Winnie is a diminutive of Winifred. Winifred originates in Old English language and means "who makes friends with peace". It is probably an anglicization of Gwenfrewi, somehow influenced by the masculine name Winfred. Winifred was a legendary Welsh saint, there is also her shrine in Holywell in Wales known as the Lourdes of Wales. The name has been used since the 16th century.