[1][3] The genus name Rhynchocorys derives from the two ancient greek words ῥύγχος (rhúnkhos), meaning "snout, muzzle, nose", and κόρυς (kórus), meaning "helmet, head",[4][5] which is a reference to the shape of the style.

The phylogeny of the genera of Rhinantheae has been explored using molecular characters.

These three genera share phylogenetic affinities with members of the core Rhinantheae: Bartsia, Euphrasia, Tozzia, Hedbergia, Bellardia, and Odontites.

Melampyrum Rhynchocorys Lathraea Rhinanthus Bartsia sensu stricto (Bartsia alpina) Euphrasia Hedbergia   (including Bartsia decurva + B. longiflora) Tozzia Odontites sensu lato   (including Bartsiella   and Bornmuellerantha) Bellardia Neobartsia (New World Bartsia) Parentucellia The genus was described in 1844 by August Heinrich Rudolf Grisebach.

According to the Plant List, 8 species are recognized in the genus Rhynchocorys:[9]