Georgia, January 1, 2026
News Summary
As the new year begins, hospitals across metro Atlanta celebrate the arrival of several newborns. Zenya Sewell was the first baby born at Piedmont Atlanta right at midnight. Families welcomed their little ones with joy, marking the start of a year filled with hope and new beginnings.
Georgia Welcomes First Babies of 2026
Several babies were born across metro Atlanta on January 1, 2026, marking the start of the new year. New Year’s babies are often considered symbols of hope, renewal, and good fortune, and hospitals throughout Georgia celebrated the arrivals of their newest patients.
The first baby born at Piedmont Atlanta was Zenya Sewell, arriving precisely at midnight. The proud parents, Taisha McKinney and Donté Sewell, welcomed their baby girl into the world to kick off the new year.
A short while later, at 12:36 a.m., Dakota Saige was born at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. Her parents, Danya and Dakota Cook, were excited to welcome their fourth daughter. Dakota Saige weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces.
At Piedmont Athens, Zahkari Nymir Hardy arrived at 12:41 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. His mother, Zantavia Armstead, celebrated the joyful occasion.
Solani Alaina Williams made her debut at Piedmont Columbus at 1:04 a.m. Parents Destini Harper and Clyde Williams became first-time parents, welcoming their baby girl who weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces. They received a commemorative plaque and gift from the hospital to mark the occasion.
The first baby born at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center was named Lucas, arriving at 6:09 a.m. His parents, Anna and Mike, were thrilled with the arrival of their new family member.
At 7:22 a.m., Madelyn was welcomed at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center. Parents Michael and Sarah celebrated the arrival of their baby girl, who weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces.
At midnight, coinciding with the New Year’s ball drop, Naomi was born at Emory Decatur Hospital. Her mother, Morgan, welcomed her first child, who weighed 7 pounds, 0.9 ounces.
Blakely was born at Emory Hospital Warner Robins at 2:06 a.m. Parents Ashley and Brandon celebrated the arrival of their seventh child, who weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces.
At 3:21 a.m., Taylor was born at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Proud parents Shamease and Taylor welcomed their first child, who weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces.
Zaylon made his entrance at Emory University Hospital Midtown at 7:36 a.m. His mother, Synethia, shared the birthday of her newborn with his cousin. Zaylon weighed 7 pounds, 5.5 ounces.
In total, well over 10,000 babies are expected to be born across the U.S. on New Year’s Day, continuing the tradition of celebrating new life and the promise it brings for the year ahead.
FAQ
What is significant about New Year’s babies in Georgia?
New Year’s babies are often considered symbols of hope, renewal, and good fortune.
Who was the first baby born in Georgia for 2026?
Zenya Sewell was the first baby born at Piedmont Atlanta, arriving precisely at midnight.
What are the weights of the first few babies born in Georgia in 2026?
Zenya Sewell weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, Zahkari Nymir Hardy weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and Solani Alaina Williams weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces.
How many babies are expected to be born nationally on New Year’s Day?
Observations indicate that more than 10,000 babies are expected to be born across the U.S. on New Year’s Day.
Key Features of New Year’s Babies in 2026
| Baby Name | Birth Time | Weight | Parents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zenya Sewell | 12:00 a.m. | – | Taisha McKinney and Donté Sewell | First baby of the year at Piedmont Atlanta |
| Dakota Saige | 12:36 a.m. | 8 lbs, 4 oz | Danya and Dakota Cook | Fourth daughter |
| Zahkari Nymir Hardy | 12:41 a.m. | 7 lbs, 2 oz | Zantavia Armstead | – |
| Solani Alaina Williams | 1:04 a.m. | 6 lbs, 4 oz | Destini Harper and Clyde Williams | First child, received gift from hospital |
| Lucas | 6:09 a.m. | – | Anna and Mike | – |
| Madelyn | 7:22 a.m. | 6 lbs, 8 oz | Michael and Sarah | – |
| Naomi | 12:00 a.m. | 7 lbs, 0.9 oz | Morgan | First child, coincided with New Year’s ball drop |
| Blakely | 2:06 a.m. | 6 lbs, 6 oz | Ashley and Brandon | Seventh child |
| Taylor | 3:21 a.m. | 7 lbs, 14 oz | Shamease and Taylor | First child |
| Zaylon | 7:36 a.m. | 7 lbs, 5.5 oz | Synethia | Shares birthday with cousin |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: New Year’s Babies Metro Atlanta
- Wikipedia: New Year’s Baby
- Atlanta News First: Babies Born on New Year’s Day
- Google Search: New Year’s Day Babies
- 11Alive: Babies Born New Year’s Day at Piedmont Hospitals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Year’s Day
- Atlanta Parent: Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve in Atlanta
- Google News: Georgia Babies Born on New Year’s Day
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
