This genealogy uses standard qualifiers for relating two cousins when the relation is known, as explained below.  In situations where several cousin relations are discussed collectively, nonstandard descriptions may be used such as distant cousins or various cousins.

Cousins are always related by blood through two ancestors who are a couple unless noted otherwise.  For example, half-cousins would have only one common ancestor instead of a couple because of a remarriage.

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Cousin numbering follows common usage in this genealogy.  The number corresponds to how far back the common grandparents are.  Examples:

• First cousins have common grandparents.
• Second cousins have common great grandparents.
• Third cousins have common great great grandparents.

In each case the cousins are in the same generation relative to each other.

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Removal counting follows accepted standards in this genealogy.  Removed ... times means there is a generational difference counting backward to find the common ancestors for two cousins.  The number of times removed is the generation difference.  Examples:

• Once removed means there is a 1 generation difference between the cousins.
• Twice removed means there is a 2 generation difference between the cousins.
• Removed 3 times means there is a 3 generation difference between the cousins.

It does not matter how far back the common ancestors are.

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There are several common ways to combine the numbering of cousins and counting of the removals.  This genealogy always numbers cousins for the individual closest to the common ancestors when there are removals.  The closer individual is used here because it is a factor in determining whether individuals are too closely related to marry each other.  Examples:

• Mary's grandparents are John and Jane Doe.  William's great grandparents are John and Jane Doe.  Mary and William are first cousins once removed.
• William's great grandparents are still John and Jane Doe.  Sally's great great great grandparents are John and Jane Doe.  William and Sally are second cousins twice removed.
• Mary's grandparents are still John and Jane Doe and Sally's great great great grandparents are still John and Jane Doe.  Mary and Sally are first cousins 3 times removed.