indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Gender Feminine
Usage Cornish, Welsh, Welsh Mythology
Other Forms FormsMenefrewy, Menefreda, Menefrede, Menefrida (Latinized), Menfre, Menfrede, Menifryde, Menurede, Menvirehede, Menvra (Cornish), Menwreda, Menwrede, Minefreda, Minefrede, Minefride, Minerue, Minifreda, Minver, Minvereda, Mynfray, Mynfreda, Mynirede
Meaning & History
Anglicized form of Menfre, which is of unknown meaning. Saint Menfre, born c.471, was one of the many holy daughters of King Brychan Brycheiniog. 'St. Menfre appears to have been active in Wales, around Minwear, near Haverfordwest, in Dyfed but, later, left her native land in order to evangelise the Cornish.' The early use of the name was in Cornwall where it appears to be a regional form of Guinevere. In Cornwall there is a story of Saint Miniver who, while combing her hair by a well, was tempted by the devil himself.