Daily AncestorSecond cousin
A second cousin is a relative who shares great-grandparents with you but not grandparents: the child of your parent's first cousin.
Second cousins are the grandchildren of two siblings. Their parents were first cousins, and the closest ancestors they share are a set of great-grandparents.
A quick check for cousins of the same generation: count the greats in the shared ancestor's title and add one. Great-grandparent has one great, so the people are second cousins. The child of your parent's first cousin is always your second cousin; that first cousin of your parent is your first cousin once removed.
How to cite this page
Daily Ancestor. "Second cousin." Dictionary of Old Record Words. https://dailyancestor.com/dictionary/relationships/second-cousin. Last checked 2026-10-12.