In early 2025, a significant change occurred in the naming of the Gulf of Mexico, a body of water that has been known by this name for centuries. On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14172, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” which directed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
Understanding the Name Change
The Gulf of Mexico, historically named after the Mexica (Aztec) civilization, has been a vital part of the United States’ economy, particularly in the energy sector. The executive order emphasized the Gulf’s importance to the nation’s economy and its people, stating that the Gulf “will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy.”
Implementation of the Change
Following the executive order, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names updated the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to reflect the new name. As a result, platforms like Google Maps began displaying “Gulf of America” for users in the United States. For users in Mexico, the name remained “Gulf of Mexico,” and for users elsewhere, both names appeared, with “Gulf of Mexico” listed first.
International Reactions
The renaming has sparked discussions internationally. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concerns, stating that the U.S. has no authority to rename international waters beyond its territorial limits. She humorously suggested that North America be renamed “Mexican America,” referencing a historical map.
Implications for Mapping Services
Mapping services have adapted to the change based on user location. Google Maps, for instance, displays “Gulf of America” for U.S. users, “Gulf of Mexico” for Mexican users, and both names for users in other countries. This approach aligns with Google’s policy of reflecting official local names when they vary between countries.
Conclusion
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America marks a significant shift in geographical nomenclature, reflecting the evolving dynamics between the United States and its neighboring countries. While the change is official within the U.S., its international recognition varies, highlighting the complexities of global geographical naming conventions.
For a visual overview of this change, you might find the following video informative:
