San Francisco, CA – January 30, 2025 In recent years, there has been increasing discussion about the name of the Gulf of Mexico. Speculation has swirled around a potential name change—what some are calling the “Gulf of America.” But is this just a passing idea, or are we witnessing the start of a larger shift in how we view this vital body of water? Let’s dive into the reasons behind the proposed name change, the historical context, and what it might mean for the region—and beyond.
What’s Happening? The Gulf of America Proposal
There’s a growing call to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This idea has sparked intense debate among geographers, historians, political leaders, and environmentalists. The Gulf of Mexico is a key body of water that borders multiple countries, most notably the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. While the name of the Gulf of Mexico has been in place for centuries, some are arguing that a new name—the Gulf of America—better reflects the diverse nations, cultures, and modern dynamics of the region.
The name change is not official (yet), but it’s becoming a point of serious conversation, especially with the role geographic names play in shaping our identity. Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), play a critical role in mapping and documenting geographic features. These agencies would need to update official maps, government documentation, and the Geographic Names Information System to reflect a new name.
As part of the broader conversation, discussions about the nation’s economy, regional trade, and the U.S.-Mexico border are also central. For instance, the Gulf plays a significant role in the economic boom experienced by both the United States and Mexico. A name change could reflect not just political realities but the deep interconnectedness of the region, both culturally and economically.
Why Is This Happening? A Look Back at History
To understand the call for this name change, it’s important to look at the broader historical context. The term “Gulf of Mexico” has been used for over 500 years, dating back to the European exploration of the Americas. When the Spanish arrived, they named this body of water after Mexico, a reflection of the country’s colonial role in the region. However, many now feel this name no longer captures the modern and more integrated geopolitical reality.
The Gulf is now home to many different cultures and nations, and it is economically tied to the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. Moreover, Native American tribes have lived in the area for centuries, and their histories have often been overlooked in mainstream geographic references. Renaming the Gulf to the Gulf of America could be seen as a gesture toward acknowledging these diverse cultures and histories in a more modern context.
Additionally, the political landscape has shifted. The Trump administration and its executive orders on federal nomenclature, as well as broader national interest, have brought attention to how geographic names should reflect American values and identity. President Donald Trump’s executive action on reworking official federal nomenclature was part of a larger effort to honor American greatness by ensuring that official names of geographic features represent the nation’s values and its extraordinary heritage.
Will This Change Actually Happen?
Time will tell. A name change like this would require significant diplomatic and bureaucratic action, as well as support from a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and local communities. The Gulf of Mexico is a key body of water, bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, which makes it an international issue. The International Hydrographic Organization would play a role in ensuring that any new name aligns with global standards for mapping. Google as already announced compliance with the name change in a post on X.
We’ve received a few questions about naming within Google Maps. We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.
— News from Google (@NewsFromGoogle) January 27, 2025
There’s also the question of who owns the Gulf of Mexico. While technically international waters, it has immense economic and environmental significance for the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. Any change to its name would require consultations across borders, potentially complicating the process. For instance, the U.S.-Mexico border is already a politically sensitive area, and renaming a body of water that sits along it could heighten geopolitical tensions.
If the name does change, the process would likely take time. It would involve federal agencies, including the Interior Department and the Secretary of the Interior, updating official maps, federal use references, and government documentation. As we’ve seen with other name changes, such as when the name of Denali was changed from Mount McKinley, these things are rarely quick.
The Broader Picture: Name Changes in Society
While the Gulf of Mexico name change is grabbing headlines, it’s far from the only name change happening today. Renaming public infrastructure or geographic features is a longstanding practice in the U.S. and globally. For example, the name of Mount McKinley was changed to Denali after years of debate. This was a significant shift, honoring the legacy of Alaska’s Denali and its importance to indigenous communities.
Similarly, the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York was renamed the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in 2017 to honor the late Governor Mario Cuomo. These changes are often controversial. Who decides which names should be changed, and what criteria are used? There are political considerations, such as when President-elect Donald Trump or former president Barack Obama intervened in decisions regarding the names of federal landmarks. The renaming process can reflect not just historical shifts but also modern national interest and regional identity.
In the case of Gulf of America, the debate touches on both local and international concerns. Should the Gulf reflect Mexico’s identity more strongly, or should it recognize the greater American continent’s unity? The Obama administration’s move to change the name of geographic features like Denali shows that name changes are sometimes part of a larger effort to honor American greatness and to acknowledge the diverse contributions that shape the nation’s economic growth and legacy.
A Changing Landscape
The potential renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America presents an opportunity to reflect on how names shape our identity. Whether or not the change will happen remains uncertain, but the conversation signals a broader trend in how geographic names are evolving to better reflect our nation’s economy and modern-day realities. From the East Sea in Korea to the Rio Bravo (as Mexico refers to the Rio Grande), names hold deep political and cultural meaning.
Changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America would require significant steps by federal agencies and likely decades of official federal references being updated. But as we’ve seen with other name changes, like the renaming of Denali or the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf dispute, the process isn’t just about names—it’s about who controls the narrative and how we honor our extraordinary heritage.
In the end, the Gulf of America could become a significant part of the region’s history, reflecting connections between countries and cultures, and symbolizing the progress made over time. Whether this new name takes hold or not, it underscores the powerful role names play in defining a nation’s values, identity, and the shared histories that connect us all—across borders, generations, and time.
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