What comes after the 3rd?

Dear Polite One,

My husband is a 3rd. My father-in-law and grandfather-in-law are still alive. So, should my son be the 4th? When my husband's grandfather passes—very soon, unfortunately—there will only be the 3rd and 4th. In the future, if my son, as a 4th, has a son of the same name, would the son become the 5th or begin again as a 1st.

Confused

Dear Confused,

All these numbers. (smile) Your son would be the fourth and his son would be the fifth.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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