Although it ended up as the name Dominion of Canada, there were several others discussed at the time, in both the press and among politicians and citizens.

Some of the favorite suggestions were New Britain, Laurentia and Brittania. A union of the Maritimes had also been discussed and Acadia was the frontrunner name for that. It was also considered a possibility for the entire country.

Other suggestions included Cabotia, Columbia, Canadia, and Ursalia. By agreeing to the name Canada, both Lower and Upper Canada had to change their names, to Quebec and Ontario respectively.