Revealing the Unique Names of Elon Musk’s 13 Children

Elon Musk, the visionary behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, is also known for his unconventional approach to naming his 13 children. Collaborating with four different partners, Musk has chosen names that range from mythological references to technological nods. This article delves into the meanings and stories behind each of these distinctive names.

The Musk Family Tree

1. Nevada Alexander Musk (2002)

Elon Musk and his first wife, Justine Wilson, welcomed their first child, Nevada Alexander, in 2002. Tragically, Nevada passed away at just 10 weeks old due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The name “Nevada” likely draws inspiration from the U.S. state, symbolizing vast landscapes and a pioneering spirit, while “Alexander” is of Greek origin, meaning “defender of the people.”

2. Griffin Musk (2004)

One of the twins born to Musk and Justine in 2004, Griffin’s name is derived from the mythological creature known as the griffin—a lion-eagle hybrid symbolizing strength and guardianship.

3. Vivian Jenna Wilson (2004)

Griffin’s twin, originally named Xavier Musk, transitioned and changed her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson in 2022. She adopted her mother’s maiden name, distancing herself from her father. The name “Vivian” has Latin roots, meaning “alive.”

4. Kai Musk (2006)

The first of the triplets born to Musk and Justine, Kai’s name has multicultural significance. In Hawaiian, “Kai” means “sea,” while in Japanese, it translates to “forgiveness.” The specific inspiration behind this choice remains private.

5. Saxon Musk (2006)

Another of the triplets, Saxon’s name likely references the ancient Germanic tribe known as the Saxons, who played a significant role in early European history.

6. Damian Musk (2006)

The third triplet, Damian’s name is of Greek origin, meaning “to tame” or “subdue.” It’s a classic name that has been used across various cultures.

7. X Æ A-Xii Musk (2020)

In 2020, Musk and Canadian musician Grimes announced the birth of their son, uniquely named X Æ A-Xii. The name breaks down as follows:

• X: Represents “the unknown variable.”
• Æ: An elven spelling of “AI,” which stands for artificial intelligence and translates to “love” in several languages.
• A-Xii: A nod to the Archangel 12, the precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird, which the couple considers their favorite aircraft.

Originally spelled X Æ A-12, the name was modified to comply with California naming laws.

8. Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (2021)

The couple’s daughter, born via surrogate in December 2021, carries a name rich in meaning:

• Exa: Refers to exaFLOPS, a term used in supercomputing.
• Dark: Symbolizes the unknown, particularly dark matter.
• Sideræl: Pronounced “sigh-deer-ee-el,” this term relates to the stars and the universe’s true time, reflecting Grimes’ fascination with space and time.

She is affectionately nicknamed “Y.”

9. Techno Mechanicus (2022)

Revealed in September 2023, Techno Mechanicus, nicknamed “Tau,” is the couple’s third child. While specific details about the name’s meaning haven’t been publicly disclosed, it aligns with the couple’s penchant for futuristic and technological themes.

10. Strider and Azure Musk (2021)

In 2021, Musk welcomed twins with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink. The names “Strider” and “Azure” have not been publicly explained, but they continue the trend of unique and evocative names.

11. [Name Undisclosed] (2024)

A third child with Shivon Zilis was born in 2024 via surrogacy. Details about this child, including the name, have not been publicly shared.

12. [Name Undisclosed] (2024)

In February 2025, author and conservative influencer Ashley St. Clair claimed to have given birth to Musk’s 13th child five months prior. The child’s name and other details have been kept private to protect their privacy.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s approach to naming his children reflects his diverse interests, from mythology and history to technology and space exploration. Each name offers a glimpse into the personal values and passions that shape his family life.