{"id":3067,"date":"2021-08-10T13:56:44","date_gmt":"2021-08-10T13:56:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.genealogyexplained.com\/?page_id=3067"},"modified":"2024-04-02T19:31:43","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T19:31:43","slug":"what-is-a-third-cousin","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogyexplained.com\/what-is-a-third-cousin\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Third Cousin?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Navigating the intricate web of family relationships can be a complex endeavor, particularly when terms like “third cousin” come into play. This article will delve into the meaning and definition of what constitutes a third cousin, tracing the genealogy that links family members in this way. You will learn how third cousins are related to each other, whether they are considered family, and how many such relatives the average person may have. Additionally, the article will explore the DNA shared between third cousins, the phenomena of third cousins with no shared DNA, and distinctions such as third cousins once-removed and half third cousins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Third cousins are relatives who share a common great-great-grandparent, which is four generations away from both individuals. In familial terms, first cousins have a shared grandparent (2 generations), second cousins are connected through a great-grandparent (3 generations), and third cousins share a great-great-grandparent. This systematic numbering helps to identify the specific relationship within the extended family tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip:<\/strong> Now that you understand third cousins, why not explore your family’s unique story? Try MyHeritage’s 14-day free trial<\/a> to delve into billions of records and uncover your family\u2019s tale. What stories await in your family tree?<\/p>\n\n\n\n A third cousin is the child of your parent’s second cousin. Your second cousin<\/a> is the child of your parent’s first cousin<\/a>, etc. Your children and your third cousin’s children would be fourth cousins<\/a>. In most cases, your third cousin has a great-grandparent whose sibling is your great-grandparent. Thus, you and your third cousin share a set of great-great-grandparents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is what that looks like:<\/p>\n\n\nHow is a 3rd cousin related to you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n