A second cousin once removed is someone who is one generation above or below your second cousin, and you share the same great-grandparents.

Simple way to think about it

  • Second cousins share a common great-grandparent.
  • Once removed means there is one generation difference between you.
  • So a second cousin once removed is either:
    • your second cousin’s child , or
    • your parent’s second cousin.

Quick example

If your second cousin has a child, that child is your second cousin once removed.

Likewise, if your parent has a second cousin, that person is also your second cousin once removed.

Easy memory trick

  • The cousin number tells you which ancestor you share.
  • The “removed” part tells you how many generations apart you are.

So, second cousin once removed = second cousin + one generation apart.