What forced Elon Musk and Grimes to change their son's name to X AE A-XII?

While the four-year-old boasts a unique name, Musk and Grimes were forced to change it several times before they finally landed on X AE A-XII.

Published on: Feb 12, 2025, 23:59:37 IST

By HT News Desk

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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Canadian singer Grimes' son X AE A-XII stole the spotlight during a recent appearance alongside US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

Elon Musk carries his son X AE A-XII on his shoulders in the Oval Office (REUTERS)

While the four-year-old boasts a unique name, Musk and Grimes were forced to change it several times before they finally landed on X AE A-XII.

Also Read: Grimes rips ex Elon Musk for ‘using’ their son X despite fears of being deported, fumed netizens ask ‘Is he a prop?

53-year-old Musk and 36-year-old Claire Boucher (Grimes) had their first child in 2020 and announced to the world that they were naming their son X Æ A-12.

The name sparked several intense reactions on the internet, with people confused on how to pronounce the name. However, there was a more pressing problem with the name - it did not comply with California state law.

Also Read: Did Elon Musk's son X instruct Trump to ‘Shut Your Mouth’? Tesla CEO apologises as netizens say ‘this is too much’

According to Californian law, names must be written on birth certificates “using the 26 alphabetical letters of the English language” only. On exception is the use of apostrophes and dashes in names.

A month after revealing their son's first name, the couple confirmed to TMZ that they had changed his name to X AE A-XII Musk on the birth certificate.

The new name followed California law by adding a dash and using roman numerals for the number 12.

Also Read: Did Elon Musk violate the Hatch Act by wearing MAGA hat in Oval Office? What we know

Grimes stated that the X in the child's name referred to unknown variable commonly used in mathematical sums. The AE is an Elven spelling of AI, which means both artificial intelligence and “love” in languages such as Mandarin and Japanese.

The A-XII in the name refers to an aircraft which was beloved by the couple for being non-violent, fast and “great in battle.”

Grimes and Elon Musk also have two more children together, each with their own unique names, two-year-old Techno Mechanicus and three-year-old Exa Dark Sideræl.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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