The Mystery of X Æ A-Xii
If you've spent more than five minutes on the internet in the last few years, you’ve definitely seen him. The tiny toddler with the chaotic blonde hair sitting on the lap of the world’s richest man during a rocket launch or a late-night coding session. Most people just call him "X," but his full legal name is a mouthful: X Æ A-Xii.
He isn't just another celebrity kid. To Elon Musk, X seems to be something of a protégé, a "little apprentice" who follows him from the Tesla factory floor to high-level meetings at the White House. But honestly, the story of how X became a household name is weirder than the name itself.
Why the Name Changed (It’s Not What You Think)
When Grimes gave birth in May 2020, the world stopped to stare at a tweet. "X Æ A-12 Musk," Elon posted. People thought it was a joke. Maybe a serial number for a new robot?
It wasn't.
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But there was a problem. California law is pretty strict about names. You can’t just use numbers or emojis on a birth certificate. The state basically told them to try again using only the 26 letters of the English alphabet.
So, they pivoted. The "12" became "Xii."
Grimes later explained that the Roman numerals "looked better anyway." It’s a very "them" solution to a legal hurdle.
Breaking Down the Code
If you’re still confused about what the name actually means, here is the shorthand version:
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- X: The unknown variable.
- Æ: Grimes’s "elven" spelling of Ai (which means love or Artificial Intelligence).
- A-Xii: A nod to the Archangel 12, the precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird, which happens to be Elon’s favorite plane. No weapons, no defenses, just speed.
How Do You Even Say It?
You’d think the parents would agree on how to pronounce their own kid’s name. Nope.
Musk went on Joe Rogan’s podcast and said it’s pronounced "X Ash A-Twelve."
Grimes had a different take on Instagram, saying it’s just "X, like the letter X. Then A.I. Like how you said the letter A then I."
Basically, everyone just settled on "Little X." It’s easier for everyone involved, especially when you’re trying to get a toddler to put his shoes on.
The Public Life of a Tech Heir
Most celebrity parents hide their kids behind umbrellas and NDAs. Musk does the opposite with X. The boy has been seen at the Tesla Gigafactory in Texas and even joined his father in the Oval Office to meet with the President in early 2025.
It’s a strange childhood.
While other kids are playing with blocks, X is watching Starship prototypes launch in Boca Chica. There’s a famous clip of him pointing at a rocket and saying "Rocket!"—which, let's be real, is probably the first word anyone expected him to learn.
But this public exposure hasn't been without drama. Grimes has expressed her discomfort with X being in the spotlight so often. In late 2024 and early 2025, the tension between the two parents became a public spectacle, with Grimes reportedly asking for more privacy for their three children.
The Growing Musk Dynasty
It’s easy to lose track, but X is actually one of many. By early 2026, Elon Musk has 14 known children with four different women.
X has two full siblings through Grimes: a sister named Exa Dark Sideræl (nicknamed Y) and a brother named Techno Mechanicus (known as Tau).
The family tree is getting complicated. In January 2026, Musk made headlines again regarding his youngest children, including a public custody dispute involving a son named Romulus with writer Ashley St. Clair.
What Really Matters Here
Beyond the memes and the confusing letters, X represents something specific in the Musk universe. He’s the first child from Elon’s "pronatalist" era—a period where the billionaire has become obsessed with declining birth rates.
X isn't just a son; he’s the face of a philosophy.
Whether you think the name is genius or a tragedy, X is growing up in a world where his dad is trying to colonize Mars. That’s a lot of pressure for a kid who’s only just starting school.
Key Takeaways for the Curious:
- Legality: The name was changed to X Æ A-Xii because California doesn't allow numbers on birth certificates.
- Pronunciation: Most people say "X Ash A-Twelve," but "Little X" is the universal nickname.
- Role: Unlike Musk's older children, X is frequently seen in professional settings, signaling a different kind of upbringing.
- Siblings: He is part of a trio of children with Grimes, including Y and Tau.
If you’re trying to keep up with the Musk family news, focus on the legal filings in Texas and California. That's where the real story of X’s future—and his inheritance—is actually being written.