Google Maps Renames Lake Ontario to Lake America in US

Google Maps began displaying "Lake America" instead of "Lake Ontario" for users in the United States on September 1, following a presidential executive order on August 27 to rename the Great Lake in federal records [1, 3]. The change, which Apple Maps also adopted, has drawn criticism from users and Canadian officials, while boosting competitor MapQuest's popularity [1, 2].

Mapping Services React to Executive Order

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 27 directing the Interior Department and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” in federal records, with the U.S. Geographic Names Information System formally updating the name on August 29 [2, 3]. Google Maps updated its platform to reflect this change on September 1, stating its practice is to follow geographic naming conventions established by official government sources [1, 3]. Apple Maps followed suit on September 1, aligning with Google's decision [1].

The name displayed on Google Maps now depends on the user's location: U.S. users see “Lake America,” Canadian users continue to see “Lake Ontario,” and users in other parts of the world see both names [1, 3]. Apple Maps similarly displays “Lake America” for U.S. users while retaining “Lake Ontario” for Canadian users [1]. This marks a similar approach to a 2025 order that renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which both Google and Apple adopted [2].

User Backlash and Competitive Shifts

The renaming has generated significant user dissatisfaction, with Google Maps facing a wave of negative reviews and comments on platforms like Trustpilot and its own help pages [2]. Some users criticized Google for displaying inaccurate information or "caving to politics," with several stating they had deleted the app or switched to competitors [2].

In contrast, MapQuest, an American navigation service, refused to adopt the name change, publicly declaring, “We’re not changing it” [1, 2]. This decision led to a surge in its popularity, with MapQuest rising to the top position among free apps in Apple’s Canadian App Store and number 4 in the U.S. App Store [1, 2]. The company also saw its usage increase fiftyfold [2].

Canadian officials and Indigenous leaders have strongly rejected the name change. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the name Lake Ontario, derived from the Wendat word Ontari’io, meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big,” is over 400 years old and would continue to be used by Canada [1, 2]. Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca called for the order to be rescinded, arguing it attempts to erase Indigenous history and culture [2]. The dispute over the lake’s name coincides with broader tensions between the U.S. and Canada regarding trade and tariffs [1].

What to watch

• Continued user response: Monitor how sustained user dissatisfaction impacts Google Maps and Apple Maps usage and ratings in the U.S.
• MapQuest's market position: Observe if MapQuest can maintain its increased download and usage rates in the long term, particularly in competitive navigation markets.
• International naming conventions: Watch for any further developments in how international bodies or other countries address the dual naming of Lake Ontario.

The divergence in mapping services' naming conventions, driven by a U.S. executive order and met with international resistance, highlights the complex interplay between government policy, corporate compliance, and user sentiment in digital geographic services.