Kamiyah Mobley
Kidnapping survivor, reunited with biological family in 2017
Kamiyah Mobley (born July 20, 1998) became the subject of a remarkable true story of identity, family, and survival. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Mobley was abducted from Wolfson Children's Hospital just hours after her birth by a woman using the alias 'Gloria Williams.' For eighteen years, Mobley lived under the false name 'Alexis Manigo,' unaware of her true identity or the circumstances of her early life. During her childhood and adolescence, she was raised in South Carolina, attending school and developing relationships with her adoptive family while her biological family in Florida searched desperately for answers. In 2017, a tip to law enforcement led to the discovery of her true identity, prompting a DNA confirmation and subsequent reunion with her biological mother, Shanara Mobley. Kamiyah's story captured national attention through documentaries and media coverage, exploring themes of identity, maternal bonds, and the lasting impacts of trauma and separation. Her case highlighted vulnerabilities in hospital security and remains one of the most notable cases of infant abduction in American history.
Notable Person
American
1998
Thinking about the name
Kamiyah
Hebrew origin
“A modern Hebrew-influenced spelling of Kamiya, adding the -ah ending common in contemporary Hebrew and Arabic names. The -ah gives it religious or ceremonial weight while maintaining the lyrical quality. It's part of the 2000s trend of adding -ah to modernize classic names.”