Key Difference – First vs Second Cousins
Cousin is a relative with whom one shares one or more common ancestors. In a general sense, the term cousin usually refers to a child of one’s aunt or uncle. However, there are different relationships within the term cousin itself. First cousin and second cousin are two such relationships. The key difference between first and second cousins is that a first cousin is a person who shares the same grandparents as you whereas second cousin is a person who shares the same great-grandparents with you.
Who is the First Cousin?
A first cousin is a relative who shares the same grandparents as you, but not parents. A first cousin is usually the child of your aunt or uncle. When discussing the term first cousin, it is also important to know the meaning of ‘first cousin once removed‘. First cousin once removed is either the child of your first cousin or the first cousin of your parent.
Who is the Second Cousin?
The children of the first cousins have a second cousin relationship. That is, the child of your first cousin is the second cousin of your child. Thus, second cousins share great-grandparents. Some people mistake the child of their first cousin as the second cousin. However, as mentioned above, the child of your first cousin is your first cousin once removed. A second cousin once removed is either a child of your second cousin or the second cousin of your parent.
Key Takeaways
- A first cousin is the child of one’s aunt or uncle, sharing the same grandparents.
- A second cousin is the child of one’s parent’s first cousin, sharing the same great-grandparents.
- The term ‘once removed’ indicates a generational difference in cousin relationships.
