At a Glance
- Elon Musk‘s son X Æ A-12 is 5 years old.
- The name includes the character “Æ” and the number A-12, which Musk said stands for Archangel 12.
- The boy was born on May 4, 2020, a day celebrated as Star Wars Day.
**Why it matters: The unusual name has sparked discussions about naming laws, celebrity culture, and the intersection of tech and pop culture.
Elon Musk’s son, X Æ A-12, has become a cultural touchstone, not only for his parents’ high-profile status but also for the legal and linguistic questions his name raises. The child’s nickname, X, and full name, which includes a special character and a number, have appeared in media, social-media discussions, and legal debates.
The Birth and Naming
X Æ A-12 was born on May 4, 2020, a date that Musk noted was also Star Wars Day, a playful nod to the space-faring themes that run through his ventures. The parents, Elon Musk and singer Grimes, announced the name during an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Musk explained that the name is pronounced “X Ash A Twelve,” with the character “Æ” sounding like “ash.” Grimes, meanwhile, described the boy as the “unknown variable” and said the “Æ” was her elven spelling of “Ai,” meaning love or artificial intelligence.
The name’s components carry personal significance. Musk said “A-12” refers to Archangel 12, the precursor to the SR-71, which he called the coolest plane ever. Grimes added that the “A” in A-12 stands for Archangel, her favorite song, though she did not specify which version.
| Component | Meaning | Source |
|---|---|---|
| X | Letter X, chosen by Musk and Grimes | Podcast interview |
| Æ | Elven spelling of “Ai” | Grimes’ tweet |
| A-12 | Archangel 12, precursor to SR-71 | Musk’s tweet |
The boy’s nickname, X, is simply the letter he shares with Musk’s company Twitter and SpaceX.
Pronunciation and Public Appearances
During the podcast, Musk was asked how to pronounce the name. He answered, “X Ash A Twelve,” clarifying that “Æ” is pronounced “ash,” although some people might read each letter separately. The full name was also spoken in a video clip that has since circulated on social media.
In February 2020, before a highly publicized falling-out with President Donald Trump, X appeared in the Oval Office with his father. Trump referred to the toddler as a “high IQ individual,” while Grimes later posted a tweet that read: “He should not be in public like this. I did not see this, thank u for alerting me. But I’m glad he was polite. Sigh.” The exchange highlighted the tension between the family’s private life and public scrutiny.
Legal and Social Reactions
A California family-law attorney told People magazine that the name might not appear on the baby’s official birth certificate. California law does not allow symbols like “Æ” on birth certificates, though apostrophes and hyphens are permitted. If the parents submit the name with the special character, it could be rejected and require resubmission.
The situation has prompted broader conversations about naming regulations. While the name is not illegal, the inclusion of a non-standard character raises questions about how digital systems and official documents handle such characters.
Grimes’ tweets about the name’s meaning also sparked discussion. She described the boy as the “unknown variable” and explained that “Æ” was her elven spelling of “Ai,” meaning love and/or artificial intelligence. She also noted that the “A” in A-12 stands for Archangel, her favorite song, though she did not specify which version. The tweets were followed by a correction from Musk, who clarified that the plane was the SR-71, not SR-17.
Family Background and Legacy
Elon Musk has 14 children with four different women, according to People. His other children with Grimes include a daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl, age 2, and a son, Tau Techno Mechanicus, age 3. The family’s naming choices reflect a blend of pop culture, science, and personal symbolism.
Musk’s public persona as a tech entrepreneur and space visionary adds another layer to the name’s reception. The boy’s full name, with its unconventional spelling and numeric element, serves as a conversation starter about the boundaries of personal expression in a digital age.
Key Takeaways
- X Æ A-12, born on May 4, 2020, carries a name that blends letters, a special character, and a number.
- Pronunciation was clarified on The Joe Rogan Experience as “X Ash A Twelve.”
- Legal concerns exist regarding the inclusion of “Æ” on official documents.
- The family’s naming choices reflect personal and cultural influences, sparking broader discussions about naming laws and digital representation.
The story of Elon Musk’s son illustrates how a single name can intersect with technology, law, and popular culture, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the family’s private life.
