How you pronounce Elon Musk’s son’s name X Æ A-12 after he makes White House debut with dad and Donald Trump

In 2020, when Elon Musk welcomed his seventh child into the world, the unconventional name he chose for his son left many people scratching their heads. His youngest son, affectionately known as “Lil X,” goes by the full name X Æ A-12. We know what you’re wondering—how in the world do you even pronounce that?

In May of 2020, Elon Musk and Canadian musician Grimes welcomed their son into the world, and the name they chose immediately sparked curiosity. Musk quickly opened up about the significance of his son’s unique moniker and how it came to be.
In a conversation with Joe Rogan, Musk explained how to pronounce the unusual name: “It’s ‘X Ash X Twelve.’” He also shared that the majority of the name was Grimes’ idea, saying, “My partner came up with the name the majority of the time.” He added, “I mean, it’s just X, the letter X, and the ‘Æ’ is pronounced ‘Ash,’ and then A-12 is my contribution.”

Musk also explained that the “A-12” in his son’s name refers to the “Archangel 12,” the precursor to the SR-71, which he described as “the coolest plane ever.”
As for the choice of “X,” it makes perfect sense given Musk’s penchant for unique, futuristic ideas. At a press conference on February 11, the spotlight unexpectedly shifted to his four-year-old son, X, who stole the show. Musk, the father of twelve, was present at the White House alongside President Trump, who is 78 years old. Musk’s visit came after a wave of public attention, as he watched Trump sign an executive order directing government agencies to adopt cost-cutting measures through the newly established Department of Government Efficiency.

As Musk addressed the press, his son quickly became the center of attention, distracting everyone with his playful antics. At one point, the young child was spotted picking his nose and wiping his boogers on the Resolute Desk, much to the amusement—and slight discomfort—of onlookers. Social media erupted with reactions, with one individual on X joking, “Trump seethes as President Musk’s kid eats his boogers then paws his desk.” The moment certainly left an impression, showcasing the unpredictable nature of a toddler at a high-profile event.

As Elon Musk’s son continued his antics at the Oval Office, including picking his nose, eating boogers, and wiping them on the Resolute Desk, social media was buzzing with comments. One user quipped, “There is no way this kid isn’t annoying Trump,” highlighting the unintentional distraction caused by the young boy’s behavior.
Amidst the commotion, Grimes, whose full name is Claire Boucher, addressed the situation, revealing she wasn’t aware her son had been in the Oval Office. Taking to social media, she posted a statement expressing her concern: “He should not be in public like this. I was unaware of this; I am grateful that you brought it to my attention. On the other hand, I am relieved that he was courteous.” A sigh of relief followed, as Grimes reflected on her son’s polite demeanor despite the chaotic scene.

It sounds like Elon Musk and Grimes’ relationship ended on amicable terms after a few years together. They continue to raise their four children, including Techno Mechanicus and Exa Dark Siderael, while navigating their own separate paths. It’s interesting how private they’ve kept their family life, especially considering the public nature of their earlier relationship.