Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Dasha
GirlRussian, Persian· “Russian pet form of Darya”
- Meaning
- Russian pet form of Darya
- Origin
- Russian, Persian
- Pronunciation
- DAH-shuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,128
- US babies 2025
- 88
- Best rank
- #1,255 (1995)
- Peak year
- 1995
Meaning and origin of Dasha
Dasha is a Russian and Persian name that means “Russian pet form of Darya”.
Russian families use Dasha as the affectionate form of Darya, the feminine form of Darius. Darius comes from the Old Persian Darayavahush, often explained as holding firmly to the good, and it was the name of several Persian kings, including Darius the Great. In Russia, Darya is a classic name, and Dasha is its affectionate everyday form. It is usually pronounced DAH-shuh. The name has a lively, friendly sound and is used as a given name in its own right in English-speaking countries.
Popularity over time
Dasha first appears in US Social Security records in 1968. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,255 in 1995, the same year it reached its highest count of 135 babies. In 2025, 88 babies were named Dasha, and it ranked #2,128 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,223 in 1980, #1,744 in 2000, #1,948 in 2010, and #2,128 in 2025. Of the 4,133 US girls named Dasha since records began, 26% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 968 babies. Since 2010, 1,466 more have been named Dasha.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Anyssa, Sirena, Courtnie, Keyona, and Danesha.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dasha ranked highest in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #732 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | #914 | 5 |
| New York | #1434 | 9 |
| Pennsylvania | #1443 | 5 |
| Florida | #2239 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Dasha is usually pronounced DAH-shuh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-ha”.
Middle names for Dasha
A few middle names that flow with Dasha: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dasha
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Lists that include Dasha
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dasha mean?
Dasha is a Russian and Persian name that means “Russian pet form of Darya”.
What is the origin of the name Dasha?
Dasha has Russian and Persian roots. Russian families use Dasha as the affectionate form of Darya, the feminine form of Darius.
Is Dasha a popular name?
Not especially. Dasha ranked #2,128 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Dasha a boy or girl name?
Dasha is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Dasha?
Dasha is usually pronounced DAH-shuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings