Winnie is a diminutive form of the name Winifred, which has Welsh origins meaning 'blessed peacemaking' or 'holy reconciliation'. The name gained widespread recognition through the character Winnie-the-Pooh, a beloved stuffed bear in children's literature created by A. A. Milne. The character was named after a real bear named Winnipeg, who lived at the London Zoo. Winnie has since become a popular name in various cultures, often associated with warmth, friendliness, and childhood nostalgia.