あやめ

Ayame

girlJapanese

Ayame is a girl name of Japanese origin, meaning “Iris flower”.

MeaningIris flower
GenderGirl
OriginJapanese
Written asあやめ
Pronunciationah-YAH-meh
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inJapan

Meaning and origin of Ayame

Ayame is the Japanese word for the iris, often written in kana as あやめ or with the characters 菖蒲. Irises are associated in Japan with early summer and with Children's Day on 5 May, when sweet-flag leaves (shobu, written with the same characters) are used in baths to ward off ill fortune. As a given name it can also be written with other characters chosen for their meanings, such as colour and eye.

Is Ayame a religious name?

Ayame is a Japanese flower name with no particular religious meaning; it is not specifically Buddhist.

How popular is Ayame?

A recognised but not especially common girls' name in Japan.

Gifts with the name Ayame

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Spellings and variants of Ayame

AyamiAyane

Names similar to Ayame

SakuraYuriAyakaHana

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ayame mean?

Ayame means 'Iris flower'. It is of Japanese origin.

Does Ayame have a religious meaning?

Ayame is a Japanese flower name with no particular religious meaning; it is not specifically Buddhist.

How do you pronounce Ayame?

Ayame is pronounced ah-YAH-meh.

Is Ayame a boy or girl name?

Ayame is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.