Where Do Typhoon Names Come From? A Detailed Look at Naming Rules
An overview of the typhoon naming list mechanism, participating countries/regions, and the retirement rules.
Where Do Typhoon Names Come From?
Typhoon naming in the Northwest Pacific is centrally managed by the WMO Typhoon Committee: 14 members (including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, and Macao, China) each contribute 10 names, forming a list of 140 names that are used in sequential rotation. When a tropical cyclone intensifies to tropical storm strength, the Japan Meteorological Agency (as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center) assigns a name from the list.
Chinese Names Have the Most "Ethereal" Charm
Most names provided by China are derived from mythology and auspicious imagery: Wukong, Nezha, Fengshen (God of Wind), Haishen (God of the Sea), Dujuan (Azalea), Mulan, Bailu (White Deer), Hai Kui (Sea Anemone), Yutu (Jade Rabbit), Dianmu (Goddess of Lightning)... In comparison, other members have distinct styles: Japan favors constellations (Libra, Capricorn), Cambodia uses flowers and trees (Chanthu = a type of flower), while the United States provides names from the indigenous languages of Guam (e.g., Etau).
Names Can Be "Expelled": The Retirement System
When a typhoon causes exceptionally severe casualties and damage, affected members can apply to have its name permanently retired. The original contributing country then provides a new name to replace it. This effectively pins the disaster to the pillar of history:
- Haiyan (2013, over 6,300 fatalities in the Philippines) → Retired, replaced by "Bailu"
- Mangkhut (2018, severely impacted the Philippines and South China) → Retired, replaced by "Shandian"
- Rammasun (2014, the strongest typhoon to make landfall in South China) → Retired, replaced by "Bualoi"
- Doksuri (2023, triggered catastrophic rainstorms in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) → Retired
Since the inception of the naming list, more than 60 names have been retired, each corresponding to an unforgettable disaster.
What About Typhoon Numbers?
In addition to names, typhoons have a four-digit identification number: the first two digits represent the year, and the last two indicate the sequence of formation within that year. For example, 202509 refers to the 9th typhoon of 2025. Chinese meteorological authorities typically use both the number and the name when issuing information (e.g., "Typhoon No. 2509, Huajia Sha"). The number never repeats, serving as the typhoon's "ID card."
Trivia
- Chinese translations of typhoon names are unified through consultation among meteorological departments in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, ensuring consistent terminology across these regions (though translations in Taiwan may occasionally differ).
- What happens if more than 140 typhoons form in a year and the names run out? This doesn't happen—the naming list is cyclical. Approximately 25–30 names are used annually, completing one full cycle roughly every five years.
- Typhoons and their names do not have gender distinctions. However, the Atlantic hurricane naming list alternates between male and female names, reflecting cultural differences between the two ocean basins.