“BCE” vs. “BC” really annoys me. It was introduced simply because people cannot abide hearing “Christ”. What does “common era” mean anyway?
I agree with you, it is also one of my pet peeves. They are the same thing, why call it two different things just to eliminate Christ from the date?
BTW, does anyone know how star dates are counted on Star Trek?
It means A.D. because the dominance of Western Civilization around the world has led non-Christians to use our calendar, which is now the world's "common" calendar.
If it makes you feel better translate it as Christian Era.