HOUSTON, Dec. 23 -- So far they've been known only as babies A, B,C,D,E,F,G and H. No more. The world's only surviving octuplets now have real names.
Nkem Chukwu and her husband, Iyke Louis Udobi, said in Houston today, 'We want to honor God and celebrate his gifts to us in the names we give our eight children.' The names are from the Ibo tribal tradition. Both parents are U.S. citizens born in Nigeria who belong to the African nation's major ethnic group, the Ibo people. Baby A, the girl born naturally on Dec. 8, has been named Chukwuebuka Nkemjika Louis and will be know as 'Ebuka.' In English, that means 'God is Great.' The other seven children were all born Dec. 20 by Caesarean section. The first, a girl previously known as Baby B, has been named Chidinma Anulika Louis and will be nicknamed 'Chidi.' Her name in English means 'God is Beautiful.' Their other babies, their new names, nicknames and English meanings are: Baby C -- Chinecherem Nwabugwu Louis, 'Echerem,' 'God Thinks of Me. ' Baby D -- Chimaijem Otito Louis, 'Chima,' 'God Knows My Way.' Baby E -- Chijindu Chidera Louis, 'Odera,' 'God Has My Life.' Baby F -- Chukwubuikem Maduabuchi Louis, 'Ikem,' 'God Is My Strength.' Baby G -- Chijioke Chinedum Louis, 'Jioke,' 'God Is My Leader.' Baby H -- Chinagorom Chidiebere Louis, 'Gorom,' 'God Is Merciful.' The parents said in a statement released by Texas Children's Hospital: 'It is very special to us that God gave us our babies at the same time of the year that we celebrate the birth of His Son, Jesus. The names we have given our children symbolize the strength, guidance and grace we know God will give them throughout their lives.' ---
Copyright 1998 by United Press International. All rights reserved. ---
