The name Pelargonium is derived from the Greek word pelargos meaning ‘stork’, owing to the fruit's resemblance to the shape of a stork’s beak. The specific epithet caledonicum alludes to the village of Caledon, where this species was identified for the first time in the year 1930 by (H.M.L.) Louisa Bolus, a South African botanist and taxonomist.

Pelargonium is one of 5 genera that make up the Pelargonium family, known as the Geraniaceae. In southern Africa alone, there are around 250 species of Pelargonium. Geraniaceae is considered one of the distinctive families of the Cape Floristic Region. This is because the majority of Pelargonium species are found in the Western Cape Province. Pelargonium caledonicum belongs in section Hoarea, the largest section within the genus, with more than 50 identified species. Hoareas are all deciduous geophytes, with tubers covered with dark brown tunics, that flower once a year. 

Geraniaceae is a global family found in temperate and tropical regions, such as southern, eastern, and northeastern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Madagascar, and Asia. Southern Africa, which is home to more than 80% of the species, is recognized as the worldwide hotspot for Pelargonium. The greatest variety among members of this family may be found in the western and southern regions of South Africa, as well as in Namaqualand.