The 14 Most Bizarre Names: How To Pronounce Elon Musk's Sons' Names, From X Æ A-Xii To Seldon Lycurgus

As of December 2025, the names of Elon Musk’s children continue to baffle and intrigue the public, pushing the boundaries of celebrity nomenclature far into the realm of science fiction and ancient philosophy. The most famous of these, X Æ A-Xii, remains a linguistic puzzle, but the latest updates confirm the birth of a new child, Seldon Lycurgus Musk, adding another layer to the billionaire's growing and uniquely named family. This comprehensive, up-to-date guide breaks down the official, parent-approved pronunciations for the most complex names, including the subtle differences between how Elon Musk and his former partner, Grimes, intended them to be spoken. From "X Ash A Twelve" to the simple nickname "Tau," understanding these names requires a deep dive into aviation, artificial intelligence, and classical history.

The Complete Biography List: All 14 Children of Elon Musk

Elon Musk is a father to 14 children with three different women, a family structure that is as complex and unconventional as the names he has chosen for them. This list is updated to reflect the most recent additions and legal name changes as of late 2025.

• Nevada Alexander Musk (2002): Mother: Justine Wilson. Tragically died of SIDS at 10 weeks old.
• Griffin Musk (2004): Mother: Justine Wilson. Twin to Vivian.
• Vivian Jenna Wilson (2004): Mother: Justine Wilson. Twin to Griffin. Legally changed her name and severed ties with her father.
• Kai Musk (2006): Mother: Justine Wilson. Triplet.
• Saxon Musk (2006): Mother: Justine Wilson. Triplet.
• Damian Musk (2006): Mother: Justine Wilson. Triplet.
• X Æ A-Xii Musk (Born 2020, formerly X Æ A-12): Mother: Grimes (Claire Boucher).
• Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (Born 2021): Mother: Grimes. Nickname "Y."
• Strider Musk (Born 2021): Mother: Shivon Zilis. Twin to Azure.
• Azure Musk (Born 2021): Mother: Shivon Zilis. Twin to Strider.
• Tau Techno Mechanicus Musk (Born 2022): Mother: Grimes. Nickname "Tau."
• Seldon Lycurgus Musk (Born February 2025): Mother: Shivon Zilis. (The most recent addition, a detail confirmed in late 2025).

Unlocking the Mystery: How to Pronounce X Æ A-Xii

The name of Elon Musk and Grimes' first child, originally "X Æ A-12," caused a global sensation and a flurry of confusion upon his birth. Due to California state law prohibiting numbers in a legal name, the name was officially changed to X Æ A-Xii (using the Roman numeral for 12). Despite the legal change, the pronunciation remains the same, though even the parents had slightly different interpretations.

Elon Musk's Official Pronunciation: "X Ash A Twelve"

The most authoritative pronunciation comes directly from Elon Musk himself. In an interview, he explained the name is spoken as "X Ash A Twelve."

• X: Pronounced simply as the letter "X."
• Æ: Pronounced "Ash." This ligature is a character from the Danish and Norwegian alphabets, often pronounced like the "a" in "cat" or "ash." Grimes described this part as her "elven spelling of AI" (Artificial Intelligence and/or love).
• A-Xii: Pronounced "A Twelve." The "A-12" refers to the Lockheed A-12, the precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird, which Musk called "the coolest plane ever."

Therefore, the full pronunciation is a simple, three-part sequence: "Ex-Ash-A-Twelve."

Grimes' Alternate Interpretation: "X A.I."

Grimes, the child's mother and a musician, offered a slightly different, more philosophical breakdown. She stated that the name is pronounced "X, like the letter X. Then A.I. Like how you said the letter A then I." This interpretation focuses more on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) aspect of the "Æ" character, suggesting a pronunciation of "Ex-A.I.-Twelve." While Musk's version is generally accepted as the "official" one, Grimes's explanation reveals the deeper, conceptual meaning behind the choice.

The Second and Third Sons: Tau Techno Mechanicus and Seldon Lycurgus

The complexity of X Æ A-Xii's name set a precedent, and the names of his younger siblings have continued the trend, blending technology, science fiction, and classical concepts.

Tau Techno Mechanicus Musk: The Simple Nickname

The existence of Musk and Grimes' third child, Tau Techno Mechanicus, was revealed in Walter Isaacson's 2023 biography of Elon Musk.

Pronunciation Focus: While the full name is a mouthful of technological and philosophical concepts, the parents simply refer to him by his nickname, "Tau." This is pronounced like the Greek letter 'T' (as in 'town').

The Meaning: The name is rich with meaning:

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• Tau: The 19th letter of the Greek alphabet, often representing the number 2π in mathematics, and a symbol in physics and astronomy.
• Techno Mechanicus: Directly references technology and mechanics, aligning with Musk's work at SpaceX and Tesla.

Seldon Lycurgus Musk: The Newest Enigma

The most recent addition to the family, Seldon Lycurgus Musk, was born in February 2025 to Shivon Zilis, a top executive at Musk's neurotechnology company, Neuralink. The name is a direct nod to two foundational figures of science fiction and ancient law.

Pronunciation Focus: While there is no official, complex breakdown like X Æ A-Xii, both names are pronounced conventionally:

• Seldon: Pronounced 'SELL-dun'. This is a clear reference to Hari Seldon, the fictional founder of Psychohistory in Isaac Asimov's *Foundation* series, one of Musk's favorite works of science fiction.
• Lycurgus: Pronounced 'ly-KUR-gus'. This name belongs to the legendary lawgiver of Sparta, who is credited with creating the militaristic and disciplined society of ancient Laconia.

Exa Dark Sideræl Musk: The Daughter's Equally Unique Name

While the focus is often on the sons, Musk and Grimes’ daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk, is an equally fascinating linguistic entity. She is affectionately nicknamed "Y," providing a simple counterpoint to her brother's nickname, "X."

Pronunciation: The name is pronounced "Exa Dark Sigh-deer-ee-el."

The Meaning:

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• Exa: A reference to the term *exaFLOPS*, a unit of computing speed.
• Dark: Represents the unknown, an homage to the "dark matter" of the universe.
• Sideræl: An "elven" spelling of "sidereal," meaning relating to or determined by the stars, a clear nod to Musk's work with SpaceX and his aspirations for space colonization.

The unconventional names chosen by Elon Musk—from the technical X Æ A-Xii to the classical Seldon Lycurgus—are more than just eccentric choices; they are a public reflection of his core interests: space, technology, artificial intelligence, and a deep appreciation for science fiction. For the public, knowing how to pronounce them is the first step in unlocking the complex and often curious world of one of the world's most influential figures.