The term Somalis both an ethnic and national identifier, as Somalia is one of Africa’s most ethnically homogeneous countries, with around 85% of its population being ethnic Somalis.
The term “Somali” is preferred as an endonym (a name used by the people themselves) and reflects their shared language, culture and Islamic faith.
- Why not “Somalian”?: The term “Somalian” is incorrect and considered an exonym (a name imposed externally) with unnecessary double suffixes. Somalis overwhelmingly prefer “Somali” to describe both their ethnicity and nationality. For example, you’d say “a Somali person” or “Somali culture,” not “Somalian.”
In a geopolitical sense, Somalis are sometimes referred to as “Horners” (from the Horn of Africa), and ethnically, they’re classified as Cushites. These terms are less common in everyday use but highlight their regional and linguistic identity.
So, whether referring to someone from Somalia or an ethnic Somali in the diaspora, the correct term is “Somali.”