Why is it called the Gulf of Mexico The name Gulf of Mexico has its origin in the time of European colonization specifically with Spanish explorers During the 16th century when Europeans began exploring and mapping A m e r i c a 's coasts the Gulf was recognized as a large expanse of water between the lands surrounding p r e s e n t -day North Central and the Caribbean The name Mexico comes from the Mexicans an indigenous civilization that inhabited what is today the center of Mexico In the context of Spanish exploration and colonization the name Mexico began to associate not only with the Valley of Mexico the central region but with the vast territory of the Mexican Empire which included areas that now form part of what is now the Gulf of Mexico 🇲🇽