Today (July 24) is Cousins Day! The perfect day to review how you are related to the various types of cousins you have in your life: first cousins, second cousins, third cousins, first cousins once removed, etc. After reading this you’ll probably realize you have more cousins than you even knew!

First cousins often are special people in our lives because they are our aunts and uncles children and usually are close to our own age, like our siblings. Some people live near their cousins, others far away, but often cousins see each other at holidays and family events, and so a special bond is formed between these people who know you and your family so well, even if you don’t see each other for a long time they usually know what is happening in your life because you are interconnected by family.

There are different types, or levels, of cousins and so different names in English for how people are connected to their different cousins. And sometimes these different names for cousins can get confusing.

Now let me walk you through these different levels of cousin relationships:

First cousins – First cousin are the children of two siblings; in other words the children of your aunts and uncles are your first cousins.

Second cousins – Second cousins are the children of two first cousins; in other words the children of your parent’s cousins are your second cousins.

Third cousins – Third cousins are the grandchildren of two first cousins; in other words people who aren’t your siblings, but who share the same great-great-grandparents with you.

 But how do cousins get “removed”?

The term “removed” is used to describe a cousin relationship that is “separated” by a generation.

A first cousin once removed is the child of your first cousin or also the first cousin of your parent. Cousins who are either one generation above or one generation below you.

A second cousin once removed is the grandchild of your first cousin or also the first cousin of your grandparent. Cousins who are either two generations above or two generations below you.

It really starts to get a bit complicated after this.  So if you know this much about cousin relationships, and how we talk about them in English, you are doing great!

However you are related to your various cousins, today is a day to celebrate them and remember all the good times you have had together as one big happy family.