Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to making headlines. However, one of the most talked-about aspects of his personal life is the unique and unconventional name of his son, X Æ A-12 Musk. Recently, Musk’s girlfriend, Grimes, offered new insights into the special meaning behind their son’s unusual name, shedding light on the story that captured global attention.

The Name That Sparked a Global Conversation

When Elon Musk and Grimes announced the birth of their son in May 2020, it wasn’t just the joyous news of his arrival that went viral—it was his name. X Æ A-12 Musk instantly became a topic of debate, memes, and intrigue. Many wondered what inspired such an unconventional name and how it reflected the couple’s personalities and values.

Grimes Explains the Meaning

Grimes, a Canadian musician known for her avant-garde style and artistry, has always been vocal about her creative and intellectual pursuits. In a recent interview, she delved deeper into the meaning of her son’s name, explaining its components and the symbolism behind them.

“X”: According to Grimes, the “X” in her son’s name represents the unknown variable often used in mathematics and science. It’s a nod to the couple’s shared passion for discovery and the mysteries of the universe.
“Æ”: This character, pronounced “Ash,” is a ligature from Old English and various Scandinavian languages. Grimes shared that it represents her love of aesthetics and her fascination with linguistic history.
“A-12”: The most technical part of the name, “A-12” is a reference to the Archangel 12, a precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft. Musk and Grimes admire the aircraft for its speed and efficiency, qualities they hope to inspire in their child. Grimes also mentioned that the “A” stands for “Archangel,” her favorite song.

Grimes noted that the name is deeply personal, blending their mutual love of technology, art, and philosophy. “It’s a name that reflects who we are as individuals and as parents,” she explained.

Adjustments for Legal Requirements

Shortly after the name was announced, it became clear that California law would not permit certain characters like “Æ” or numbers in a name. As a result, the couple made a slight modification, changing the name to X AE A-Xii Musk. The Roman numeral “Xii” replaced “12” to comply with the law while preserving the name’s original meaning.

Public Reaction

The name has been met with mixed reactions, ranging from admiration for its creativity to skepticism about its practicality. While some critics questioned whether the name might pose challenges for their son in the future, others praised Musk and Grimes for pushing boundaries and expressing their individuality.

Grimes addressed these concerns, saying, “We want our son to grow up embracing uniqueness and not being afraid to be different. His name is a part of that.”

Musk’s Perspective

Elon Musk, known for his sense of humor and penchant for the unconventional, has largely echoed Grimes’ sentiments about the name. In an interview, he joked, “It’s better than being named John or something boring like that.” Musk has also highlighted that the name reflects the couple’s shared interests in innovation, space exploration, and creativity.

Raising a Child in the Spotlight

As the son of one of the world’s most prominent entrepreneurs and a globally renowned artist, X AE A-Xii Musk is already growing up in the limelight. Despite their busy schedules, Musk and Grimes have expressed their commitment to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for their child.

Grimes shared that they want to instill values of curiosity, resilience, and kindness in X AE A-Xii. “We’re raising him to think for himself and to appreciate the beauty of the world around him,” she said.

A Name That Reflects a Legacy

For Elon Musk and Grimes, X AE A-Xii’s name is more than just a conversation starter—it’s a reflection of their shared vision for the future. From its ties to mathematics and aviation to its linguistic and artistic elements, the name encapsulates the couple’s unique identities and aspirations.

While it may not be a traditional name, X AE A-Xii Musk’s moniker is undoubtedly one that symbolizes innovation, creativity, and the fearless pursuit of the extraordinary—qualities that both Musk and Grimes hope to pass on to their son.