Great Uncle or Grand Uncle

[falcybe]

The two terms are actually both used in America.

As Legacy, an American company, offers grand for American use and Great as English/British use then I agree with brushbroomstick for an habitual usage.

I am intrigued, aghadowey, could you quote sources of "great" in America?

Thanks, falcybe

[aghadowey]

I am intrigued, aghadowey, could you quote sources of "great" in America?

Have heard both used interchangeably in U.S. as well as in books. Check Webster's or other American dictionaries and they will probably show both.

[nickgc]

For some time I have felt that we  family researchers should make a concerted effort to change this usage for the sake of consistency and easy understanding.  Who cares that "great uncle" and "great aunt" have been used historically if they are simply wrong and add confusion to an already confusing hobby?

It makes sense  that the brother of your grandmother or grandfather is your grand uncle.  It also makes sense that the sister of your great grandfather is your great grand aunt... ad infinitum back as many generations as you like.

Let's not continue doing things simply because, "That's how it has always been done."

Yours in anarchy,

Nick 

[Skoosh]

In Scots, Great Uncles were Auld Uncles!      Skoosh.

[marcie dean]

Maggie1895
If George4 is confused about Great or Grand Uncle or Aunty what about 2nd Cousin twice removed.

[Nick29]

For some time I have felt that we  family researchers should make a concerted effort to change this usage for the sake of consistency and easy understanding.  Who cares that "great uncle" and "great aunt" have been used historically if they are simply wrong and add confusion to an already confusing hobby?

It makes sense  that the brother of your grandmother or grandfather is your grand uncle.  It also makes sense that the sister of your great grandfather is your great grand aunt... ad infinitum back as many generations as you like.

Let's not continue doing things simply because, "That's how it has always been done."

Yours in anarchy,

Nick 

What you say makes sense, but the term 'grand-aunt' just doesn't sound right to my English ears 

[Trishanne]

  I was teasing my brother when he rang me to say he was a grandfather. He soon put me down by saying 'you know what that makes you - a great aunt!!!!!'    It really sounds so much older doesn't it.
 

[GenTips]

I always tell people that I have 3 great nephews and one great niece. I don't describe myself as their "great uncle" because that makes me sound old. I always say I'm their "extra-ordinary uncle".