A relationship chart shows how close two people that are genetically related (i.e. by 'blood') to each other based on their common ancestor. Most relationships are easy, such as first cousins, but how are you related to your first cousin's daughter and why are you even called "first" cousins?
Once removed… twice removed… What does that mean?
"Removed" indicates that the two people being compared are not of the same number of generations from their common ancestor. So, my first cousins' son is my first cousin once removed. My first cousin and I are of the same generation from our common grandparents but her son is removed by one generation. Technically, he could also be called my second cousin… but, it wouldn't be a totally accurate description.
Note: This chart uses male terminology to be concise, not to discriminate against women.
Using this Chart
- Locate the position for the first person (you, for example) in the first column of the table.
- Locate the position for the second person in the column across the top, designating her or her descent from the common ancestor.
- Find the box where the column and row intersect. This indicates how the two people are related.
For example, to compare yourself with your grandfather's sister you would first find your place on the chart. Since your great-grandparents are the common ancestor your position along the left is number 3 which reads great-grandson. Next, find your grandfather's sister on the chart. Let's call her Ethel; since I have one called Ethel. She is your great-grandparents daughter so she would be placed in position 1 along the top of the chart. Now find where 3 and 1 intersect… great-nephew!
| GENERATIONS | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Common Ancestor |
Son | Grandson | Great- Grandson |
2nd Great-grandson |
| 1 | Son | Brother | Nephew | Great Nephew |
Great Grand Nephew |
| 2 | Grandson | Nephew | 1st Cousin | 1st Cousin Once Removed |
1st Cousin Twice Removed |
| 3 | Great- Grandson |
Great Nephew |
1st Cousin Once Removed |
2nd Cousin | 2nd Cousin Once Removed |
| 4 | 2nd Great-grandson |
Great Grand Nephew |
1st Cousin Twice Removed |
2nd Cousin Once Removed |
3rd Cousin |
External Links
- Wikipedia
- Cousins, aunts/uncles, great aunts/uncles, great-grand aunts/uncles, etc.
- Consanguinity
- Grandparent, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, 3rd-great-grandparents, etc.