Geanealogy Terms

Ever wonder what "once removed" meant when people have referred to their cousins? I used to think it meant that someone died or remarried into another family or something. Turns out I was wrong, and not only did I have that wrong, but in the past I have referred to 1st cousins as "2nd or 3rd". Here's the deal: When the word "removed" is used to describe a relationship, it indicates that the two people are from different generations. Twice removed means that there is a two-generation difference.Everything is explained on this page. There's also a chart that you can use to easily figure out your family relationships. Print and save!