Selfdesignation

Self-designation refers to the name that a person or group uses for themselves. In scholarly fields such as anthropology, linguistics, and political science, it is often called an endonym or autonym. This contrasts with an exonym, the name given by outsiders. Self-designations reflect how communities understand their own identity, history, and social boundaries.

Self-designations are important for accurate representation in research, policy, and diplomacy. They can indicate language, ethnicity, nationality, or gender identity, and may change over time due to political movements or social change. Researchers and institutions strive to use preferred terms when engaging with communities, to avoid mislabeling and to recognize self-determination.

Common examples include the Navajo calling themselves Diné (the People) and the Inuit using terms tied to Inuktitut meaning “people”; many groups also reclaim terms once used by outsiders. The term Eskimo is widely regarded as an exonym and is often discouraged. Self-designation practices influence toponymy, legal status, and cultural heritage, and they remain a dynamic aspect of identity and administration.