Ayako is of Japanese origin, derived from the words 'ayumi' meaning 'to walk' and 'ko', a respectful suffix. It is often translated to mean 'one who walks harmoniously'. This name has been popular in Japan for centuries and has gained international recognition due to its melodious sound and graceful connotation.
The name Ayako saw a significant rise in popularity from the late teens to the mid-twenties, peaking at 30 births in 1918. After the twenties, it gradually declined until it reached its lowest point with only 5 births per year starting from 1933 onwards. Since then, Ayako has maintained a low and relatively steady number of births per year.