Hello!
I’ve followed your blog for years, but having always been a name nerd myself I never really thought I’d need advice. Cliched, but true.
After 4.5 years of dealing with infertility, my husband and I are thrilled to be expecting a baby boy, due late January. Unfortunately, we ended up finding baby boy names challenging. So many of our friends have already had baby boys, which knocked many of my favorites (Caleb, Micah, Asher, Ezra) out of the running. Plus, my husband is quite particular about names, which eliminated some others (Milo, Jasper, Graham, Gilbert, Levi).
Fortunately, we found one name which we both not only agreed on, but loved–and are planning to name our little one Dashiell Alexander N. (Last name is Greek, 4 syllables, and appears in the Bible and the Rats of NIMH). It’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s strong and striking, we think Dashiell would be a fine name for a judge or doctor, and we LOVE the nickname Dash. The name seems like a perfect combination of grown-up sophistication and a super-fun nickname that he can use if he wishes.
All was well, until yesterday, when we were driving to work and heard John Kerry on NPR, using the Arabic acronym for ISIS. Which, unbeknownst to us, is DAESH. And sounds just like Dash.
So. We LOVE the name. And DAESH doesn’t currently seem to be in super common usage–most people say ISIS or ISIL–and it’s spelled differently, of course. But would we be dooming our child to being associated with an awful terrorist group if we call him Dash?
Thanks in advance for any help you’re able to provide. We’ll be heartbroken if we have to go back to the drawing board, but I’d hate to inadvertently saddle our little guy with a name that has truly terrible associations. We haven’t shared the name with anyone in real life–and would prefer not to until he arrives–so an outside opinion would be very valuable.
Thank you!
R
I wish fervently that I could figure out how to get polls to work again, because I feel a poll would set your mind at ease. I am going to say back to you the things you already know and have just finished saying to me:
1. The child would live in a country that uses the term ISIS, not DAESH.
2. Dash would be only his nickname, and one he could stop using in a worst case scenario where our country suddenly started saying DAESH instead.
3. Dash and DAESH are spelled differently. To someone not familiar with the pronunciation of DAESH, it doesn’t look as if it were pronounced the same.
If you were expecting a girl and you were planning to name her Isis, I would indeed advise you to go back to the drawing board, no matter how much you loved the name. I would speak to you earnestly and with full sympathetic eye contact, saying I was so very sorry but that I believed this name was currently off the table. But Dashiell does not seem to me to belong in the same category. When you presented the problem, I didn’t get any little chills down my neck, or a sinking feeling in my stomach.
On the other hand, I just searched for DAESH online, and saw some articles about how ISIS is a term with unfair associations and how DAESH is a pleasingly mocking term as well as being more accurate. I can picture the United States deciding that combination is irresistible: I can imagine all the Facebook links to articles telling us we should say DAESH instead, and blog posts explaining it, and so forth. In THAT situation, where DAESH is the word we use…well, I suppose it could start to feel more like naming a girl Isis. I admit I am starting to get a slight sinking feeling in my stomach.
(I’ll be very interested to see what the name Isis does in the next couple of years. In 2014, there were 396 new baby girls given the name in the U.S., and I thought of it as a name rising with Isla and Iris. It seems very likely that usage will be significantly affected by recent events.)
I’m thinking aloud here, because I’m really not sure. ISIS/Isis is a MUCH MUCH stronger link to me than DAESH/Dashiell. But that’s because I’m familiar with the term ISIS, whereas this letter was my first exposure to the term DAESH. With time, my feelings could easily and considerably change.
I think if you decide to use Dashiell, it would be good to think ahead to the emergency exits, just in case. For example, if it were to turn out you could no longer use the nickname Dash, would that ruin the name for you, or would you still want to use the name Dashiell? In the worst case scenario, would you be okay with calling him by his middle name instead? Would it work to change the middle name to your second-choice boy name, just in case? Would you want to use Dashiell as the middle name? You could even still call him Dash.
I think if I were you I would let it simmer a bit. We’ll see what the comments section looks like, and that will give us more information to chew on (though one reason I miss the polls is that the results were often quite different than what the comments section would lead us to guess). Some of us may have information about the likeliness of the United States changing the term they use for the group. Some of us may already be familiar with the term DAESH, and can say if Dashiell now feels strange to them as a result. Some of us may have suggestions of similar names. Some of us may have empathetic stories to tell about names they lost to a current event of the time.
