In 2007, Rothschild's giraffe was proposed as a separate species from other giraffe. In 2016, Rothschild's giraffe was proposed as conspecific with the Nubian giraffe (elevated to full species), but that taxonomy has not been widely adopted.
In 2007, Rothschild's giraffe was considered a unique species from other giraffes. In 2016, it was suggested to be the same species as the Nubian giraffe and granted full species status, but this new classification has not gained widespread acceptance.