Before 1953, hurricane's did not get named, but just earned noteriety through destruction and devestation. Two of the most notable are the 1900 Galveston Hurricane and 1938's "Long Island Express," which many thought Irene would imitate. The names are lengthy, but informative. However, in 1953 the World Meterological Organization, who no doubt convenes in a cave in an undisclosed location, decided to begin naming the storms. The first lists contained only women's names (analyze that!), but to reflect changing ideas about gender, the lists were revamped to include male names in 1979.
Here is a list of the retired storms: (alphabetical)
Agnes 1972; Alicia 1983; Allen 1980; Allison 2001; Andrew 1992; Anita 1977; Audrey 1957; Betsy 1965; Beulah 1967; Bob 1991; Camille 1969; Carla 1961; Carmen 1974; Carol 1954; Celia 1970; Cesar 1996; Charley 2004; Cleo 1964; Connie 1955; David 1979; Dean 2007; Dennis 2005; Diana 1990; Diane 1955; Donna 1960; Dora 1964; Edna 1968; Elena 1985; Eloise 1975; Fabian 2003; Felix 2007; Fifi 1974; Flora 1963; Floyd 1999; Fran 1996; Frances 2004; Frederic 1979; Georges 1998; Gilbert 1988; Gloria 1985; Gustav 2008; Hattie 1961; Hazel 1954; Hilda 1964; Hortense 1996; Hugo 1989; Igor 2010; Ike 2008; Inez 1966; Ione 1955; Iris 2001; Isabel 2003; Isidore 2002; Ivan 2004; Janet 1955; Jeanne 2004; Joan 1988; Juan 2003; Katrina 2005; Keith 2000; Klaus 1990; Lenny 1999; Lili 2002; Luis 1995; Marilyn 1995; Michelle 2001; Mitch 1998; Noel 2007; Opal 1995; Paloma 2008; Rita 2005; Roxanne 1995; Stan 2005; Tomas 2010; Wilma 2005.
Trivia Geek has lapsed in the past few years, but I'll try to keep it updated more often. Comment with questions, and I'll do posts based on the answers!
- TG.
