The name Dasha is a diminutive form of the Russian name Daria, which is derived from the Persian name Dārā, meaning "wealthy" or "prosperous." It has its origins in ancient Persia, where it was a popular name among the royalty and nobility.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dasha can be found in the Russian chronicles of the 12th century. During this time, it was a common name among the Russian aristocracy and was often given to daughters of noble families.

In the 16th century, the name Dasha gained popularity among the common people of Russia as well. It was particularly favored in rural areas and was often associated with a strong, resilient, and hardworking woman.

While the name Dasha has ancient roots, it has been carried on by several notable figures throughout history. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Dasha Sevastopolskaya (1836-1892), a Russian noblewoman and philanthropist who was renowned for her charitable work during the Crimean War.

Another notable Dasha was Dasha Zhitova (1887-1976), a Russian ballerina and choreographer who was celebrated for her performances with the Bolshoi Ballet in the early 20th century.

In the world of literature, Dasha Blinova (1905-1989) was a prominent Russian poet and writer who was part of the avant-garde literary movement in the Soviet Union.

More recently, Dasha Zhukova (born 1981) is a Russian-American businesswoman, art collector, and founder of the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow.

Dasha Kapustina (born 1991) is a Russian professional tennis player who has achieved notable success on the WTA Tour, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 20 in the world.

While the name Dasha has its roots in ancient Persia and has been popular in Russia for centuries, it has also gained international recognition and is now used in various cultures around the world.