screenshot from google maps showing the gulf of mexico

The recent name change of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has sparked debate, drawing criticism and confusion from both domestic and international communities.

This year, the United States made a significant change, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The decision has triggered widespread controversy, with many questioning the reasoning behind the alteration.

The name “Gulf of Mexico” originated from the Aztec Empire, according to Dr. Matthew Casey, an associate professor in Latin history and director of the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Humanities. The Aztec Empire referred to themselves as the Mexica, which led to the term “Mexico” as it is used today. For the Spaniards, Mexico was an important point of reference, which is how the name Gulf of Mexico came into existence.

“That body of water that leads directly to this area…” Casey said. “It was logical to call it the Gulf of Mexico.”

While the name Gulf of America may be familiar to Americans, some feel it may imply ownership of the body of water solely by the United States. However, Casey pointed out that in Latin America, the term “America” typically refers to the entire continent, including both North and South America, not just the United States. He added that others around the world may view the new name as an attempt to be more inclusive of the Americas as a whole, rather than focusing on one country.

“By changing the name to the Gulf of America, some people who hear that might think of that as actually a more inclusive term and less about the United States than it was probably intended,” Casey said.

The name change has not been well received by some USM students. Deisy Lemus, a senior student, expressed that she would continue referring to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico, calling the change disrespectful.

“The name changing of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is absolutely ridiculous,” Lemus said. “I feel that is just another example of entitlement.”

The Gulf of America name change now appears on Google Maps.