Ever been puzzled when someone mentions being your 'third cousin once removed'? Delve into genealogy to unveil the intricate web of family ties. Discover how family trees decode relationships, enriching your understanding of ancestry and lineage.
Unraveling the Steps

Select a common ancestor.

Identify the direct relationship between the ancestor and each family member.
- For example, 'child,' 'grandchild,' 'great-grandchild,' 'great-great-grandchild.'

Identify the direct relationship between the ancestor and the second family member.
- Once more, it could be child, grandchild, great-grandchild, great-great-grandchild.

Consult the table below to compare these direct relationships.
Common Ancestor | Child | Grandchild | Great Grandchild | Great Great Grandchild | Great Great Great Grandchild |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Child | Sibling | Niece or Nephew | Grand Niece or Nephew | Great Grand Niece or Nephew | Great Great Grand Niece or Nephew |
Grandchild | Niece or Nephew | First Cousin | First Cousin Once Removed | First Cousin Twice Removed | First Cousin Three Times Removed |
Great Grandchild | Grand Niece or Nephew | First Cousin Once Removed | Second Cousin | Second Cousin Once Removed | Second Cousin Twice Removed |
Great Great Grandchild | Great Grand Niece or Nephew | First Cousin Twice Removed | Second Cousin Once Removed | Third Cousin | Third Cousin Once Removed |
Great Great Great Grandchild | Great Great Grand Niece or Nephew | First Cousin Three Times Removed | Second Cousin Twice Removed | Third Cousin Once Removed | Fourth Cousin |
Helpful Tips
- Expand the chart as needed to accommodate additional generations.
- EXAMPLE: Your 'first cousin' is the child of your parent's sibling. Therefore, your child's relationship to your first cousin once removed is 'second cousin,' as they share a great-grandparent.
- Extend the chart to include further generations as required.