Dashiell is a distinctive and unique given name of English origin. It is derived from an Old French surname, Daciel, which was likely originally a nickname for someone with peculiar behavior or appearance. The name gained prominence through its use by several notable individuals in the 20th century, most famously by American crime novelist Dashiell Hammett, who took his pen name from this surname. Today, Dashiell continues to be an uncommon but intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
"Dashiell's popularity as a baby name has risen significantly over the past four decades, with a notable increase starting around the mid-1990s. The highest number of births recorded was in 2015 with 174 babies named Dashiell. However, there seems to be a recent decline, with only 55 births reported in 2023."