Elaphe (FITZINGER, 1833) sensu stricto

Greek: elaphos means Stag.
Fitzinger in his original description gave no reason why he choose this name. It is commonly thought that it refers to the antler like markings on the head of the type species, Elaphe sauromates, and many other species.

The word Elaphe is feminine and as such the endings 'i', 'a' and 'is' are applied to the names of the species and subspecies residing in this genus.