Irir Samaale, the oldest common ancestor of several Somali clans, is generally regarded as the source of the ethnonym Somali. The name "Somali" is, in turn, held to be derived from the words soo and maal, which together mean "go and milk" — a reference to the ubiquitous pastoralism of the Somali people. Another plausible etymology proposes that the term Somali is derived from the Arabic for "wealthy" (dhawamaal), again referring to Somali riches in livestock. COUNT 5
QSN1 From whom are several Somali clans descended? ANS1 Irir Samaale QSN2 From what words is the term 'Somali' generally regarded as being derived? ANS2 soo and maal QSN3 What does 'soo and maal' mean in English? ANS3 go and milk QSN4 What word in Arabic means 'wealthy' in English? ANS4 dhawamaal QSN5 What resource traditionally comprised Somali wealth? ANS5 livestock