demonym

American  

[dem-uh-nim] / ˈdɛm ə nɪm /

noun

1. the name used for the people who live in a particular country, state, or other locality.

   Two demonyms for the residents of Michigan are Michigander and Michiganian.

---

Etymology

Origin of demonym

First recorded in 1995–2000; dem(o)- + -onym

Explanation

A demonym is a word that's used to identify people who are from a particular place. If you live in Miami, you can use several demonyms: you're a Miamian, a Floridian, and a North American. Demonym is derived from the Greek dêmos, "people," and onoma, "name." It's the word for the names that groups of people are given based on where they live, like Sri Lankans, Patagonians, Germans, and Baltimoreans. Some demonyms are less obvious than others: if you're from Liverpool, England, you're a Liverpudlian, and a Glaswegian lives in Glasgow, Scotland. There are also many informal demonyms, like "Jayhawker" for Kansas natives and "Yinzer" for Pittsburg residents.

Example Sentences

“I’m afraid like any Burkinabè and citizen who is in a country at war,” she said, using the demonym for people from Burkina Faso.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2023

The word for a resident of a place is “demonym,” and I can be a demonym on this subject.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2022

Since the title refers to a sprawling landscape that builds outward and not skyward, Villoro maintains a ground-level view of what he calls “Chilangopolis” — chilango being the slang demonym for a Mexico City resident.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2021

That logo has been shamelessly stolen by New Yorkers, who should be called New York City-ers, but I guess they've swiped a demonym as well.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2014

The Canadian was himself enlightened during the BBC Radio 5 live broadcast at MOSI, when he struggled for the correct demonym for the people of Manchester.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2014