Correcting Multilingual Data Handling in Google Maps Business Naming: The Right Way to Add Alternative Languages

Managing business names across multiple languages on Google Maps is not as straightforward as many expect. Google Business Profile (GBP) does not offer a direct dashboard interface for entering multilingual names. Instead, the system relies on a primary name entry and supplementary edits suggested through Maps itself.

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Getting this right is critical, forcing multiple languages into the name field can harm rankings, trigger suspensions, and confuse customers. Below, we’ll break down how multilingual naming actually works, the common pitfalls to avoid, and the right process to follow in 2025.

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Why the Confusion Arises

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GBP Dashboard Limitations

When you create or edit a listing in GBP (business.google.com), you’re asked to enter the name exactly as it appears on signage, websites, and branding. This is designed to keep listings consistent and aligned with SEO best practices. Attempting to enter multiple languages directly (e.g., “Business Name | Nom d'Empresa”) violates Google’s guidelines.

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No Built-In Multilingual Name Field

Unlike some platforms, GBP does not offer an “alternate language” section for names in the dashboard. While addresses, categories, and descriptions may appear in a user’s language automatically, the core business name remains fixed.

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The Role of “Suggest an Edit”

The key mechanism for alternate names is public contribution via Google Maps. If your device or account language differs from the listing’s main one, Google may prompt you to add a localized variant. For example, in Catalonia, a user with their app set to Catalan could be prompted to add a Catalan version of a shop’s name.

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Step-by-Step: Adding Alternate Languages Correctly

1. Create the Initial Listing in the Primary Language

• Enter the official name in GBP, in the main branding language (often English or the local dominant script).

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2. Add Alternate Names via “Suggest an Edit”
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Example for Greek letters

On Mobile (Recommended)

• Open Google Maps on your phone.
  
• Find your business → Suggest an edit.
  
• Change your phone’s system language to the target language (e.g., Catalan).
  
• Reopen Maps—the edit form often reveals a secondary field like “Place name in Greek.”
  
• Keep the main name unchanged, then add the alternate in the new field.
  
• Submit and wait for Google’s review (1–2 weeks). If your translation is correct then it usually is accepted
  

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On Desktop

• Visit maps.google.com.
  
• Open your listing → Suggest an edit.
  
• Change your Google Account or browser language to the target language.
  
• Enter the alternate name in the newly available field.
  
• Best practice: add one language at a time to reduce rejection risk.
  

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3. Verify and Monitor

• After submitting, track approval in GBP or Maps.
  
• Test search results in different languages and regions.
  
• If rejected, double-check alignment with branding and resubmit.
  

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Benefits and Challenges

Benefits

• Boosts local SEO: users searching in their language will see your verified alternate name.
  
• Prevents poor auto-translations, which often distort branding.
  
• Expands discoverability in multilingual regions (e.g., Catalonia, Quebec).
  

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Challenges

• Approval is manual and not guaranteed.
  
• Frequent or inconsistent edits can flag your profile.
  
• Chains must repeat this process per location to maintain consistency.
  

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TLDR;

For global or regional chains, proper multilingual setup is a compliance and SEO necessity. Relying on auto-translations risks inaccuracy, while incorrectly formatted names risk suspensions. Google often accepts name edits from map users that might not follow your naming conventions.

Following Google’s intended workflow through “Suggest an edit” ensures both accuracy and visibility.

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Author Bio

Sella Gannot has a background in applied mathematics and building data and algorithms with geo-data and GIS. He founded SimplyCity in 2023 to help a friend’s local supermarket gain visibility. Today, SimplyCity works with SMBs, chains, cities, and mobility data providers to put points of interest (POIs) on the map and solve business cases connected to location data.

Learn more at thesimplycity.net