I apparently missed, didn't comprehend or whatever the reason for the question. Is it to determine a specific generation of a particular family or a specific generation American. I would think it would depend on the family or ethenic group you are talking about. Based on what Pat said most of my Irish ancestors came over and were my great-grandparents and that would make me 3rd generation Shea or Walsh, etc. In the case of Cavanaugh I would be 4th generation because my Cavanaugh Great-great-grandparents came from Ireland. I would supposed this would make me 4th generatio Irish-American. If I follow my Mother side of the family most came over in the mid to early 1600s and were my 9th great-grandparents so I would believe that would make me 7rh generation Flanders, Wilson, etc. or 7th generation Dutch-American, Welsh-American, etc. Is my theory off or did I miss the whole point. Rick Shea