A total of 333 generic names proposed for poroid fungi since 1753 have been examined. Of these, 132 are accepted taxonomically, while the rest are either taxonomic synonyms, invalidly published or illegitimate. For all genera, the type species are cited as their basionyms and their designation is indicated. If the type species is a taxonomic synonym, the correct name for the type species is also cited. Type specimens for all type species are indicated, and lectotypes or neotypes are selected where no previous selections have been made. History of polypore nomenclature, generic concepts for poroid fungi and all characters used for generic delimitation among poroid fungi have been examined and their significance discussed. All accepted genera are classified taxonomically and geographically. Theories for the phylogeny of the poroid fungi have been examined and discussed. A key to all accepted genera is given. There is a list of all species (eventually also the correct names of type species) proposed as type species for genera of poroid fungi, besides an index to slightly more than 3000 specific names, where the types have been examined with indication of their taxonomic status.