This enzyme belongs to the family of transferases, specifically the sulfotransferases, which transfer sulfur-containing groups. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 3'-phosphoadenylyl-sulfate:galactosylsphingosine sulfotransferase. Other names in common use include PAPS:psychosine sulphotransferase, and 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate-psychosine sulphotransferase.