I've known a delightful Dachshund named
Winnie and a totally appalling Physical Science teacher named
Winifred and nned
Winnie. So, I'm conflicted. I think I'd be OK with
Winifred, but what the chances are of a
Winifred remaining
Winifred and not
Winnie, I'm not sure. And I wouldn't use either. I might well consider
Winona, though.
I think yuuneek spellings, and bizarre inventions like
Nevaeh, are more likely to be cruel to children that a centuries-old classic like
Winifred,
Mabel or
Maud.