"to run fast, a burst of speed"
Origin: Middle English
Language: English
Dash
Pronunciation: [ d-ASH ]
Boy Name
#969 Most Popular
Rising
1 Syllable
One syllable of pure speed and superhero energy
American
English
Bold
Playful
Modern
Strong
Meaning & Origin
"panache, flair (as in 'cut a dash')"
Origin: English idiom
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Kardashian family association — Dash was a clothing boutique brand of the Kardashian sisters (closed 2018)
The Story of Dash
Dash as a given name comes directly from the English word 'dash,' which derives from Middle English 'dasshen,' possibly of Scandinavian origin, meaning to strike, rush, or move quickly. The word evolved to describe a quick burst of movement (as in the 100-meter dash), a punctuation mark (—), or a small amount of liquid in cocktail culture. As a name, Dash brings all this energy — speed, impact, and a certain stylish flair — into a single punchy syllable.
Dash has risen sharply in the 2010s and 2020s, fitting the one-syllable boy name trend exemplified by Jax, Ace, Beau, and Knox. Its biggest pop-culture boost came from The Incredibles (2004), where Dash Parr is the speedster superhero son — giving the name an energetic, heroic association for an entire generation.
In contemporary American naming culture, Dash represents the appeal of active, kinetic word names that project confidence and vigor. It's part of a broader trend toward names that feel like a personality trait or aspiration — names that say something about who the child might become.
Fun Facts
- Dash Parr from Pixar's The Incredibles (2004) can run faster than the speed of sound, making the name synonymous with superhero speed for a generation of fans
- The typography dash (—) gets its name from the same root, representing a quick stroke of the pen
Dash in Other Languages
French
Dash
German
Dash
English
Dash
Famous People Named Dash
S
Stacey Dash
Actor
1966
American actress known for her role as Dionne in the 1995 film Clueless and its TV series
D
Dash Parr Fictional
Other
Fictional superhero character in Pixar's The Incredibles (2004) with the power of super speed, voiced by Spencer Fox and...
Fictional superhero character in Pixar's The Incredibles (2004) with the power of super speed, voiced by Spencer Fox and Huckleberry Milner
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #969
- Total SSA Count
- 232
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Dash Elliot
Dash William
Dash James
Dash Alexander
Dash Brooks
Dash Hunter
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Dash is also used as a girl name, ranked #49228.
View Dash as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dash
What does the name Dash mean?
"to run fast, a burst of speed" (from Middle English). "panache, flair (as in 'cut a dash')" (from English idiom). Dash as a given name comes directly from the English word 'dash,' which derives from Middle English 'dasshen,' possibly of Scandinavian origin, meaning to strike, rush, or move quickly. The word evolved to describe a quick burst of movement (as in the 100-meter dash), a punctuation mark (—), or a small amount of liquid in cocktail culture. As a name, Dash brings all this energy — speed, impact, and a certain stylish flair — into a single punchy syllable.
What is the origin of the name Dash?
Dash has Middle English, English idiom, American, and English origins. In Middle English, it means "to run fast, a burst of speed". In English idiom, it means "panache, flair (as in 'cut a dash')".
Is Dash a boy or girl name?
Dash is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #969. As a girl name, it is ranked #49228. Dash is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dash?
Dash is pronounced d-ASH.
How popular is the name Dash?
Dash is currently ranked #969 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Dash?
Popular middle name pairings include Dash Elliot, Dash William, Dash James, Dash Alexander, Dash Brooks, and Dash Hunter.
What are good sibling names for Dash?
Names that pair well with Dash as siblings include Jett, Ace, Bex, Cruz, Zoe, Wren, and Milo.
How many syllables does Dash have?
Dash has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dash a common or rare name?
Dash is moderately common, ranked #969 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Dash
Dash is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "to run fast, a burst of speed" in Middle English .
Is Dash a boy or girl name? Dash is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #969 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #49,228. Dash is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dash is currently ranked #969 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dash has 1 syllable and is pronounced d-ASH, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Dash include Dashiell, Dashawn, Dashel, Dashiel, Dashaun . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.