Name update!
Hello! So sorry it took me some time to update, but our little Dashiell Alexander was born in early February. People seem to love his nickname, and nobody that we know of has made any unsavory connections to ISIS. Thank you so much to you and your readers for all your input! It was so helpful!
I don’t associate Dash with DAESH. I haven’t heard DAESH pronounced so I’ve been mentally pronouncing it with a long A sound. I don’t know if that’s how it’s really pronounced.
I think if calling ISIS DAESH really caught on, it could get awkward. I think Swistle’s suggestions of using it as a middle name.
You’d get no judgment from me if you used Dash. I was not previously familiar with the term DAESH, and definitely would not have pronounced it Dash, but I do see why you are concerned. This is a tough one. I agree with Swistle though that if you use the name and DAESH does end up catching on, there are a few workarounds for you in your situation (stop using the nickname Dash, start using his middle name etc.). I like the idea of using Dashiell as the middle to begin with, just to add to the comfort. I know some people do not like the idea of calling a person by a middle name, but this is my husband’s situation (he is called a nickname of his middle name) and it is really not an annoyance for him at all.
And finally, fwiw, prior to seeing this letter, my only association with the name Dash was the son in The Incredibles, which is a cute connection for me. Good luck, and congrats on your long-awaited pregnancy!
I personally hope that “Daesh” catches on as a counterpoint to ISIS, but even if it does, I think it will be fine to call a little Dashiell “Dash” – the association with the verb “to dash” is so strong, Daesh won’t overpower it.
Daesh and Dash are pronounced differently. I would use dash as a mnemonic device to remember how to say Daesh, but it is a totally different pronunciation. When I’ve heard Daesh pronounced, it is almost a 1 and a half syllable word. Use Dashiell Alexander and use Dash as the nickname. I am VERY confident that people will not make the association when they say your son’s nickname.
If it gives you some relief to consider alternative nicknames, then there are abundant choices with Dashiell Alexander. Dale comes to mind (D from Dashiell; ale from Alexander), Ash, Dax, or Dex. Dash is my favorite.
Unfortunately, I’ve been reading more articles using Daesh instead Of ISIS, for example: France wants to start calling them what they are Daesh… Obama met with another leader from the Middle East and in discussions were wanting to start using Daesh instead of ISIS…
But on that note, it is still the shortened name… So I would ask/say almost the exact same thing as swistle. Do you love Dashiell as much as Dash if you decided that Daesh became too mainstream and you had to go back to the full name? If you do, then I’d say still use it. Another really good suggestion is to choose a middle name that you both really like in case you/he decides to have a different name to fall back on OR use Dashiell as the middle name, still call him Dash as a spunky nickname but he will also have a different official name.
That being said… I think we are all really really hoping to put an end to this group and it won’t be an issue. Please keep us all posted on what you decide and CONGRATS!!!
Ah meant to also include that most organizations that are assisting refugees are now referring to the group as Daesh as well.
I am an American, and I think that DAESH will become the acronym of choice here as well — and it has much more direct association with the name of the terrorist group than ISIS does. (This article is a year old but very relevant: https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/10/09/words-matter-isis-war-use-daesh/V85GYEuasEEJgrUun0dMUP/story.html) Given that Isis the name has been such a difficult thing to bear (facebook shut down of Isis-named users, vandalism and extensive harassment), I would probably take the name Dash off the table as a call name because you’re naming him AFTER this association has come about. I think Dashiell isn’t unusable, but I wouldn’t use Dash as a nickname, so if that were an intrinsically appealing part of the name package, I would consider looking elsewhere.
I think I differ from Swistle in terms of how long I’ve been thinking of the group as DAESH and not ISIS – it’s been maybe a month or two.
I’ve always head DAESH pronounced as two syllables (DY-esh), it doesn’t sound a bit like Dash.
Agreed. DAESH is two syllables. I think Dash will be fine, and even if it starts to feel too close, Dashiell will still be fine.
My nephew has a 7 year old son named Dashiell. His parents intended to always call him by the full name and didn’t seem to like the shortened form “Dash” very much. Well, at age 7 it seems HE does like to be called “Dash” because I’ve noticed he signed his name that way on his drawings that his mom has posted on Facebook. I don’t know how his parents feel about that shortened version sounding the same as Daesh.
