When did the naming of hurricanes begin?

Before 1950, hurricanes were usually given the names of women and of saints of both sexes - although a formal system hadn't been set. From 1950 to 1952, they had names from the military alphabet (Baker, Charlie, etc.) The World Meteorological Organization initiated the use of only female names in 1953, adding male names in 1979. Before they become hurricanes, tropical storms are christened - in alphabetical order each season - from lists of names popular in the nations affected.

source The Columbus Dispatch October 4, 2008 (World Book Encyclopedia)