Google Maps is set to undergo notable changes as it transitions the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, alongside renaming Mount Denali to Mount McKinley. This move aligns with official changes mandated by the U.S. government, particularly under the 2025 actions taken during Donald Trump's presidency. According to reports, these updates will initially be visible to users within the United States, with users accessing the map from Mexico still seeing the traditional name, Gulf of Mexico.
The announcement was made by Google on January 27, 2025, ensuring users of its mapping service understand the upcoming modifications. The decision to alter these geographical names directly stems from presidential directives aimed at reaffirming the nation’s identity and preserving historical heritage. “According to the President's instructions, the Gulf of Mexico will officially be called the Gulf of America and the highest peak in North America will revert to the name Mount McKinley,” noted the U.S. Department of the Interior. Such changes reflect the country’s commitment to maintaining its diverse historical narrative for future generations.
While these features will be updated on Google Maps as soon as they are registered with the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), the service explained its past practices of following the government’s lead. “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,” said the company. This ensures consistency and respect for official names recognized federally.
For users outside of the U.S. and Mexico, both names will appear on Google Maps, allowing for greater recognition of the geographical features as they are known across different locations. A representative from Google remarked, “When official names vary between countries, Maps users see their official local name. Everyone in the rest of the world sees both names. That applies here too.” This adaptability ensures users are aware of both national and regional names, enhancing geographical literacy.
The Gulf of Mexico has long held its name steeped in history and culture, particularly involving trade, travel, and environmental significance. Meanwhile, Mount Denali, known for its majestic height and natural beauty, has previously faced naming inconsistencies arising from federal decisions. The return to the Mount McKinley name for the peak, which stands at 20,310 feet, coincides with heightened discussions around honoring historical legacies and the heroes of U.S. history.
These changes, though they may seem symbolic, carry broader social and political ramifications. Discussions surrounding the rebranding of places such as the Gulf of Mexico could influence additional conversations about identity and heritage throughout the nation. How names reflect our priorities and interpretations of history is increasingly at the forefront of societal values and discussions about representation.
From both geographical and socio-political perspectives, the alterations being rolled out by Google Maps provide valuable insight not only on cartography but also on the identity narrative of the United States. With the expectation of updates to reflect these new names shortly as mandated by the government's decisions, users can anticipate seeing the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley instead of their predecessors on their next Google Maps exploration.
Google’s practices of adjusting their names and geographical references demonstrate the importance of maintaining alignment with government directives, thereby affirming their role as facilitators of information accessible to all. The name changes, once fully integrated, will serve as constant reminders of the evolution of America's geographical and cultural narrative.
Overall, the renaming initiative highlights how geographical names encapsulate identity, culture, and history, serving as living points of connection to the past. The eventual widespread recognition of the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley will likely reignite discussions about the right names and whom they honor, as well as reflect changing perspectives about how history is remembered and celebrated.