That would give me pause if I were naming a baby boy today. But I think it depends on how tuned into “politics” his parents and their family and friends are. I’m sure there are many Americans who are not yet aware of the term DAESH, but it may be that it becomes more widely used and the connection will eventually be made with the boy’s name “Dash”. With that in mind, I probably would reluctantly choose a different name.
I looked for the correct pronunciation of Daesh and came up with several variants. Our President and Secretary of State say “Dash”, but the French say “DAH-esh”. On a website with several people pronouncing the name, I heard the first part of the name pronounced as “Day” and as “dah”.
As one English speaker asked:
“How do we pronounce the word Daesh, in English?
Is the “a” long or short?
Is it prounounced day-esh?
Or dash?
Or daysh?
Is the “e” silent or does it affect the pronunciation somehow? ”
One response:
“We do not, because Daesh has not yet entered the
English language. It might do in future time, but we
cannot foretell how much its sound as an English loan-word
will approximate the Arabic original. ”
An Australian responded:
“I’m used to seeing the word written as Da’esh, where the apostrophe
marks the glottal stop that separates the two syllables.
Both our present Prime Minister and our deposed Prime Minister pronounce
it “dash”, in one syllable. What were their advisors thinking of? ”
Daesh is an acronym and as such can/will probably be said in more than one way. But I would be concerned that English speakers will settle on “Dash” and would put Dashiell aside at this time.
I would not link a baby Isis to ISIS/ISIL/DAESH. I would not link a wee Dash to DAESH/ISIS/ISIL.
Words can have multiple meanings.
Then again, I love the name Columbine for a girl. Love it. I love the flower, love the sound, love St Columba. But even 16 years later, the massacre comes to mind for many people. It doesn’t, for me.
I think it is fine. I would not name a baby girl Isis, but I think Dashiell nn Dash is more common here in the US and Dash is pronounced differently and not technically his name if it does become a bigger issue. Go for it! (Give him a middle name you love too though).
I also thought of Dax as a back-up nickname. Nicknames are fluid, and I see no problem with the long form. Dasher is another nickname you might like.
I think it depends on how attached you are to the nickname. I think Dashiell is completely usable, but Dash could go either way. It’s usable now but that might change over time. Dashiell Alexander is a very nice name. I’d go with it and keep my fingers crossed about usage if you’d be willing to switch to his full name if necessary.
Agree completely.
Suggestion for a backup nickname for Dashiel Alexander: Dax. Name him what you love and if you start hearing Dash confused with Daesh then use Dax!
I second this idea!
This is brilliant! Definitely another vote to keep the name you love . I think Dash is a great nickname, but if it starts to feel uncomfortable, it’s great to have a backup :)
We have a little Dashiell (nn Dash). He is 3 and I have never heard of DAESH. Now that I know, I can’t say it raises any concerns for me. Dash is his nickname (it’s probably used 50% of the time). He actually gets called Dashie a lot (which will probably wane as he gets older). DAESH is spelled differently and there seems to be some question around its pronunciation. I’m totally biased, but I just love the name Dashiell and wouldn’t worry about the possible nickname connection.
What a useful post! This is why I love this blog :)
I love the name Dashiell and nickname Dash, and I know a boy called Dash–he’s lovely. However, I’d probably come up with a different name for a newborn. I’ve heard DAESH off and on recently and think it could go either way, but for me, the possible association would be too much. Another name that reminds me of Dash is Blaise–I know a little boy with this name, pronounced “blaze” by his family. Best wishes to you!
Hadn’t heard of DAESH until this post so I wouldn’t associate that with Dash. I agree with other posters that “dash” the verb has a stronger connotation. My newest nephew was born last week and is named Dashiell Clyde (to be exclusively called Dash). So, yes, I say stick with your decision! :)
I don’t have an opinion either way on the DAESH issue because I am just not informed enough about the situation/pronunciation. If it were me, though, I might see if there is another name I liked just as much, solely so I wouldn’t have to drive myself crazy trying to predict future usage. It all depends on how much you love the name and whether you could see yourself using the full name or an alternative nickname if Dash eventually falls into the Isis category.
That said, aside from Dashiell Hammett, my primary association with Dash as a name is Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony.
This is really a tough one. I hadn’t heard DAESH yet. But it does seem like there might be a push to start calling ISIS this.
If it were me, I think I’d go with the name I love as long as I was willing to use Dashial exclusively if it came to that.
honestly, I don’t think it will matter. Dashiell is a well known name and Dash is a natural nickname!
