u/Individual_Ant8514

I have a very non-English first name. I'm not from any English-speaking country, but English is a big part of my life (I read in English, think in English etc). So, I'm thinking of changing my given name to something more English (Like Edward, Anthony etc). One of the main reasons is to be perceived as more English and to maybe compensate for the fact that I'm not from an English-speaking place.

But at the same time, I don't want to feel like I'm wearing a costume or misleading people.

I thought of names like David or Paul, but it's too international, spelled the same in different countries; definitely not Anglo-coded as Cooper or Andrew. Although maybe that would be the perfect middle ground?

Would appreciate your take on this matter.

In the span of 7 years: I converted from Islam to Christianity, legally changed my name to Christopher, gradually stopped speaking one of my native languages (Arabic) and only speak/write/read English now (including with family members who still reply in Arabic), I relocated to a new continent, changed some of my ideologies...

Tbh I don't know many people who have made the many fundamental changes that I have, especially not in the span of 7 years.

I feel like I don't know who I am at this point; I think I tried to eagerly erase who I was instead of growing into someone new, and now I'm left feeling detached and lost, AND TO BE HONEST, it was after I legally changed my name when it really hit me hard; I thought the name change will allow me to be a new, fresh person, but sadly that didn't really happen.

I wonder if any of you have any thoughts or advice regarding this matter.