Why Does the United States Call Itself America?

Many people are surprised to learn that the United States is not called 'America,' but rather 'The United States of America.' Given this, why is the term 'America' so commonly used to refer to the country? Let's explore the history and reasoning behind this usage.

Common Misconception: 'America' vs. 'United States of America'

It's widely believed that people in what became Canada and Mexico refer to the United States as 'America.' However, this is a common misconception. People in these countries, as well as throughout the world, do call the United States by its full name 'The United States of America.' It's true that 'America' is often used as a shorthand, but this is due to a different historical context rather than a geographical kinship with the smaller countries in the area.

Population Numbers

Let's look at some basic population statistics to understand the context. The United States has the largest population in North America, with around 332 million people. Mexico has about 127 million, and Canada has just under 38 million. Despite Canada's vast land area, the population is smaller due to its lower density.

Historical Context: A Matter of Usage

The term 'America' as a reference to the United States is a relatively recent development in the country's history. After the American Revolution, people in the 13 colonies started to identify as 'Americans' rather than 'British Americans.' President Theodore Roosevelt popularized the use of 'America' as a synonym for the country in his speeches, and it has stuck ever since.

Language Usage and Logic

It's important to note that language is inherently irregular and usage-based. Words take on meanings based on common usage rather than logical structures. For example, calling someone from New York 'an American' or 'an American from New York' is acceptable, even though it's formally called the 'State of New York.' Similarly, the country's formal name is 'The United States of America,' but it's commonly referred to as 'America.' This doesn't cause confusion because the context clarifies the meaning.

How Countries Are Named

The naming convention for countries is similar to naming individuals. Just as a person's full name might be used in formal settings, countries can be referred to by their full names in official contexts. For instance, 'The Republic of Italy' is the official name, but it's commonly called 'Italy.' The same logic applies to other countries as well.

Conclusion: Why Not Change It?

Given that the term 'America' is widely understood to refer to the United States, there's no compelling reason to change it. The use of 'America' as a synonym for the country is a practical, historical, and colloquial convenience that doesn't lead to misunderstandings.

So, why does the United States call itself 'America'? Because, similar to how we call ourselves by our nicknames or casual titles, it's a common and accepted usage that has stood the test of time.