Winefride is a variant of the name Winifred, which originates from the Old English name 'Winifrid', meaning 'friend of peace'. The name is historically associated with Saint Winifred, a 7th-century Welsh virgin martyr. Her story, celebrated since the 8th century, gained popularity in England during the 12th century when her hagiography was first recorded. The name is also linked to significant religious sites, such as St Winefride's Well in Holywell, Flintshire, known as 'the Lourdes of Wales'.