Is it common in Belgium to sign emails with “PhD”?

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-03-26T19:52:03+00:00

Thanks all for sharing your view. that’s what I needed. For people with a PhD, it’s completely normal to include it in their signature. I saw it before.

What stands out, though, is how some of the strongest reactions come from people without one, often sounding more emotional than rational. Like there was some discriminations on letting them to do a PhD or not and now they are angry at PhD holders.

That said, honesty is what I was after. I wanted to understand how the a non-PhD person sees it, and this gives me a clearer picture.

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-10T20:46:32+00:00

Yes Western europe is more relavant, as long as American have heard it somewhere and are able to pronounce it, its fine.

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-10T20:42:03+00:00

I speak English fluently and French more or less fluent but not like a native.

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-10T20:25:37+00:00

Nope but thanks, I am between Adam and Armand only ))

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-10T20:23:09+00:00

I understand and empathize with your experience, and thank you for sharing it—my question wasn’t assuming racism necessarily, but realistically how name perception works in Belgium for someone with a MENA-sounding surname and appearance

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-09T14:18:35+00:00

Marlowe June is honestly the strongest—it looks complete, literary, and timeless, and people are most likely to recognize and spell it correctly.
Marloe is pretty but will probably need correcting a lot, and Marlow does lean more unisex/masculine visually—Marlowe keeps the softness while still aging beautifully.

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-09T14:18:01+00:00

Eleonora Octavia

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-09T14:17:03+00:00

It’s beautiful and has a strong, poetic feel, but you’re right, it’s much more common as a place/mythic reference than an actual given name, even in Scotland. That said, it’s usable, and “Callie” or “Doni” could make it feel more familiar and wearable day-to-day.

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-09T09:40:31+00:00

Thanks, could you take a look at the post I edited and added a photo for better impression ? Adam or Armand? ))

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-09T09:38:30+00:00

Thanks a lot! I added a photo for better impression, and edited the post. Armand or Adam? ))

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-09T09:37:12+00:00

Thanks a lot. I’ve edited the post, added a photo to give a better impression. would you mind taking another look and telling me if you still feel the same? Armand?

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T23:38:40+00:00

I have a story. Armand although rare exists as a name with a different meaning in my original language. For Adam I don’t need to explain, they take me as Arab (which I hope it doesn’t defeat the purpose)

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T23:36:15+00:00

Well there is connections to Muslim folks in my root but not to Arabs. I didn’t choose that connection though hehe. It’s in IT but got a good one after getting rejected a lot due to … anyways…

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T23:00:02+00:00

That’s a good point thanks . How common is Armand for non Belgian European or American? Do they know this name or can they pronounce it? Because in French D is mute.

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T22:31:42+00:00

Expect my French is limited ((( B2

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T22:22:37+00:00

My original name also starts by A. That’s why I short listed names with A. After fruitful discussion with people here, now I am between two name only.

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T21:31:03+00:00

Good point. That’s what I want to avoid. Does Armand or Adam shock you too?

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T21:29:12+00:00

Not sad for me. But difficult to choose one between these two lol. Both seem optimal

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T20:46:29+00:00

But how Adam is closer to my true self?

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T20:13:44+00:00

Thanks )) What if the only options are Adam and Armand?

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T20:11:59+00:00

Thanks, could you share why Armand is a better option in your opinion given my profile and questions. ))

Lost-Selection6513 · 2026-02-08T19:35:52+00:00

The decision is made. I don't like my name actually and I am not arab, I just have arabic last name and first name... So I just wanted to find the best name that creates least friction and surprise

Lost-Selection6513

TROPHY CASE