Where does the name Lake Ontario come from?

The Associated Press states it will keep using the original name Lake Ontario for the large body of water, rather than calling it Lake America. The news agency explains that as a worldwide source of information, it aims to use place names that are easily understood by a large audience. Canada has confirmed it will not adopt the name change that was ordered by former U.S. President Donald Trump via an executive decree.

The AP's guidance notes advises its employees to stick to calling the lake Lake Ontario, even if it is relevant to a story, and to explain the name Trump chose if that is necessary. The agency emphasizes that there is no single entity that determines the names of international water bodies, although Trump has significant control over how the U.S. government recognizes geographic locations and features.

The AP's note also mentions other places whose names have been altered by Trump's executive orders, such as North America's highest mountain, which reverted to Mount McKinley from Denali, and the Gulf of Mexico, which Trump suggested should be renamed the Gulf of America. The AP will continue to refer to the Gulf of Mexico because it is shared by both Mexico and the United States.

The guidance acknowledges Lake Ontario's extensive history, noting that the term "Ontario" has been used for over 400 years and originates from the northern Iroquoian language family. The name itself inspired the creation of the province of Ontario.