Sinope did not receive its present name until 1975;[10][11] before then, it was simply known as Jupiter IX.

[13] Sinope is believed to belong to the Pasiphae group of retrograde irregular moons.

[15] The diagram illustrates Sinope's orbital elements in relation to other satellites of the group.

[16] From measurements of its thermal emission, Sinope has an estimated diameter of 35 km (22 mi).

[17] These dissimilarities of the physical parameters suggest a different origin from the core members of the group.