Dax

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAKS /dæks/High

Meaning: From the French city Dax, derived from the Latin Aquae Tarbellicae and later d'Ax; also used as a surname meaning 'from Dax'Medium

In 30 seconds: A punchy, single-syllable name that hits hard, Dax originates as a French place-name with Roman roots. It is bold, modern, and memorable — a name that sounds both ancient and futuristic.

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Origin MediumFrench, Occitan

MeaningFrom the French city Dax, derived from the Latin Aquae Tarbellicae and later d'Ax; also used as a surname meaning 'from Dax'

U.S. rank (2025)#692 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births393 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 11,917

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Dax takes its name from the French commune of Dax in the Landes department, which has been a thermal spa town since ancient times. The Romans established baths there, and the name evolved from Aquae Tarbellicae through medieval French into the simplified Dax. As a given name, it gained currency in the United States primarily as a strong, sleek monosyllable.

As a given name in the United States, Dax owes much of its visibility to actor Dax Shepard, who helped popularize it in the 2000s. It appeals to parents wanting a short, powerful name with an X that feels bold without being invented. Dax entered U.S. baby name charts in the 2000s and has grown steadily, fitting comfortably alongside Max, Jax, and Rex.

Did you know? Dax is a spa town in southwestern France known for its thermal baths since Roman times. The Romans called it Aquae Tarbellicae (waters of the Tarbelli). The streamlined modern name comes from the Old French d'Ax — 'of Ax' — making Dax literally a name that means 'from the waters.'

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Dax — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DacksJaxMax

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Dax Shepard (1975–present)
American actor, director, and podcast host.

If you like Dax…

Jax— shares the punchy one-syllable -x ending and modern American energy

Max— fellow short, strong one-syllable name with the -x punch

Rex— same bold monosyllabic -x pattern with ancient roots

Knox— one-syllable name with strong consonants and the same modern edge

Frequently Asked

What does the name Dax mean?

Dax originates as a French place-name from the town of Dax, derived from Latin Aquae Tarbellicae (waters of the Tarbelli) — so it effectively means 'from the waters.'

How do you pronounce Dax?

Dax is pronounced DAKS /dæks/ — one syllable.

Is Dax a popular boys' name?

Dax has been growing in the U.S. since the 2000s, partly thanks to actor Dax Shepard, and fits the trend for short, punchy names ending in X.

Is Dax a boy or girl name?

Dax is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.