'airampo' originates from the Quechua language, specifically the word 'ayrampu', where 'ayra-' meant 'red' and '-mpu' referred to a type of plant.

'ayrampu' transformed into the Spanish word 'airampo', and eventually became the modern English word 'airampo'.

Initially, it meant 'a red plant used for dyeing', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.