My name means fate. It means the fortune one is destined to have. Whenever I ask my parents why my name is Destiny, they always say “because it was our Destiny to have you.” I thought that this was corny when I was younger, but it's true. Destiny just happens. It means the broad future - unbeknownst to us. I relate to my name in many ways - one being that in confusion I get epiphanies in due time. It is a process amounting to unique realizations which solidify my purpose in the world. It is my mother’s belief in Christianity and faith for what the future holds (Ukachi). My upbringing in trust and belief that my future is working out for the better surmount the incremental life cycles I undergo. I am my parent’s Destiny.

As others call out for me, they are also shouting out for destiny. A concept, a person, a belief. Being as I am coincidentally the person to console my friends with insights to lead them in a faithful direction. Offering advice after hardships is my way of offering affection to those I care about. I like to visualize myself as the guidance to others whenever they need it. A source of encouragement and empowerment. I ‘believe’ my name wraps the broader scope of a fateful experience. My own perspective reflects upon my name. My belief in fate is what makes my destiny.

In the way I was given my name, I also chose it for myself. When I was younger, I would ponder on what life would be like if my name was spelled ‘Destinée’ instead of ‘Destiny’. I thought it was significantly more unique than just being named in the ‘regular’ manner. I think everyone is destined to have those thoughts. But, Destiny has its own singularity in a way. Not many were named Destiny in this day and age - apart from the 2000s. Tying it back to Destiny’s Child, there is an era for everything. Different universes have their different eras. As I think about the hypothetical universes I could have been in - I am lucky this was my Destiny. 

Works Cited

“Destiny's Child | Description, Formation, Albums, & Hit Singles.” Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Destinys-Child. Accessed 26 October 2023.

Duddy, Nicole. “Destiny - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity.” The Bump, 15 September 2023, https://www.thebump.com/b/destiny-baby-name#. Accessed 18 September 2023.

Ukachi, Austen C. “Destiny 2: The Christian view about destiny | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News — Sunday Magazine — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News.” The Guardian Nigeria, 1 October 2017, https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/ibru-ecumenical-centre/destiny-2-the-christian-view-about-destiny/. Accessed 18 September 2023.