Dashiell

brooksidebride · February 2013

I've been seeing Dashiell show up a little on the board over the past week or so. I was aware of the name before (actress Cate Blanchett's son is Dashiell, the little boy from The Incredibles, the author Dashiell Hammett), but never really paid attention to it. DH and I are really liking it, but I get nervous of choosing a name that is "too different" for other people (though, at the same time, I don't like choosing names that are too common or too popular).

For those of you unfamiliar with the name, it is pronounced Dash-uhl. Two syllables. Its never broken the top 1000 in the U.S. but is more popular in other countries.

1. What do you think of this name? And if it's not your style, would you still give it the side-eye if you met a little boy with the name?

2. How do you think it works as a sibset with big sis Johanna (pronounced Jo-han-na... han as in hand)?

aimee1899 · February 2013

1. I love Dashiell.

2. I think it sounds nice with Johanna.

MrsJ723 · February 2013

aimee1899:
1. I love Dashiell. 2. I think it sounds nice with Johanna.

Yes

bsinno · February 2013

aimee1899:
1. I love Dashiell. 2. I think it sounds nice with Johanna.

same here. not i name i would personally use but i really like it!

GrayGhost13 · February 2013

As the mama of a two-year old Dashiell, I can say that so far our experience with the name has been good, and I'm happy with our choice.

When we meet new people, I'd say about half the people have never heard the name, another quarter immediately say, "like the author?" and the other quarter say, "like the Incredibles?" We chose the name for the author, but the Incredibles is a cute movie, so that association doesn't bother me.

People are often curious about names they're unfamiliar with, so we're used to being asked where we got the name. We think the name's history is kind of cool, so we never mind answering the question, but if talking about your child's name would bother you, it's something to consider.

Pronunciation hasn't been as bad as I had expected. The majority of people get it right or very close to right. The only major mispronunciation that I've heard is occasionally someone tries to say DaSHELL (like Michelle), but we always tell people that they can call him "Dash" anyways, so after the first meeting it's easy-peasy.

We picked the name because we love it, not for other people's reactions, but I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised at how many compliments we've received on the name. Reactions are usually something along the lines of "cool" or "distinguished." It seems to be pretty polarizing on this board--I'm always kind of fascinated how split people seem to be on this one--so I am sure there are some people that don't dig it, but we've never had anyone (including, amazingly!, our families) say anything negative about it to our faces.

So, yeah, it has some of the minor drawbacks that come with picking a "different" name, but it also has personal meaning to us and the distinction that comes with taking a risk.

Also, having a common name isn't a guarantee of no naming issues. I have a common name with two legitimate spelling options and people misspell it all the time. DH has a super-conservative name and people are always trying to give him nicknames for it. So, you just never know with names how other people will react.

TL;DR! I just wanted to give you some food for thought, so you can consider whether it's the right fit for your family, but if you love the name, I'd encourage you to go for it. GL with your decision!

Elinetrouwt · February 2013

I love it. I've noticed it popping up quite a few times lately (but not often enough to sound any popularity alarm bells) and it caught my attention.

I think it will sound great with Johanna.

Mrs.G123 · February 2013

I hate it.

alohamora · February 2013

It's a GP name for me. I like how it sounds with Johanna.

brooksidebride · February 2013

GrayGhost13:
As the mama of a twoyear old Dashiell, I can say that so far our experience with the name has been good, and I'm happy with our choice.When we meet new people, I'd say about half the people have never heard the name, another quarter immediately say, "like the author?" and the other quarter say, "like the Incredibles?" We chose the name for the author, but the Incredibles is a cute movie, so that association doesn't bother me.People are often curious about names they're unfamiliar with, so we're used to being asked where we got the name. We think the name's history is kind of cool, so we never mind answering the question, but if talking about your child's name would bother you, it's something to consider.Pronunciation hasn't been as bad as I had expected. The majority of people get it right or very close to right. The only major mispronunciation that I've heard is occasionally someone tries to say DaSHELL like Michelle, but we always tell people that they can call him "Dash" anyways, so after the first meeting it's easypeasy.We picked the name because we love it, not for other people's reactions, but I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised at how many compliments we've received on the name. Reactions are usually something along the lines of "cool" or "distinguished." It seems to be pretty polarizing on this boardI'm always kind of fascinated how split people seem to be on this oneso I am sure there are some people that don't dig it, but we've never had anyone including, amazingly!, our families say anything negative about it to our faces. So, yeah, it has some of the minor drawbacks that come with picking a "different" name, but it also has personal meaning to us and the distinction that comes with taking a risk. Also, having a common name isn't a guarantee of no naming issues. I have a common name with two legitimate spelling options and people misspell it all the time. DH has a superconservative name and people are always trying to give him nicknames for it. So, you just never know with names how other people will react.TL;DR! I just wanted to give you some food for thought, so you can consider whether it's the right fit for your family, but if you love the name, I'd encourage you to go for it. GL with your decision!

Thank you! Awesome feedback, tons to consider here and can't wait to read to DH tonight.

PunkyBooster · February 2013

I hadn't heard of it until this past weekend on GOMI due to kelle Hampton.
I can't say I am a big fan.

blu-eyedwife · February 2013

I love it! I wish we could use it.

And I think it sounds lovely with Johanna.

ChristyML · February 2013

Elinetrouwt:
I love it. I've noticed it popping up quite a few times lately (but not often enough to sound any popularity alarm bells) and it caught my attention.
I think it will sound great with Johanna.

Yep this! I asked my DH what he thought, and he sort of likes it. I think it will go on our boy name list!

ETA: The meaning of Dashiell is "Page boy".

brooksidebride · February 2013

ChristyML:
Elinetrouwt:
I love it. I've noticed it popping up quite a few times lately (but not often enough to sound any popularity alarm bells) and it caught my attention.
I think it will sound great with Johanna.
Yep this! I asked my DH what he thought, and he sort of likes it. I think it will go on our boy name list!
ETA: The meaning of Dashiell is "Page boy".

My DH and sister both "sort of" liked it when they first heard it... and then as the hours and days went on, they both liked it more and more. I think it's a name that kind of does that. I am slowly falling in love with it! LOL.

hoopduck · February 2013

Dashiell Hammond wrote my favourite book. The Thin Man. It's a great name in my opinion, and you don't see it very often.

Want a personalized experience?

Dashiell

Re: Dashiell

Choose Another Board

Search Boards