Met Éireann reveals 2025/26 storm names including Irish favourites and tributes

The names were chosen in partnership with the British Met Office and the Dutch meteorological service KNMI — and for the first time, members of the Irish public got their say through a social media campaign.

Over 10,000 suggestions poured in from 4,137 people, whittled down to seven Irish contributions for the 21-name list: Amy, Bram, Chandra, Dave, Eddie, Fionnuala, Gerard, Hannah, Isla, Janna, Kasia, Lilith, Marty, Nico, Oscar, Patrick, Ruby, Stevie, Tadhg, Violet, Wubbo.

Bram nods to Irish gothic giant Bram Stoker. Gerard comes from a man battling illness whose family wanted him honoured. And Tadhg, according to one proud grandmother, is already a storm in his own right.

Eoin Sherlock, head of forecasting at Met Éireann, said the public response showed just how personal storm names can be.

“2025 marks 10 years since the storm naming initiative began, and we wanted to involve Ireland’s public more than ever,” he said.

“There were many personal stories of friends, family, loved ones, and pets, as well as many suggestions honouring our history, culture, and literature.”

But behind the fun, Mr Sherlock stressed that the naming system is a serious safety tool.

“Naming storms is a powerful tool that supports us and other public safety organisations to increase awareness of severe and impactful weather,” he said. He pointed to Storm Éowyn last January, which drove more than 3 million visits to met.ie in just two days.

A storm gets a name when it’s expected to cause medium or high impacts in Ireland, Britain, or the Netherlands. The national service most at risk does the naming, and along with the name comes the relevant orange or red warnings for wind, rain, or snow.