For more than two centuries, the name The United States of America has represented a nation that emerged from colonial rebellion into a global superpower. Yet, as the world grows more interconnected and increasingly aware of the nuances of geography, history, and cultural identity, it’s time to question whether this name still accurately reflects the reality of our modern age.
With 35 sovereign nations spanning the Americas—from Canada to Argentina—the appropriation of the word America by a single country seems not only outdated but increasingly problematic. It’s time to propose a more accurate and inclusive name: The United States of Central North America (USCNA).
How Did ‘America’ Become Synonymous with One Country?
The name America originated from the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, whose voyages helped map the lands of the Western Hemisphere in the early 1500s. European cartographers adopted the term to describe the entire landmass that would eventually be divided into North, Central, and South America.
By the time the American Revolution began in 1775, the 13 British colonies referred to themselves collectively as British America. The term American had already become a colloquial identity for the colonists, differentiating them from their counterparts across the Atlantic. When the colonies declared independence in 1776, they needed a name that conveyed their newfound unity and sovereignty.
Early drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation referred to the new country as the United Colonies. Other potential names were floated, including:
- Columbia – Inspired by Christopher Columbus
- Freedonia – A more poetic, liberty-driven name
- The American Confederation – A nod to the loose alliance of states
- The Republic of Washington – Honoring George Washington
- The United States of North America – Closer to the geographic truth
Ultimately, The United States of America became the official name in 1776, reflecting both the colonies’ unity and their place within the broader Americas. However, this decision set in motion a centuries-long assumption that America referred solely to the newly independent nation, excluding the vast majority of the continent’s other inhabitants.
Why the Name No Longer Fits
In the 21st century, the continued use of America as shorthand for the United States presents several issues:
- Geographic Inaccuracy: The U.S. occupies only about 23% of North America’s landmass and none of Central or South America.
- Cultural Appropriation: The name disregards the identities of other American nations, especially those in Latin America who have long resisted the U.S.’s monopolization of the term.
- Global Perception: The U.S.’s outsized influence on world affairs has made its claim to the name America feel more like a power play than an innocent geographic identifier.
The Case for ‘The United States of Central North America’
A more accurate, modern name would ground the country in its true geographic context while reflecting the diverse identities that define the Americas. The United States of Central North America (USCNA) does exactly that.
Here’s why the name works:
- Geographic Honesty: It locates the country within the central portion of North America, distinct from both Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
- Inclusive Identity: It acknowledges that the United States is one of many nations on the American continents, rather than the sole representative.
- Symbol of Progress: Renaming the country would signal a shift toward a more respectful and equitable global identity, especially in an era where colonial legacies are under increasing scrutiny.
- Clarity in Diplomacy: It would eliminate confusion and resentment among Latin American nations, fostering better relations across the Americas.
A Bold Step Toward a Better Future
Renaming a country is no small task, but neither is reckoning with the past. In a world where decolonization movements are reshaping global narratives, language plays a crucial role in reflecting who we are and what we stand for.
By adopting the name The United States of Central North America, the country could embrace a more accurate and humble identity—one that acknowledges its place among equals rather than claiming dominion over an entire hemisphere.
It’s time to let go of the name that was born from colonial ambition and embrace a title that reflects the reality of our shared continent. The 21st century calls for a new kind of patriotism—one that recognizes not just power, but truth.
The United States of Central North America: A Nation Among Many, Not the One Above All.
