What are the storm names for the 2025/2026 season?

As the first day of meteorological autumn begins, the new list of names for the 2025/26 storm season has been confirmed.

More than 50,000 suggestions were submitted from across the UK and Europe.

The Met Office and partners started naming storms in 2015, with the list running from early September to late August, when the likelihood of low-pressure systems and the potential for named storms increase.

The weather agency said the final list reflects not only popular choices, but also the deeply personal stories behind them, with tributes to loved ones, cherished pets, and everyday heroes.

The first name on the list – Amy – was the most popular female name submitted to the Met Office.

It resonated with many who associated it with loved ones, one submission read: “My family love being outside, whether in the garden or walking/cycling/scooting to school or the park. So the first thing we do each morning with breakfast is to check what the weather forecast is for the day.”

Other names submitted to the Met Office include Dave, described as “my beloved husband who can snore three times louder than any storm”.

Isla, the most popular ‘I’ name, with many submissions about little girls who leave chaos in their wake.

Violet, a daughter “every bit as fierce and unstoppable as a storm” after being born at 27 weeks while her mum was unwell.

Stevie was inspired by a little girl named after the Stevie Nicks song Dreams, which includes the line: “Thunder only happens when it’s raining.” And Ruby, in honour of a cherished grandmother, and also the most popular name beginning with R.

Pets featured prominently too. One cat, Oscar, was described as “a good boy, but crazy when he gets the zoomies,” while another was remembered fondly for “loving the wind in his fur -he’d sit in the garden for ages just enjoying it.”

While some of the names may bring a smile, the purpose behind storm naming is serious.

Rebekah Hicks, chief meteorologist at the Met Office explains said naming storms isn’t just about giving them a label, it’s about making sure people take notice.

“When a storm has a name, it becomes easier for the media and public to talk about it, share information, and prepare. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in helping communities stay safe, protect their homes, and make informed decisions ahead of severe weather,” she said.

Ms Hicks added that for Storm Floris, which happened just a few weeks ago, surveys found that 93% of people in the amber warning area were aware of the alerts, with 83% taking action to prepare.

How are names for storms picked?

The Met Office said a number of factors are considered for a name to be on the list, including how difficult it might be to pronounce, if it has different meanings across the different countries, if it is connected to a significant public figure and if it could be considered to be controversial in any way.

Storms will get named by the group when they’re deemed to have the potential to cause medium or high impacts in the UK, Ireland or the Netherlands.

Wind is the primary consideration for naming a storm, but additional impacts from rain or snow will also be considered in the naming process.