Thus, the Neo-Latin generic epithet of the synonym Sinorhizobium means "a Rhizobium isolated from China", in turn referring to the related genus Rhizobium ("root-associated life form").

[27] In response to a request that the single extant species of Ensifer (Ensifer adhaerens) be moved to Sinorhizobium, a special ICSP subcommittee was formed to evaluate the request.

[28][29] However, both terms continue to be used in published scientific literature, with Sinorhizobium being the more common.

[30] Two species have been described which have since been reclassified into existing species: Sinorhizobium morelense (now Ensifer adhaerens)[27][31] and Sinorhizobium xinjiangense (now Ensifer fredii[32][33]—though some dissent exists[16][34]).

The currently accepted taxonomy is based on the List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature (LPSN).