The kidney bean is a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). It is named for its visual resemblance in shape and colour to a kidney. Red kidney beans should not be confused with other red beans, such as adzuki beans.

There are different classifications of kidney beans, such as:

• Red kidney bean (also known as: common kidney bean, Rajma in India, Surkh (Red) Lobia in Pakistan).
• Light speckled kidney bean (and long shape light speckled kidney bean).
• Red speckled kidney bean (and long shape light speckled kidney bean).
• White kidney bean (also known as cannellini in Italy, lobia in India, or safaid (white) lobia in Pakistan).