If My Cousin Just Had a Son, What Am I to the Little Guy?

Every one of your family members has a title in relation to you, including the smallest and newest members. When your cousin has a son, it can be confusing to figure out what to call the little guy. Yet, the answer is simple. When you think of how many generations separate you and the new tyke, you find what title he holds in relation to you: he's your cousin once-removed.

Your cousins' official titles depend on how many generations exist between them and you. The little guy born to your cousin is your cousin, once removed, because you are separated by one generation. He is born in the generation after yours, thus creating one degree of separation. His parent, your cousin, is your first cousin because you are born in the same generation and have the same grandparents. If the little guy has children, they will be your cousins, twice removed.