Winifred

 Winifred is a female personal name that came into circulation among English speakers in the 16th century and is believed to have originated from one of two places. For one, it’s the Anglicization of an Ancient Welsh name, Gwenfrewi, meaning “blessed and peaceful” – from the Welsh elements “gwen” (fair, blessed, white) and “frewi” (peace).  Usage of the name was inspired by a 7th century Welsh saint, St. Winifred (Welsh: Gwenfrewi). According to popular legend, Gwenfrewi was a Celtic/Welsh Christian noblewoman who chose to “take the veil” (i.e. become a nun); a decision which so infuriated a suitor of hers that he lopped off her head with a sword! It was believed that healing spring waters instantly appeared where her severed head had come to rest.  Later, her uncle (St. Beuno) reattached her head to her body which apparently restored her life – St. Winifred would go onto live a pious life as a nun and abbess. Her healing spring waters (St. Winifred’s Well at Holywell in Flintshire, Wales) has been a pilgrimage destination for over 13 centuries now – known as the “Lourdes of Wales.”  It is said that whoever makes a request of God in the name of St. Winifred at her well will be granted his wish (providing that it’s “good for his soul”).   Aside from Winifred’s connection to the Welsh saint, the name is also sometimes considered a female form of Winfred, from the Anglo-Saxon Winfrið, meaning “friend of peace” (from the Olde English elements wine meaning “friend” and friðu meaning “peace”).