Elon Musk’s son, famously named X Æ A-Xii, made an unexpected yet adorable appearance during an interview, bringing renewed attention to his unique name. Despite hearing it straight from the child himself, the pronunciation still leaves many scratching their heads.
The Unusual Name That Keeps People Talking
Celebrity parents opting for unconventional names isn’t new, but Musk and musician Grimes truly set a new standard when they revealed their son’s name in 2020. The name sparked widespread curiosity, debates, and countless jokes. Even today, many simply refer to Musk’s son as “X” or “one of his 12 children” to avoid the challenge of pronouncing it correctly.
A Surprise Appearance During an Interview
Earlier this month, during an interview Musk was conducting with Tucker Carlson, X Æ A-Xii made an unplanned entrance. The four-year-old walked into the room, placed a toy car on the desk, and climbed onto his father’s lap. Musk, clearly amused, introduced him as his “mini-me” and commented that his son “completes him.”
In a playful moment, Carlson asked the young boy his name. The child leaned into the microphone and confidently pronounced it, but even after hearing it, most viewers found it difficult to replicate. Musk then referred to him by his nickname, “X,” and asked if he thought his father should help former President Donald Trump. The child replied affirmatively before lapsing into some playful babbling.
The Meaning Behind the Name
When the name was first revealed, many people wondered about its significance. Grimes, the boy’s mother, took to social media to explain its origins. According to her:
- “X” stands for “the unknown variable.”
- “Æ” is the Elven spelling of AI, referring to artificial intelligence and also translating to “love” in several languages, such as Japanese.
- “A-12” represents the precursor to the SR-71, their favorite aircraft, described as “great in battle but non-violent.”
The couple’s explanation did little to simplify the pronunciation, and to this day, there’s some disagreement between the parents about how it should be said.
Conflicting Pronunciations
Grimes has explained that the name is pronounced as “X” followed by “AI” (like the letters A and I). Musk, however, offered a slightly different take during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, saying, “It’s just X, the letter X. And then, the Æ is pronounced ‘Ash’… and then A-12 is my contribution.”
A Name That Reflects Their Unique Perspectives
While X Æ A-Xii’s name remains a topic of fascination and confusion, it perfectly reflects the eccentricity of his parents. Musk’s lighthearted response to his son’s pronunciation during the interview suggests that even they don’t take it too seriously. For now, the nickname “X” seems to be the most practical way to refer to the child whose name has captured global attention.