What is the degree of relation in this case?

Question

In tracing my husband's line as well as my own, I found that we share ancestors: My 8th great-grandparents, Peleg Tripp and Anne Sisson, are also his 10th great-grandparents. I know this makes us distant cousins; just not sure of the degree of relation. Can someone help me out please?

Yes, I know, cue the banjo music. ;)

Yes, I know, cue the banjo music.  ;)

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The greatness of the common grandparents is one less than the degree of cousin, which is VERY awkward to say and immediately obvious in a chart:

1st GGP = 2nd cousins
2nd GGP = 3rd cousins
3rd GGP = 4th cousins
.
.
.
So, since your 8th GGPs are closer than his 10th ones, you use them. One of his grandparents is your 9th cousin (8+1 = 9) and you two are 9th cousins twice removed.

When you run into it again, just remember to use the smallest number great grandparent, add one to it to get cousin degree, and subtract to get removed.

So, if your 20th GGPs were his 24th,
20 + 1 = 21st cousins
24 - 20 = 4 times removed.

Shirley T · Answer

Children of siblings are first cousins to each other as they share grandparents.

Children of first cousins are second cousins to each other as they share great grandparents.

Children of second cousins are third cousins to each other as they share great great grandparents.

Children of third cousins are fourth cousins to each other as they share great great great grandparents and so on.

I would say you are 9th cousins twice removed. There are 2 generations difference.

wendy c · Answer

Rofl!   It is common, but only those who are researchers spot it, and know it as common. 
My daughter's husband is her 7th cousin.  So.. my grandchildren are.. 8th cousins..to themselves.

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What is the degree of relation in this case?

3 Answers