I think it was cruel on a non-modern child, when the name was actually somewhat popular. It's just so heavy and there is not one attractive sound in it.
Winnie is whiny and too associated with Pooh bear and horse noises.
Winifred is even clumsy to say. Try to say an ordinary sentence like "Winifred went for a walk" and try to untwist your tongue.
Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you criticize him, you're a mile away and you have his shoes!
Steve Martin