What is the scientific name for modern humans?

The scientific name for modern humans is Homo sapiens.

Homo sapiens is the binomial species name used for living humans. The genus name Homo means “human,” while sapiens is commonly translated from Latin as “wise” or “discerning.” The name was assigned by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, appearing in the 1758 edition of Systema Naturae.

Modern humans are primates and members of the great-ape family Hominidae. They are characterized by habitual upright walking, highly developed brains, complex language, cumulative culture, and advanced tool use. Fossil and genetic evidence places the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa at least 300,000 years ago.

Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis, and Pan troglodytes are not alternative names for modern humans. They refer respectively to an extinct human species, a closely related extinct human species, and the scientific name for chimpanzees. Some researchers have debated whether Neanderthals should be treated as a separate species or a subspecies, but living humans are conventionally classified as Homo sapiens.