The Politics Behind Geographical Name Changes: From the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, New Amsterdam to New York

Geographical name changes often result from shifts in governance, indigenous movements, decolonization efforts, or political considerations. Regardless of the reason, such changes impact narratives, public perception, and historical identity.

The Symbolism of Place Names

Maoz Azaryahu, an emeritus professor of cultural geography at Haifa University, recalls how his study on Berlin street names in the 1980s was initially met with skepticism. However, a 1945 document from Berlin’s first council meeting after Soviet occupation proved otherwise. Despite dealing with survival crises like food shortages and infrastructure collapse, renaming streets was a top priority. This demonstrated that place names hold symbolic importance beyond their functional use.

Name Changes in Modern Politics

The study of historical name changes gained momentum following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America.’ Though widely rejected by political leaders, the name appeared on the U.S. version of Google Maps.

This trend of renaming places is far from new. Paris was once Lutetia, New York was New Amsterdam until 1665, and Toronto was formerly York. Perhaps the most famous instance is the renaming of Constantinople to Istanbul in 1930, reflecting Turkish national pride. Each change marks a moment of power assertion or historical reckoning.

The Role of Colonialism

Throughout history, naming a place has often equated to claiming it. Anthropologist M.D.W. Jefferies explored why many locations bear the name ‘Guinea,’ linking it to colonial-era racial classifications. Similarly, European settlers imposed their own geographical terms to cement territorial claims.

Beth Williamson, in her 2023 work on historical geography, states that colonial naming practices helped solidify territorial occupation. Today, indigenous resurgence movements advocate for restoring original place names erased by colonial maps.

Post-Colonial Name Reclamation

In India, renaming cities serves as an effort to remove colonial remnants. Bombay became Mumbai in 1995, honoring the Koli community’s deity Mumbadevi. Similarly, Calcutta was renamed Kolkata, and Madras became Chennai, signifying cultural and linguistic roots.

African nations have followed a similar pattern. After gaining independence in 1980, Zimbabwe changed its capital’s name from Salisbury to Harare, honoring a pre-colonial leader. In post-apartheid South Africa, streets named after colonial figures were renamed after anti-apartheid leaders like Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko.

Soviet Name Changes

Under Soviet rule, renaming places was a strategic tool for ideological reinforcement. Saint Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great, was renamed Petrograd during World War I to remove German influence. In 1924, it became Leningrad in honor of Bolshevik leader Lenin. Following the USSR’s collapse, residents voted to restore its original name, completing a full cycle of historical revisionism.

Geopolitical Implications of Name Changes

Since the French Revolution, renaming places has been a method of governance, rebranding streets to align with new ideologies. Modern examples include:

Rhode Island removed ‘Providence Plantations’ from its official name in 2020 to distance itself from slavery’s legacy.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has removed indigenous slurs from geographical names, replacing them with culturally appropriate terms.

North Macedonia changed its name in 2018, resolving a decades-long dispute with Greece and facilitating NATO membership.

However, renaming can also spark geopolitical tensions. Myanmar’s military government renamed the country from Burma in 1989, arguing that ‘Burma’ excluded ethnic minorities. While the UN recognized the change, some Western nations continued using ‘Burma’ to reject military rule’s legitimacy.

Practical Challenges of Renaming

Renaming an entire country, city, or street is complex and expensive. When Swaziland became Eswatini in 2018, national documents, military uniforms, road signs, and international records required updates. Years later, remnants of the old name persist due to bureaucratic inertia.

Similarly, when Bombay became Mumbai, older generations continued using the colonial name. Even today, North Macedonia’s new name faces resistance from citizens accustomed to its historical identity.

The Power of Naming

Despite logistical challenges, renaming remains a potent tool for asserting agency and reshaping identity. Whether reclaiming indigenous heritage or distancing from colonial legacies, such changes signify deeper societal transformations. As Azaryahu argues, place names are not just labels but declarations of power, shaping history and public consciousness.

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By : team atharvaexamwise