Cyclone Arnab is making headlines as it heads towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. But along with landfall updates, many people are searching for something else: what does the name Arnab mean, and who gave it?
The name Arnab was suggested by Bangladesh, and it means “sea” or “ocean” in Bengali. Here is everything to know about the name, how cyclones in the Indian Ocean are named, and what the next cyclone will be called.
Cyclone Arnab Name Meaning
| Name | Arnab |
| Pronunciation | Or-nab |
| Meaning | Sea or ocean |
| Language | Bengali |
| Suggested by | Bangladesh |
| Part of | The cyclone name list adopted in April 2020 |
Arnab is also a popular Bengali name for boys in Bangladesh and West Bengal. As per the IMD, the name is pronounced “Ornab,” in the Bengali style.
Who Named Cyclone Arnab?
Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, which includes the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, are not named by one country. Thirteen countries in the region each suggest names, and these are put together into an official list. The countries are India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Oman, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Yemen, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The list is managed under a regional panel linked to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi, which acts as the regional cyclone centre, assigns the next name on the list whenever a storm becomes strong enough to be called a cyclone. Arnab was Bangladesh’s contribution to the list.
How Are Cyclones Named?
In April 2020, the member countries released a list of 169 names, with each of the 13 countries contributing 13 names. The names are used one by one in a fixed order. Once a name is used, it is never used again.
A storm gets a name only when it reaches cyclonic storm strength, with sustained wind speeds of at least 62 kmph. Depressions and deep depressions do not get names. This is why Cyclone Arnab was first tracked as a depression and only received its name once it intensified over the Bay of Bengal.
Rules for Cyclone Names
- The name must be neutral on politics, religion, culture and gender.
- It should not hurt the feelings of any community.
- It must be short, simple and easy to pronounce.
- It should not be rude or cruel.
- A name is used only once and is then retired.
Why Do Cyclones Get Names?
Giving cyclones simple names makes it easier for weather agencies, the media, governments and the public to talk about them. A name is easier to remember than a number or a set of coordinates, and it helps avoid confusion when more than one storm is active at the same time. This makes warnings clearer and helps people prepare faster.
What Will the Next Cyclone Be Called?
As per the official list, the name after Arnab is Murasu, which was suggested by India. Murasu is the name of a traditional drum in Tamil. The next cyclone to form over the North Indian Ocean will get this name.
Other Cyclone Names Suggested by Bangladesh
Bangladesh has contributed several names to the list that have already been used, including Nisarga, which hit Maharashtra in 2020, and Biparjoy, which hit Gujarat in 2023. Arnab is the next Bangladeshi name to be used after these.
Cyclone Arnab Latest Update
Cyclone Arnab formed over the Bay of Bengal on October 26 and has since intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday morning, October 28, with wind speeds of 115 to 125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph. Schools have been shut in several districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and many trains have been cancelled.
For the latest travel updates, read our list of trains cancelled due to Cyclone Arnab, and check our district-wise Cyclone Arnab school holiday list.
Cyclone Arnab Name: FAQs
What is the meaning of Cyclone Arnab?
Arnab means “sea” or “ocean” in Bengali.
Which country named Cyclone Arnab?
Bangladesh suggested the name Arnab as part of the cyclone name list adopted in April 2020.
What is the next cyclone name after Arnab?
The next name on the list is Murasu, suggested by India.