The species was first described by German ornithologist Jean Cabanis in 1861. The binomial commemorates the German naturalist Alexander von Frantzius. Its closest living relatives seem to be the North American species complex containing the Veery, the Gray-cheeked, and Bicknell's Thrush.
The Frantzius' Nightingale Thrush is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.
Nothing known about the Frantzius' Nightingale Thrush