Dashiell is of English origin, derived from an Old French given name, Dasceline. This name was borne by several early members of the French nobility and may have been inspired by Germanic elements such as 'dasc' meaning 'bold' or 'people', and '-helen' meaning 'of the helmet'. The name was popularized in English-speaking countries through its use in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby". In literature, it is also the surname of the protagonist in Dashiell Hammett's novel, "The Maltese Falcon", which has contributed to its popularity as a given name. Today, Dashiell is considered a unique and distinctive name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
"Interestingly, although there were no recorded births with the name Dashiell from 1980 to 2002 and again from 2004 to 2014, it experienced a brief surge in popularity around the turn of the century, with six babies named Dashiell born in 2003. However, this trend did not continue, as only five more children were given the name between 2015 and 2020."