How Do You Pronounce Elon Musk’s Son’s Name, ‘X Æ A-12’?

Elon Musk and Grimes: The Enfants Terribles of Modern Celebrity Culture
Elon Musk and the Canadian singer known as Grimes (real name Claire Boucher) have made headlines over the years for their unconventional relationship, their innovative ideas, and, perhaps most memorably, their children’s uniquely unconventional names. The couple has three kids together, each with a name that reflects their parents’ blend of futurism, artistry, and a touch of whimsy. Their eldest, a 4-year-old boy, recently made waves after appearing in the Oval Office with Musk, much to Grimes’ reported dismay. But it’s not just the Oval Office appearance that’s raised eyebrows—his full name, "X Æ A-12 Musk," has been a subject of fascination and confusion since his birth in 2020.

The Name That Launched a Thousand Questions
When X was born in May 2020, Musk and Grimes introduced the world to a name that seemed to defy all conventions. While the boy is known simply as "X," his full name is a mouthful: "X Æ A-12 Musk." The name was met with a mix of amusement and bewilderment, and it didn’t take long for the public and the media to start dissecting its meaning. In an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast shortly after X’s birth, Musk explained that the name is pronounced "X Ash A Twelve." The "Æ" (a character used in languages like Danish and Norwegian) is pronounced "ash," while "A-12" is a nod to the Lockheed A-12, a precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird, a plane that Musk has often called the "coolest plane ever."

Grimes’ Vision Behind the Name
While Musk contributed the "A-12" part of the name, Grimes was the driving force behind the rest. In a series of tweets, she broke down the inspiration for each component of the name, revealing a blend of philosophy, technology, and artistry. She described "X" as "the unknown variable," a nod to the concept of unpredictability and exploration. The "Æ," she explained, was her "elven spelling of Ai," which she interpreted as representing both "love" and "artificial intelligence." As for the "A-12," she praised the plane’s speed and its "non-violent" nature, calling it "great in battle, but non-violent." Grimes also mentioned that the "A" in A-12 stood for "Archangel," referencing one of her favorite songs.

A Glimpse into the Parents’ Worldview
The names of Musk and Grimes’ children—X, Exa Dark Sideræl, and Tau Techno Mechanicus—offer a unique window into their worldview. Both parents are known for their fascination with technology, space exploration, and futuristic concepts, and these themes are reflected in their children’s names. X’s name, in particular, ties together elements of mystery, artificial intelligence, and aviation, all of which are central to Musk’s work and interests. Grimes, on the other hand, brings a more artistic and symbolic approach, blending elements of nature, mythology, and music into the names. Together, they’ve created a naming style that’s as unconventional as they are.

Grimes’ Reaction to X’s Oval Office Appearance
In October 2023, X made headlines again when he accompanied Musk to the White House, where they met with President Donald Trump. The visit sparked a mix of reactions, but none as memorable as Grimes’ response. The singer took to social media to express her dismay, writing, "He should not be in public like this." She later clarified that she was glad X had been polite but was clearly uncomfortable with the situation. The incident not only highlighted the challenges of raising children in the public eye but also underscored the tension between Musk and Grimes’ differing approaches to parenting and publicity.

The Legal and Cultural Implications of Unconventional Names
X’s name has also raised eyebrows for more practical reasons. When he was born, there was speculation about whether the name "X Æ A-12" would be accepted on his birth certificate. California law prohibits the use of symbols like "Æ" on official documents, though hyphens and apostrophes are allowed. This meant that the parents might have had to adjust the spelling of the name for official purposes. Musk and Grimes’ choice of name has sparked broader conversations about the limits of parental creativity when it comes to naming children. While some applaud their originality, others question whether such unconventional names could lead to challenges for the children as they grow older.

A Family That Defies Convention
At the heart of it all, Musk and Grimes’ children are a reflection of their parents’ larger-than-life personalities and their shared passion for pushing boundaries. From their names to their public appearances, the children are growing up in a world that is as fascinating as it is unconventional. Whether it’s X’s Oval Office visit or the poetic meaning behind their names, Musk and Grimes continue to capture the imagination of the public. Their children’s names may be complicated, but they’re undeniably a testament to the creativity and originality of their parents. In a world that often prizes tradition, Musk and Grimes are forging their own path—one that is as unique as they are.