Declining since 2020, #1,056 for boys today.
Popularity of Dash since 1984
Babies named Dash per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 18 |
| 1990s | 13 |
| 2000s | 323 |
| 2010s | 2,335 |
| 2020s | 1,608 |
Meaning & origin
Dash is a modern name that entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1984, a relatively recent addition compared to traditional names. It reached its peak popularity in 2021, ranking 1056th that year, but has since been declining. As of 2025, about 1 in 8252 boys receive this name, reflecting its niche but recognizable status. The name is most common in Louisiana, Utah, and Georgia. Its brevity and energetic sound align with contemporary naming trends favoring short, punchy names. While its exact origins remain uncertain, Dash likely evolved from a nickname or surname, and its usage as a first name gained traction through pop culture references.
Dash likely originated as a diminutive or nickname. It may derive from the surname Dash, which itself could be a variant of Ashe or a topographic name. In modern times, it has been used as a standalone given name, possibly influenced by characters in popular culture such as Dash from the Pixar film 'The Incredibles' (2004). Its adoption as a first name has grown since the 1980s.
Where Dash is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Dash
Names that share Dash's style, for a brother or sister.
