Why is Guam called Guam?
Guam is an insular area of the United States. In addition to “Guam,” other possible choices for the name of the island were “Chamorro” (a native race of people), “Latte” (a unique type of stones found on the island, often used as a local symbol), “Magellan” (in recognition of first recorded visit by a western explorer to the island in 1521), “Taotaomoa” (the name of ancestral Chamorro spirits), “Umatac” (the name of a famous harbor on the island), and others. The final decision regarding the name of the island was made by the people of Guam in consultation with members of the US Congress. This is codified in TITLE 48 of the United States code regarding “Territories and Insular Possessions.” 48 USC 1421 Territory included under name Guam The territory ceded to the United States in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty of Peace between the United States and Spain, signed at Paris, December 10, 1898, and proclaimed April 11, 1899, and known as the island of Guam in the Marianas Isl
