Understanding relationships of ancestors to me. HELP.

[jettejjane]

I am really struggling with this despite the many sites I have googled, it is as clear as mud.  I am ok on the grandparents down the line and think my grandfathers brothers and sisters are Great Uncles and Aunts. So my great grandfather’s siblings are Great Great . And so it goes on. My dads brother my uncles children are my cousins what are my Great uncles children and so on?

Even typing it is confusing I won’t even get started on cousins children, that can wait. Throw into the equation great x 3 grandfather having a second wife and children but his first wife being my proper great x 3 grandmother.

Does anyone else struggle with this? Can anyone explain it simply?

[CaroleW]

I always used the description of 1st/2nd/3rd cousins etc. 

However - I was told that the children of your first cousin are described as "First cousins once removed"

Their children - First cousins twice removed - and so on

Personally - I still prefer 1st/2nd etc

[JenB]

However - I was told that the children of your first cousin are described as "First cousins once removed"

That's correct. 'Removed' indicates a difference in generations.

My aunts daughter is my first cousin i.e. we are the same generation.

My cousin's daughter is my 1st cousin once removed (i.e. she is one generation removed from me)

My cousins daughters daughter is my 1st cousin twice removed (i.e. she is two generations removed from me)

[jettejjane]

Thanks .

[JenB]

Personally - I still prefer 1st/2nd etc

Being a 2nd cousin is different to being 'removed'. Second cousins are of the same generation.

My daughter and my cousin's daughter are second cousins. They are not 'removed' because they are the same generation.

My daughter and my cousin's daughter's daughter are second cousins once removed, because they are one generation apart.

You'll be relieved to know that I have to go out now, so can't complicate things any more 

[jettejjane]

JenB   

[CaroleW]

Hi Jen

I think that's how it was explained to me some time ago and makes complete sense when you think about it.   You explained it perfectly 

[medpat]

try this

https://blog.genealogybank.com/genealogy-101-understanding-family-tree-relationships.html

 

[jettejjane]

Yes Jen good explanation. I will throw a curve ball in now. My great x 3 grandparents on paternal side, his son great x 4 uncle, yes?  Is this uncles son a removed cousin to me ?