Each list contains 21 alphabetical names that alternate between feminine and masculine. These lists are used on a rotating basis—2020’s list of names will be used again in 2026.

In the past, the Greek alphabet was used when there were more storms in a single hurricane season than names on the list. That’s only happened twice, in 2005 and 2020.

The Greek alphabet will be replaced by a supplemental list of names using the same rules as the main Atlantic hurricane season naming list — a list of names A-Z but excluding the letters Q, U, X ...