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 

  1. Locate the position for the first person (you, for example) in the first column of the table.
  2. Locate the position for the second person in the column across the top, designating her or her descent from the common ancestor. 
  3. 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.