Surname Dash - Meaning and Origin
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Dash: What does the surname Dash mean?
The surname Dash is believed to come from a variety of potential origins. Some sources suggest it has Sanskrit roots, possibly deriving from a term meaning ten, referring to someone who comes from a family of ten members. Another possibility is that it is derived from a Hindi occupational name for a wood cutter, as "Dast" means to chop. Another theory is it derives from the Middle English word "Dashe", which means to strike or hit something forcefully, potentially indicating an ancestor who was a blacksmith or warrior. Lastly, it could be an Anglicized version of the Dutch or German surname Dasch, meaning badger, suggesting an ancestor who hunted badgers. Like with many surnames, the exact origin may vary based on geographical region and local custom, and it is hard to definitively trace its meaning without knowing the specific family history.
Order DNA origin analysisDash: Where does the name Dash come from?
The surname Dash is of various potential origins. It could be an anglicized form of the German name Dasch, derived from common personal names such as the Slavic Daszko or the German "Dasco". Alternatively, it could originate from the English first name Dashiel or Dashwood. Dash can also be a nickname, taken from the English word "dash", used to describe someone who is daring or rash. However, the surname is found more commonly in India, perhaps due to its Sanskrit origin meaning "competent". Today, the surname Dash is common in the Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal. Reported instances of the Dash surname are found less commonly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Regardless of the various possible origins, the true origin for a specific individual or family would need to be researched by examining genealogical and family records.
Variations of the surname Dash
The surname Dash may be represented by various spellings due to its European, particularly English, and Indian origin. The English version of "Dash", a nickname derived from its original Old English meaning "one who dashes", may also be represented as Dashwood, D'ash, Dache, Dach or Dashe.
On the other hand, the Indian version comes from the East Indian state of Odisha and is a shortened form of the surname Dashgupta, belonging to the Kayastha community. It may also be spelled as Dass, Das, or Dhas. Other variants may include Odiya or Odia, after the region of its origin.
Moreover, the surname Dash might be linked to the Jewish surname Dasher or Daskal. The surname Daskal is from the Eastern Europe, particularly Russia, which signifies a "teacher."
Dash may also be transformed to nicknames or descriptors relating to a characteristic or profession such as Dashman or Dasher.
However, it should be noted that spelling of surnames can be influenced by regional dialects, illiteracy, or translation from non-English languages, and thus wide variation is possible.
Famous people with the name Dash
- Damon Dash: An American entrepreneur, music producer, and actor. He is best known as the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records along with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke.
- Stacey Dash: An American actress and Republican activist. She is best known for her role as Dionne in the hit 90s movie "Clueless" and its television spinoff.
- Devon Aoki and Steve Aoki: Both siblings' full last name is "Dash" Aoki, shared with their father Hiroaki 'Rocky' Aoki, the founder of Benihana restaurant.
- Rachel Roy: Her full name is Rachel Irene Roy Dash, an American fashion designer who was previously married to Damon Dash.
- Dash Mihok: An American actor who goes by the shorter name Dash. His notable roles include 'Bunchy' Donovan in the television series "Ray Donovan".
- Dashiell Hammett: An American author who created 'Sam Spade' and 'The Maltese Falcon', among other classic detective stories.
- Sara Dash: An American singer-songwriter and actress. She was a member of the soul/R&B group Labelle.
- Dash Crofts: He is an American musician and songwriter most famous for being one half of the soft rock duo Seals and Crofts.