FWIW, I will still dash off to the store in the future, and I hope that won’t raise eyebrows if DAESH beomes the acronym for ISIL…
1) Dash is a familiar English word, whereas Isis, even before it had negative connotations, was exotic/foreign/associated with the Middle East as the name as an Egyptian goddess
2) Remember that one upon a time Gerry meant German and then Charlie meant North Vietnamese…but people went right on naming their kids Gerald and Charles. People, and their names, outlast wars, which is a kind of nice thing to think about.
3) I read an article about why DAESH probably won’t catch on in American news…basically that mainstream journalistic ethics are that you call a group either by the most recognizable name or by the name that the group uses for itself, and that it would be frowned upon to pick a name that reflects an agenda, no matter how flawless that agenda is. Obviously, Fox News is going to pick whatever name they want, and countries like France might be able to change what the most recognizable name is, but overall I found the article pretty convincing.
FWIW, I pronounce Daesh “dy’esh”
Kourtney Kardashian’s son Mason’s middle name is Dash.
And one of their lines is named Dash I think.
I think of Kardashians before I think of ISIS!
I’ve heard of DAESH and have heard it pronounced as “DY (long I) esh” every time. I wouldn’t have associated the nickname Dash with Daesh if I heard it on someone today. That said, I would use the name Dashiell if I loved it, so long as I didn’t mind possibly giving up the nickname Dash in the future. I mean, no matter what the articles say, one can’t know what ISIS’s name in the future used in the media will become. Hopefully it stays a non-issue, but just in case the nickname Dax is pretty sweet.
I am familiar with the term DAESH and I support using it, as do most of my friends and acquaintances, who are American historians and political scientists. However, most are pronouncing it slightly differently ft “dash.” I think some of this group would have an immediate association between Dash and DAESH, but my husband and I both still think of Hammett and maybe one of the characters in The Incredibles (? I haven’t checked that!). The question of whether or not the term DAESH will replace ISIS is still very much debated in my social circle: it’s fairly evenly divided in opinion, leaning towards “regional adoption,” from a recent discussion of about 20 people.
I would use it IF you are comfortable with using the full name or exploring other nicknames should the term catch on. I don’t think Dashiell would be an issue, and I love Dex! Congratulations!
This is one of those moments when a crystal ball would be nice, right?! I do think there’s ambiguity about how to pronounce DAESH, and whether it will become to dominant term to refer to the group or not.
But I know that the next installments in The Incredibles movie is due for release in the next few years. The original Disney-Pixar movie boosted Dashiell, nickname Dash. The original was released in 2004, so it’s possible that school-aged kids today won’t know the character well. But given the popularity of Disney-Pixar movies, I suspect that Dashiell called Dash will be very well known before your son gets to kindergarten.
So … I think that makes the name even more wearable, and I say stick with your original impulse: Dashiell Alexander, nicknamed Dash. Worst case scenario is that you change the nickname. But, as others have pointed out, nicknames don’t always work out as we imagine.
This is what I was coming here to say. My immediate reaction to the name Dash on a boy is thinking of the character from The Incredibles, which is a warm fuzzy reaction. Love that movie and character! I think it is usable. As many people have said, the name Dashiell is a well-established name.
I already have a facebook feed full of articles telling me to call it DAESH instead of ISIS and i still think it should be ok to name your son Dash. It’s just a nickname. You’re not naming him “Islamic State” …
Go with Dashiell Alexander. If the nickname Dash becomes the next “Adolph” at some point, then have your son use his full name or an alternative nickname.
I was already familiar with DAESH and I support using it, but I don’t think Dash is a problem as a kid’s name. As a couple others have commented, it’s much more strongly associated with the verb, and with the Incredibles character. I honestly don’t think most Americans would hear “this is my son, Dash” and think of the terrorist group.
The difference between Dash and Isis, for Americans right now, is kind of like the difference between Josef and Adolph. Both were horrible dictators but only Adolph is considered unusable, because Josef/Joseph has so many other associations.
Well said!
Oh this is good. Joseph/Adolph. Truth.
I think Kerry pronounces it incorrectly. I have heard Dy’esh as others have mentioned.
Go for Dashiel.
I became friends with a girl named Bin right at the time when the media was focused on Bin Laden. It gave me pause for a moment as I was introduced and then…it just wasn’t an issue at all. I say go for it!
