What does Dashiell mean and where does it come from?
Dashiell is a name of French origin, derived from the Old French word 'dachiel', meaning 'little page'. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world thanks to the famous American author Dashiell Hammett, known for his hard-boiled detective fiction. Although traditionally male, Dashiell h
Cultural significance
Dashiell has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.
Peak popularity
Reached #2059 in 2024 — currently #2291 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dashiell?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dashiell?
Dashiell works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dashiell Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dashiell John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dashiell Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Dashiell Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dashiell Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Dashiell Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Dashiell right now?
Falling — down 232 spots — currently #2291 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2291 | 61 | ▼ down 232 · -16% births |
| 2024 | #2059 | 73 | ▼ down 707 · -91% births |
| 2023 | #1352 | 848 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1357 | 828 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1362 | 798 | ▲ up 15715 · +15860% births |
| 2015 | #17077 | 5 | — |
The story of Dashiell
Dashiell is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 2,454 total births recorded, Dashiell remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #17077 in 2015 to #1352 in 2023. Dashiell is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dashiell in 2024:
Dashiell by decade
Dashiell peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 13 | |
| 1980s | 159 | |
| 1990s | 213 | |
| 2000s | 711 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,263 | |
| 2020s | 229 | |
💎With 2,454 total births, Dashiell is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Dashiell?
Famous people named Dashiell
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Dashiell (French author)
Dashiell immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Dashiell (French philosopher)
Dashiell carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
D(
Dashiell (French impressionist artist)
Dashiell used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
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Dashiell (medieval French noble)
Dashiell held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Dashiell?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dashiell also consider these
Common questions about the name Dashiell
What does the name Dashiell mean?
Dashiell means "French" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dashiell?
Dashiell is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dashiell?
Dashiell originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Dashiell?
Dashiell is a two-syllable name pronounced DASH-eel. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dashiell a common or rare name?
Dashiell is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.