No, it wouldn't be cruel. It's decent name, it has a nice peaceful meaning.
Winnie fits right in with
Millie and
Elsie.
I would be slightly worried about people calling her
Freddie, but I guess it's avoidable. I strongly dislike these masculine nickname names on girls.
It makes me think of
Winnie on "The Wonder Years". She was a sweet, pretty and smart girl. I vaguely remember reruns of that show from my later childhood. Then there's
Winnie Mandela.
It is not a personal favorite of mine. I just don't really like the way it sounds.
Please rate my list:
https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/6232