I don’t think that Dashiell is unusable because of the potential for DAESH to catch on as the new name for ISIS. I worked at a school this summer and one of the students was named Isis; while I thought it was unfortunate that her name turned out to be the same as the terrorist group, it didn’t in any way tarnish my impression of her or affect the way that anyone interacted with her as far as I could tell.
If Dash does catch on as the way to refer to Isis, I don’t think a boy named Dashiell/Dash would be in the same situation as a girl named Isis. The word dash has the advantage of its familiarity as a word, which gives it a strong association other than the terrorist group, and there’s also the character from The Incredibles. Isis is an Egyptian goddess, but I wouldn’t consider this a widely known fact with a strong association, so the terrorist group association overwhelms the mythological one. The fact that Dash is a nickname is also an advantage. If DAESH replaces ISIS, a boy called Dash could easily start going by his full name Dashiell instead.
I think you’re right to consider the possibility of DAESH becoming a familiar term, but I don’t think it makes Dashiell, or even Dash, unusable.
I think that at this point you are probably emotionally invested in the name, and that you should go ahead and use it. But it’s great that you are aware of the potential issue.
I heard the term used quite a bit after the Paris attacks and wouldn’t be surprised if it became more common, so would probably suggest people just starting to look for baby names to take it out of the running. But you’ve already chosen it, so I think you should keep it.
It would be interesting to compare the usage of names Kade and Quade since 2001.
I have heard of DAESH and I do think it will become more common and that there will be an association with the name Dash and the word DAESH. And I think there will be lots and lots of opinions on the use of the name. Will you or will your spouse always make that connection, even if you can dismiss it? I am the type of person that does not dismiss or let go of things easily, and a person who finds links and connections important and relevant. And even if I know the difference and know there is no direct relationship between my son and a group, I will STILL never ever get that similarity out of my head. So if this were the thing happening with the name I was naming my (and only my) little child, it would bother me enough that I would need to change it. However, it would not raise any flags with me if you, or a friend of mine named their child Dash. I think they are still different enough.
To sum up: If it will bother you (or remind you or spouse), then change it. If you are worried about it bothering other people, then I don’t think you need to. And if using Dashiell and nicknaming Dax would solve the dilemma, I think that is a brilliant idea.
“Dax” as your son’s nn would work perfectly for a boy named Dashiell AleXander.
That makes me curious as to how the actor Dax Shepard got his name: “According to Shepard, his mother named him for the rich playboy Dax (Diogenes Alejandro Xenos), in Harold Robbins’ novel The Adventurers.” (Wikipedia)
Dashiell Alexander is a fine name and using “Dax” as a shortened form for the complete name — first and middle — makes Dashiell even more unique and wearable. I’d go with it!
My friends spent weeks naming their first daughter Kindle, a few years before Apple market-researched the likability of the name and chose it for their e-readers. True, it’s not associated with a terrorist organization, but still, my friends had to struggle to hang on to all their beautiful campfire imagery, and I know they felt “their” name was sullied. But at no point did they consider changing it, or having her go by her middle name instead. Really, for most people, hearing that her name is Kindle only gives a brief “Huh.” If all goes well, Daesh will not have staying power as an organization. Many hundreds of little boys have the name Dashiell, maybe someday you’ll have the opportunity to laugh with some of their parents about the angst you felt in late 2015.
oops–Amazon, not Apple.
The pronunciation I’m hearing is so different than Dash and for me the biggest association is the Incredibles which is positive.
Dash is fine. I live in the U.S. and had honestly never heard DAESH until your post. In the U.S. it’s usually ISIS. If for some odd reason DAESH starts catching on, your son could easily fall back to using his full name.
FWIW, Dashiell Alexander is lovely. :-)
I love the name. What about Dan alas a nn if you are worried about Dash. It’s his initials.
Dan as a nn. Sorry
Yes! Was just going to comment that those initials are PERFECT!!!
Between Dashiell, Dash, Dax, Dan, Alexander, Alex, and D.A. (It does mean district attorney, but the TV show Arthur made D.W. work, so I think it could be an option), I think you have many options without changing the name. Also, as others have pointed out Dash has a deeply entrenched meaning as a word in English, so that is a pro.
