Second cousins? How do you find them out?

Question

My brother called me and asked me if I know how to find out who our second cousins are and if our mom had any. I had no clue. Can you help me out?

Answer 1

Abra is close. The children of your mother's first cousins are your second cousins. So, ask your mother who her first cousins are and then find out the names of their children. You now know your second cousins.

Now this isn't directly related to your question, but it addresses Abra's point, the child of your first cousin is your first cousin once removed.

Peace,

Laura

Answer 2

If your mom and dad are still alive, ask them if they know any of their first cousins. If they do, and those 1C's are still alive, call, introduce yourself and ask if they have any children. That would be the easiest way. Those children are your second cousins.

If you can't do that, start by finding out who your great-grandparents were. Then find out all of their children and spouses. Obituaries help there; so do other records, like census entries, marriage certificates, wedding announcements in old newspapers, etc. Those children are your great-aunts and great-uncles. Now find out who their children were. They will be your mother's first cousins and your father's first cousins. Finally, find out their children. They will be your second cousns.

To find out if your mother had any, find HER great-grandparents and repeat.

Answer 3

To the best of my knowledge, second cousins are the children of your first cousins.

Answer 4

You and your second cousin have the same great-grandparents.
(You and your first cousin have the same grandparents.)

The following is an excellent chart of all relationships:
http://www.ktb.net/~dwills/relationshipchart.htm