What’s in a name? Trump’s ‘Lake America’ threat raises questions about centuries of history

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" amid escalating tensions with Canada over a trade dispute. However, the name of the Great Lake carries centuries of history, with its current name emerging in the mid-1700s, long before either the United States or Canada existed. The lake's name comes from an Iroquoian language term, translating to "sparkling waters," and it has been known by various names over its history, including those used by First Nations and European explorers.

In 1656, the name "Lake Ontario" first appeared on a map, making it one of the oldest names on a map of the Great Lakes. Despite some Americans expressing embarrassment over the escalating rhetoric, changing the lake's name could have business implications for organizations that already use the name in their branding.