Ethnonyms

An ethnonym is the name used for a people or ethnic group. It identifies the group and is used in reference to its culture, language, or homeland. Ethnonyms appear in various languages and can denote self-designation or external naming. In scholarly and public usage, they are typically treated as neutral labels, though they may carry political or historical weight.

Endonyms (autonyms) are the names a group uses for itself, such as Français for the French or Diné for the Navajo. Exonyms are names used by outsiders for a group, such as French or German in English, which may not reflect the group's own term.

Formation and variation: Ethnonyms are often formed from language, geography, social roles, or historical associations. They may derive from the group's language, neighboring peoples, or colonial descriptors. Over time, ethnonyms can shift due to political change, migration, or shifts in self-identification. Some groups advocate preferred names, and editors may revise usage accordingly.

Usage and sensitivity: When writing, it is best to use endonyms when available and widely accepted; otherwise, the exonym commonly used in the target language is acceptable. Avoid terms that are insulting or pejorative, and be mindful of groups’ preferred names in self-description, such as Indigenous peoples or First Nations in Canada.

See also: demonym, endonym, exonym, autonym, ethnology.