Declining since 2015, #2,284 for boys today.
Popularity of Dashiell since 1979
Babies named Dashiell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 8 |
| 1980s | 159 |
| 1990s | 213 |
| 2000s | 705 |
| 2010s | 1,262 |
| 2020s | 488 |
Meaning & origin
Dashiell is a name with an air of literary intrigue, largely due to its association with the writer Dashiell Hammett. Its etymology is unclear, possibly tied to French geography or an English surname. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1979 and saw a gradual rise, reaching its peak rank in 2015. Since that year, it has been gently declining but remains in use; in 2025 it ranked 2284 with a rate of 1 in 28001 births. The most common states for the name are New York, Texas, and California. Dashiell offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet recognizable name with a dash of sophistication.
The name Dashiell is of debated derivation. It may be an Anglicized form of the French surname d'Auvergne, indicating someone from the Auvergne region of France. Alternatively, it could be a variant of the English surname Dashwood, from Old English, or a modern invention. The name gained prominence in the 20th century as a given name, partly influenced by the American author Dashiell Hammett.
Where Dashiell is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dash, Dashy
Sibling names for Dashiell
Names that share Dashiell's style, for a brother or sister.
