Some recent and not-so-recent baby names from the news…
Awa: A baby girl born in northern Mozambique in October of 2020 while her family was fleeing from jihadists was named Awa, which translates to “suffering” in the local Makhuwa language. (Africanews)
Exam: A baby girl born in Kenya in March of 2021, on one of the days her mother was scheduled to take the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination, was named Exam. (KBC)
Margaret: A baby giraffe born at the UK’s largest zoo on December 8, 2020 — the day the first COVID-19 vaccine was given to 90-yr-old Margaret Keenan — was named Margaret. (ZSL)
Najvot: A baby boy adopted by parents in Kerala, India, amid the 2020 lockdown was named Navjot in honor of Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Navjot Khosa, who helped the inter-state adoption happen despite travel restrictions. (New Indian Express)
Nolan: A baby boy born in St. Louis on April 8, 2021 — St. Louis Cardinals opening day — was named Nolan after baseball player Nolan Arenado. The name was chosen just after his parents heard sports broadcaster Dan McLaughlin say (during the 8th inning): “Arenado, a drive, deep left, at the wall! Welcome to St. Louis, Nolan!” (FOX2now)
Sky: A baby boy born aboard a flight from Glennallen, Alaska, to Anchorage in August of 2020 was named Sky Airon. (KTUU)
Valley: A baby girl born in February of 2021 in Louisiana, in the parking lot of a nursing home called Valley View, was named Ariana Valley. (KALB)