Elon Musk and his girlfriend, the artist and musician known as Grimes, have never shied away from making headlines, whether for Musk’s groundbreaking ventures or Grimes’ avant-garde artistry. But when they announced the birth of their son and revealed his unique name—X Æ A-Xii—it sparked widespread curiosity and confusion. Now, Grimes has stepped forward to explain the special meaning behind their son’s unconventional name, shedding light on the thought process that went into it.
In an interview, Grimes described the name as a reflection of their shared passions and personalities, combining elements of technology, art, and symbolism. “It’s more than just a name,” she said. “It represents a nod to our interests and the things we value in life—science, creativity, individuality, and the unknown.”
Breaking down the components of the name, Grimes explained that “X” represents the unknown variable, a symbol often used in mathematics and science to signify something undefined yet full of potential. It’s a tribute to the boundless curiosity and exploration that both she and Musk hold dear. “X is the essence of possibility,” she added.
The “Æ” portion of the name, she explained, has both aesthetic and linguistic significance. Pronounced “Ash,” it is an old English ligature that also appears in several other languages. Grimes said the symbol resonates with her as an artist because of its beauty and its connection to language, history, and storytelling. For Musk, a known lover of engineering and design, it carries a sleek, futuristic vibe.
“A-Xii,” the final component, holds a deeper, more personal meaning for the couple. The “A” stands for “Archangel,” the name of Grimes’ favorite song by the electronic artist Burial. The “Xii” (12 in Roman numerals) is a nod to the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest manned aircraft ever built and one of Musk’s favorite technological marvels. The couple views the aircraft as a symbol of innovation and pushing boundaries, concepts that resonate with their shared vision for the future.
Grimes emphasized that while the name might seem unusual to others, it feels perfectly natural to them. “To us, it’s a poetic and meaningful name that reflects our son’s potential to grow into someone who can challenge norms and redefine what’s possible,” she said. “We didn’t want to give him a name that just blends in—we wanted something that celebrates individuality and our family’s love for exploring new frontiers.”
Reactions to the name have ranged from admiration to amusement, with many fans praising the couple’s creativity while others jokingly questioned how to pronounce it. For their part, Musk and Grimes seem unbothered by the commentary. Musk himself joked in a tweet, “It’s pronounced ‘Ex Ash A Twelve,’ but honestly, we just call him X.”
As unconventional as the name might be, it’s clear that X Æ A-Xii represents more than just a label—it’s a reflection of his parents’ shared vision for the world, blending their love of science, art, and innovation into something uniquely their own. And for a child born to two of the most forward-thinking minds of our time, it feels like a fitting start to a life filled with possibility.