What Is A Fifth Cousin (Explained)

Embark on an intriguing journey into the past as we explore the familial bonds with our 5th cousins.

These relatives, while distant, provide a captivating link to our shared heritage, tracing back to our four-times-great-grandparents.

As we navigate through the fascinating complexities of genealogy, delve into the likelihood of shared DNA, and uncover pathways to discover these far-flung kin, we illuminate the intricate web that forms our familial identity.

Whether you are a seasoned genealogist or an enthusiastic beginner, this exploration into the realm of 5th cousin relationships will offer fresh insights into the wonder of ancestry.

Join us on this intriguing expedition through the genealogical labyrinth.

Understanding the concept of Fifth Cousins

The term “5th cousin” is used to describe a relative with whom you share great-great-great-great-grandparents, but not the same great-great-great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, great-grandparents or grandparents.

This means that your parents are 3rd cousins, your grandparents are 4th cousins, and your great-grandparents are 5th cousins, having shared great-great-great-grandparents.

The “5th” in 5th cousin denotes the five generations that separate you from your common ancestors.

So when we say “5th cousin,” it signifies you have a pair of great-great-great-great-grandparents in common, but you are five generations away from those shared ancestors.

‘Once Removed’ and ‘Twice Removed’ in the Context of 5th Cousins

When discussing “once removed” and “twice removed” in the context of 5th cousins, we’re addressing the generational space between relatives of differing generations.

1. If your 5th cousin is “once removed,” there is a one-generation difference between you. This individual could be either one generation older (meaning they are the child of your 5th cousin) or one generation younger (they are the 5th cousin of your parent).
   
2. If your 5th cousin is “twice removed,” it points to a two-generation gap. The person could be two generations older (the grandchild of your 5th cousin) or two generations younger (they are the 5th cousin of your grandparent).

Thus, the terms “once removed” or “twice removed” illustrate the generational distance from the primary level of cousinhood, either up or down your family tree.

The Degrees of Separation Between 5th Cousins

In genealogy, the “degrees of separation” between two people typically refers to the number of steps or individuals linking them in the family tree.

The “degrees of separation” for 5th cousins, tally up to 12.

Here’s why:

To map your connection to a 5th cousin, you go up 6 generations to your shared 4th great-grandparents, making 6 steps.

You then count the same 6 steps back down the family tree to your 5th cousin.

Combining these steps, you have a total of 12.

That means you and your 5th cousin are 12 degrees apart on your family tree.

How Many 5th Cousins Do We Have?

Let’s dive even deeper into your family tree!

Fifth cousins are people who share a set of 4th great-grandparents with you. If you count ’em up, that’s 64 individuals or 32 pairs. Now, picture this: if each of these pairs had a few children, and those kids had a few kids of their own, and this pattern continued down the generations, you’re looking at a gigantic network of fifth cousins.

We’re talking potentially thousands or even tens of thousands of relatives.

However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that these numbers are quite theoretical. In real life, factors like family size, geographical location, migration, and overlap in the family tree (like distant cousins marrying each other) could significantly influence the actual count. Also, many people might not even be aware of these distant relationships.

But isn’t it fascinating to know that you might have such a vast web of fifth cousins out there?

Other Types of 5th Cousins

5th Cousin Once Removed

Your “5th cousin once removed” could be either the child of your 5th cousin or they could themselves be the 5th cousin of your parent.

The term “removed” in this context represents a generational step. So, when we say “once removed,” we’re signifying a separation by one generation in your family tree. It’s like a family tree stair step – one step up or down from the main cousin relationship you’re referencing.

5th Cousin Twice Removed

A “5th cousin twice removed” could be the grandchild of your 5th cousin, or conversely, your 5th cousin could be the grandchild of your parent’s 5th cousin. The “twice removed” part refers to a two-generation separation.

It’s like taking two steps up or down the family tree staircase from the principal cousin relationship we’re discussing.

Half 5th Cousin

A “half 5th cousin” is someone who shares only one line of descent from your 4th-great-grandparents instead of two. This usually happens when one of your 4th-great-grandparents had children with more than one person.

So, if one of those 4th-great-grandparents had a child with a different partner, and that child is an ancestor of your “half 5th cousin,” that makes you half-cousins! It’s just like half-siblings – you’re connected through one ancestral line, not two.

How To Find Your 5th Cousins – A Short Guide to Locating Your Distant Relatives

Finding your 5th cousins can be a challenging yet rewarding journey through your family’s history. Here’s a brief guide on how to begin:

1. Start with What You Know: Compile as much information as you can about your family tree. Gather names, birth dates, and locations from family members, vital records, or family documents. This will provide a solid starting point.

2. Use Genealogical Databases: Websites like Ancestry, MyHeritage, and FamilySearch have extensive databases and can help build out your family tree. They offer historical records and user-created family trees which may connect with your lineage.

3. DNA Testing: Consider taking a DNA test from companies like AncestryDNA or 23andMe. These tests often connect you to a database of others who have taken the test and share some amount of DNA with you, potentially including distant cousins. Note that 9th cousins may not be reliably identified through shared DNA due to the minute amount of shared DNA.

Autosomal DNA testing is a popular tool for genealogy. This type of test looks at the 22 pairs of non-sex chromosomes that you inherited from both your parents. Because these autosomes are a mix of both parents’ DNA, they can trace lineage from both sides of your family, making it a useful tool for connecting with a broad range of relatives.

To take an autosomal DNA test, you’ll typically need to do the following:

Choose a Testing Company: There are several companies that offer autosomal DNA testing services, such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA, and FamilyTreeDNA. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so you might want to do a bit of research to decide which is best for your needs.

Purchase a Test Kit: Once you’ve chosen a company, you can order a test kit from their website. The kit will include everything you need to collect a DNA sample at home.

Collect and Submit Your DNA Sample: Most kits require either a saliva sample or a cheek swab. After you’ve collected your sample, you’ll package it up as instructed and mail it back to the company.

Wait for Results: The company will extract and analyze your DNA from the sample you sent. This process can take several weeks. Once your results are ready, you’ll be able to view them online. The company’s website will usually provide a variety of tools for exploring your genetic ancestry and connecting with relatives who have also taken the test.

Remember that while these tests can provide fascinating insights into your ancestry, they should be taken with a grain of salt. The science of genetic genealogy is still evolving, and results should be considered as one piece of the larger puzzle of your family history.

4. Join Genealogical Societies: Local, regional, and nationality-based genealogical societies often have resources and connections that can help you in your search.

5. Hire a Professional: If your search becomes too daunting or you hit a dead-end, consider hiring a professional genealogist. They have the expertise and resources to uncover connections that may be hard to find on your own.

Remember, patience and persistence are key. Happy hunting!

Quick Cousin Relation Reference List

See how you are related to your cousins

• first cousins share grandparents
• second cousins share great-grandparents
• third cousins share great-great grandparents (2 greats)
• fourth cousins share great-great-great grandparents (3 greats)
• fifth cousins share great-great-great-great-great grandparents (4 greats)
• sixth cousins share great-great-great-great-great grandparents (5 greats)
• seventh cousins share great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents (6 greats)
• eighth cousins share great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents (7 greats)
• ninth cousins share great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents (8 greats)
• tenth cousins share great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents (9 greats)

Other Types Of Cousins In Your Family Tree

Second Cousins
Third Cousins
Fourth Cousins
Fifth Cousins
Sixth Cousins
Seventh Cousins
Eighth Cousins
Ninth Cousins
Great Cousins