Had to respond to this one. In my opinion, Dash is fine because of two reasons: 1) the movie The Incredibles; and 2) the name Dashiell has been around a long, long time. The usage may not always have been heavy, but it is still instantly recognizable as a real, not-made-up name. There are lots of names that have a variety of connotations–some good, some not so good–and nobody mistakes a child’s or adult’s name for something other than a name. I really, honestly, think this is not going to be an issue for you. Good luck deciding!
Hi all! I was so pleased to see this post this morning, and I’m so grateful for all of the thoughtful and candid feedback. At this point, I think we are still likely to use the name (we love it so much–and The Incredibles association many mentioned, while not the reason we chose the name, is one we love), but we’ll be keeping an eye (and ear!) out over the next couple of months, just in case. Thank you so much, and I’ll be sure to update with the final decision once he arrives!
Don’t do it. If worst comes to worst, theoretisch kid will lose a lot. What about Asher/Ash instead?
1. Dashiell is a great name. No problems there.
2. Daesh is becoming a more common name for ISIS/ISIL. We don’t know how things will play out with the usage of the name or with future of the organization, but I would count on it being included in your son’s high school history books.
3. I’ve heard Daesh pronounced slightly differently from Dash (as other have shared), however, it is quite similar and not everyone pronounces words/names the same.
I think you have 2 good options:
1. keep the name Dashiell and plan on using another nickname. I think Dax is great. Or Dell. Best case, you can also use Dash, I just wouldn’t count on it.
2. Decide you don’t like Dashiell without the nn Dash and find another option you love with a less risky nn. Perhaps Asher nn Ash, Sebastian nn Bash, Cassius or Cashel nn Cash, Shepard nn Shep
Of course, there is a third option — keep both Dashiell and the nn Dash — but that comes with risk that his life will be more difficult because of the nn or he will choose another nn to avoid Dash and you will be disappointed. Only you can decide if you are comfortable with that risk. Worst case, he goes by his full name or a different nn when he is old enough to choose.
Use the name you love. Dashiell nn Dash is a wonderful, fun, spunky name. I think having the Greek surname, and being in the US helps isolate it from what could become an unfortunate coincidence should it ever arise, which it may or may not or could rise and then go back out of vogue. I agree with what many of the pro-Dash posters said, so I’m not going to repeat all of them, just wish there were some “Like” buttons on them as on facebook! One thing I will add is this (very loosely) reminds me of Harry Potter and Voldemort (showing the nerd card here). Many characters wouldn’t say his name, but the few who did said that fear of a name gave it power. It’s just a name, not something to be feared. Indeed a little boy with the nn of Dash is not to be feared…unless he’s like my little tornado once he hits toddler-hood! Now, if you had wanted to spell his nn with an “e” in the middle, we would be having a whole different conversation……
I have always heard DAESH as Dy-Esh but, with there being some confusion over pronunciation, I can totally understand your concern.
Dashiell, nickname Dash, is such a nice, familiar and old name that I really don’t think there will be a problem and, FWIW, I also immediately think of the little boy from ‘The Incredibles’ too! Such a sweet association!
Dashiell Alexander is a wonderful name! Dax is also a great suggestion for an alternative nickname and is an old French name that means ‘Leader’.
Of course, if you’re still concerned, there are names with a similar sound such as Cash, Nash or Ash.
Asher/Ashton nn Ash
Ignatius/Nicholas nn Nash
Cassius/Caspian nn Cash
What about Dane, Cole, Reed or Blake?
Dashiell is so cool though! I’d definitely stick with it!
All the best!
Oh! What about the Irish/Gaelic name Cashel nn Cash. Cute too!
I’m too lazy to go listen to Kerry and the president pronounce it, but I will tell you that my impression was never “dash.” The short “a” sound seems so uniquely English or at least Northern European. I’ve heard both dy-esh and dah-esh. Completely different sounds.
I may be prejudiced because I have a close friend whose surname is Dashiell, but I think it’s a wonderful name and works well. If anything, Americans are getting better at distinguishing foreign sounds – I think the long term trend will go the other direction.
Oh, and congratulations on your pregnancy! Infertility is such a difficult thing to deal with.
I don’t think this situation is as problematic as naming a baby girl Isis. I’m actually wondering how all the parents of little girls named Isis have managed? There must be a few thousand of them around if almost 400 were born in 2013 alone. There aren’t many nickname options. Perhaps there’s Isie, or Sissy. But that’s a much tougher predicament to work with in my mind, since their proper name is the issue rather than the nickname. It’s not like you want to put Daesh Alexander, or even Dash Alexander, on the birth certificate, which would be the comparable situation.
