In a recent move, Google has updated its mapping services to reflect the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for users within the United States. This change aligns with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, aiming to honour American heritage.
Google’s Implementation of the Name Change
Google announced that the displayed name of the gulf on its platforms would vary based on the user’s location:
- United States: Users will see “Gulf of America.”
- Mexico: Users will continue to see “Gulf of Mexico.”
- Other Regions: Users will see both names.
This approach ensures that the naming conventions are tailored to regional preferences and official designations.
Background of the Executive Order
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness.” This directive called for renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and reverting Denali, North America’s tallest peak, back to its former name, Mount McKinley. The order emphasised recognising historical figures and their contributions to the nation’s development.
Google’s Naming Policy
Google’s decision to update the name on its maps is consistent with its longstanding practice of reflecting official government sources. The company stated that it uses the designations from the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), a database managed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Once GNIS updates a name, Google Maps implements the change accordingly.
International Reactions and Implications
The renaming has sparked discussions beyond U.S. borders. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to send a letter to Google questioning the change, asserting that the U.S. does not have the authority to rename international waters. She humorously suggested that North America be labelled as “América Mexicana” on maps, referencing historical nomenclature.
It’s important to note that while the U.S. can rename geographic features within its jurisdiction, the Gulf of Mexico is an international body of water bordered by multiple countries, including Mexico and Cuba. Therefore, the new name may not be adopted globally.
Conclusion
Google’s adaptation of the Gulf’s name in its mapping services reflects its policy of aligning with official government sources. However, the international nature of the Gulf of Mexico means that this renaming may not be universally recognised, leading to varied reactions and ongoing discussions among neighbouring nations.
References
- Google Blog: Gulf of America name change in the U.S. — what you’ll see in Maps
- The White House: Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness
- The Guardian: Mexico to question Google over Gulf name change after Trump order
- Business Insider: Gulf of Mexico, or Gulf of America? Trump makes a call, but who follows?