Etymology: Derived from the Japanese word 'ayame' (アヤメ or 菖蒲), which refers to the Japanese iris flower (Iris ensata). The name shares its reading with kanji such as 菖蒲, traditionally associated with the Boys' Festival, though as a feminine name it is often written phonetically or with alternative kanji like 綾芽 (meaning 'design sprout') or 彩芽 ('color sprout').