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Which earlier names have been used for the Gulf of Mexico?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Map of the Gulf of Mexico showing surrounding regions of the United States, Mexico, Cuba, and the Yucatan Peninsula. The map highlights underwater features such as shelves, escarpments, canyons, and the Mexico Basin, with varying shades of blue indicating water depths. Major coastal cities like Houston, New Orleans, Tampa, and Havana are labeled, and spot depths are marked in meters.
Gulf of Mexico / Gulf of America

The body of water now known as the Gulf of Mexico has been referred to by several names throughout history. While the name "Gulf of Mexico" has been in use since at least the late 16th century—appearing in works by Richard Hakluyt in 1589—other historical designations have appeared on maps and in publications over the centuries.1

These earlier names include:

  • Baye of Mexico: Used by cartographer Baptista Boazio in 1589 to describe the region during Sir Francis Drake’s naval campaigns.1
  • Gulf of New Spain: A name that appeared in various historical publications.1
  • Florida Sea: Another historical term used to identify the body of water.1

In 2025, following an executive order by President Donald Trump, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names adopted the name "Gulf of America" for use by U.S. federal agencies.12