The white-headed Capuchin was originally described by Carolus Linnaeus in his 18th century work, "Systema Naturae". It is a member of the family Cebidae. It is part of the family of New World monkeys containing capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, tamarins and marmosets. It is part of the genus "Cebus". It is part of the "C. capucinus" species group. This group also includes the white-fronted capuchin, the weeper capuchin and the Kaapori capuchin.