An ethnonym is a name or term used to identify a specific ethnic group. It often reflects the group's cultural, linguistic, or historical characteristics. For example, the term Hispanic refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, while Maasai identifies a specific ethnic group in East Africa known for their distinct customs and traditions. Ethnonyms can vary in usage and meaning depending on context and perspective. They may be self-identified or assigned by outsiders. Understanding ethnonyms is important for recognizing the diversity of human cultures and fostering respectful communication among different groups.