Anyone named Isis was presumably taken by surprise, I suppose, too, while you have a little forewarning. That may seem like more of a burden than a blessing right now! It does give you the opportunity to make sure the middle name is one you’d be happy to use, if necessary, and to consider how it would feel to use a different nickname. Someone mentioned Dashie above which is pretty cute. Maybe it would even be possible to stretch it to Ash, or use the initials to get Dan.
Compared with Isis, it also helps that the name Dashiell is fairly familiar to most people, I think (one of Cate Blanchett’s sons is also named Dashiell if I recall correctly) although it’s used so rarely. I’ve always loved the nickname Dash since it was the name of a character in a show back in the 90s. It conjures up such a sweet image of a busy little boy racing about. And Dashiell is a strong name for any age.
Anyway, I think the pros are stronger than the cons in this case. The fact that you LOVE the name, and the potential downsides are tied to a hypothetical future situation that may never arise (and you have multiple avenues of escape if it does) makes me think you should go for it.
I know one little boy named Dash and it hasn’t occurred to me to think of the terrorist group. I think because the word dash is a word in English and I am familiar with it, as the verb. I also have a friend named Isis, but because she is an adult, I don’t really think of it as anything more than kind of unfortunate, time wise. I always name my kids their names and don’t make a set nickname, so I suggest trying that? Just use Dashiell and if he seems like a Dash, you can use it when the time comes. I also really, REALLY like Dax, combining his first and middle names. I wish you the best of luck!
I love Dashiell, nn Dash, have never heard the acronym DAESH, but even if it starts to be used, I will not associate it when I hear the name Dash/Dashiell. Dashiell has been on my name lists in the past, and I find the nickname Dash irresistible! I say go for it. :)
I know what your last name must be and I am so jealous…its been my top guilty pleasure boy name since forever! Any name will be amazing with your last name :) my last name is also Greek and 4 syllables (my married name that is…my maiden name was FIVE syllables!)
In regards to your question, I don’t think there is an issue. I am familiar with the term DAESH and I never once associated it with the word dash – it really is pronounced completely different in Arabic. I don’t think it will ever overtake usage of ISIS in the US. If it does become an issue, there are so many different cool nicknames you could also use – Dax, Daz, Dashi (I like Dashi!)
Don’t forget, your son might come up with his own unique nickname for himself. My 2 year old is Katerina but always calls herself Nina – not a name I ever would have expected, but there it is! I could see your son calling himself something like Shel, for example.
You could do a Twitter poll! Twitter just added polls!
(Also I love Dash and Dashiell and don’t think it’s too close.)
I’ll admit that I didn’t read most of the comments, so I’m sorry if I’ll repeat points others have made before.
First off, this discussion reminds me of one on the Baby Name Wizard blog.. Isis and I think Daesh are discussed there: http://www.babynamewizard.com/archives/2015/11/whats-your-choice-for-name-of-the-year (Read the comments too)
While this is definitely important to consider (!!), I personally feel that it’s totally fine to name your kid Dashiell nn Dash. It’s an established name and as far as I’m aware of, it’s been gaining popularity lately. I’m also in the camp who would potentially mispronounce Daesh as having two syllables, as in Da-esh.
I may be in the minority in that I also feel Isis is still a perfectly beautiful name. Perhaps that is because I’ve been well acquainted with Egyptian mythology long before we started about a terror group with the same name, and so I really don’t make that connection if I hear the name Isis somewhere (for the goddess, a kid, a novel character, a dog, whatever.)
If I were in your situation, I would perhaps think of terror groups that have been in the news a little while ago, such as Al Quaida, and think of a name that sounds kind of like it, and then think about whether this name would (still) trigger an association with said terror group today. For this example, the only name I can come up with is Aleida. During the times everybody was talking about Al Quaida, Aleida may have sounded similar. But now that I don’t hear about them all the time, I wouldn’t make the connection anymore.
In a similar vein, this Isis/Daesh terror group may too be short-lived in that we might not be talking about them all the time 5 or 10 years from now.
Other names, on the other hand, can stay in the public conscious for quite a while. Think Hitler, Stalin, Saddam. So I would avoid names that sound similar to those. And the problem is that we don’t know if Daesh will last as long in our consciousness.
Well, my vote would be to go for it! I love the name Dash.