The brassy trevally is classified within the genus Caranx, one of a number of groups known as the jacks or trevallies.
The species is commonly referred to as the 'brassy trevally', 'tea-leaf trevally' or 'green back trevally' in reference to its colouration, while 'Papuan trevally' is used in reference to the specific epithet [REF].