Google Maps to Reflect New Naming Changes Following U.S. Geographic Updates

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Google confirmed it will update the name of the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" on Google Maps, in accordance with the U.S. Geographic Names System. The change will take effect following an official update by the U.S. government.

The change will be visible to users in the United States, while users in Mexico will continue to see the name "Gulf of Mexico." In other regions, Google Maps will display both names to reflect the ongoing dispute.

This development follows a decision by the Trump administration's Interior Department, which announced last week that the Gulf of Mexico would officially be renamed the Gulf of America. Additionally, Denali, North America’s tallest peak, will revert to its previous name, Mount McKinley. These changes were enacted through executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, shortly after his inauguration.

"As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America, and North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," the Interior Department stated.

The renaming has sparked reactions across the region. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum recently joked that North America, including the United States, should be renamed "Mexican America" — a nod to the region's historic references on early maps.

Google, responding to a Reuters inquiry, reiterated its stance on adhering to local conventions for naming disputed locations, citing its X post as confirmation. The company has previously employed similar dual-labeling strategies in areas where geopolitical naming disputes exist.

The updates on Google Maps are expected to roll out after the U.S. Geographic Names System finalizes the changes.