609-1665), an English soldier and Member of Parliament who fought for the Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War.

In the realm of literature, Winter Graham (1805-1892) was an American novelist and playwright known for her works exploring social issues and women's rights.

Moving to more recent times, Winter Quarters Maxwell (1858-1940) was an American military officer who served in the Spanish-American War and received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Philippine-American War.

Additionally, Winter Laake (1898-1967) was a Finnish athlete who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics and won a silver medal in the men's triple jump event.

While not as commonly used as some other names, Winter has had a presence throughout history, with individuals bearing this name making significant contributions in various fields, including law, literature, military service, and athletics.