Articles & Guides

What is a first cousin once removed? It's your cousin's child or your parent's cousin. See clear examples, a simple chart, DNA percentages, and a free tool.

Once removed means one generation apart. Learn how removed cousins work, how to count generations, and name any family relationship with our free calculator.

Second cousins share great-grandparents; a first cousin once removed is a generation apart. See the comparison table, DNA numbers, and a free calculator.

Your cousin's child is your first cousin once removed — not your second cousin. See why, what they call you, what your kids are to them, plus a free tool.

A second cousin shares great-grandparents with you — your parent's cousin's child. See the simple chart, DNA percentages, examples, and a free calculator.

A third cousin shares great-great-grandparents with you and about 0.78% of your DNA. See how the relationship works, DNA match odds, and a free calculator.

Double cousins happen when two siblings marry two siblings — the kids share both sets of grandparents and about 25% of their DNA. Here's how it all works.

A cousin chart names any relative in two steps: find your shared ancestor, count the generations. Here's the chart, how to read it, and a free calculator.

Figure out how any two relatives are related in 3 steps: find the shared ancestor, count generations, apply the naming rules. Includes a free calculator.

A complete family relationship chart: cousins, greats, in-laws, steps and halves, all in one place. Print it for the reunion or use the free calculator.

Your aunt's husband is simply your uncle — an uncle by marriage. Here's the full in-law glossary, plus what to call his relatives and your cousin's spouse.

Grand aunt and great aunt both mean your grandparent's sister — and both are correct. Here's why genealogists prefer grandaunt, plus a generation cheat sheet.

A half sibling shares one biological parent with you; a step sibling shares none. See the DNA, legal, and family-tree differences in one clear comparison.

Download a free printable family tree template — 3, 4, and 5 generation layouts, fan charts, and kids' trees, with simple fill-in tips for each design.

Free printable 5 generation family tree template with 31 boxes — you to your 16 great-great-grandparents. Layout guide, numbering system, and fill-in tips.

Learn how to make a family tree in 8 clear steps — from interviewing relatives to charting generations correctly, with free templates and record sources.

A pedigree chart maps your direct ancestors — no cousins, no siblings. Learn the numbering system, the genetics symbols, and how to read or make one.

Kissing cousins means relatives distant enough to greet with a kiss — or two things nearly alike. The phrase's Southern roots, plus the cousin facts.

A friendly genealogy guide for beginners: start with yourself, interview relatives, and trace your family free with FamilySearch, census records, and more.

54 family history questions to ask grandparents, organized by theme — childhood, ancestors, love, work, and wisdom — plus tips for recording their answers.