Elon Musk’s Son Wants a New Name—What Elon Says Leaves Him Speechless
In a family full of unconventional names, eccentric intellect, and larger-than-life ambition, it should come as no surprise that one of Elon Musk’s children is questioning his own identity. But what did shock many was the Tesla CEO’s unexpected response—a reaction that insiders say left even his son speechless.
X AE A-12 Wants to Redefine Himself
Now 5 years old, X AE A-12 Musk, the son of Elon Musk and musician Grimes, reportedly told his father during a recent family discussion that he would like to change his name.
“He’s growing into his own personality,” a family friend told Page Silicon. “He’s incredibly smart, very aware for his age, and he’s starting to feel like the name ‘X’ doesn’t fit who he is becoming.”
Sources close to the Musk family say the child has expressed interest in being called something more “human,” allegedly suggesting names like Alex, Zen, or even Max—a nod to both normalcy and his fascination with machines and mathematics.
Elon’s Reaction: Unexpectedly Human
Those expecting Elon Musk to respond with a meme, a sarcastic tweet, or a long philosophical monologue were caught off guard.
According to insiders, Musk paused for a moment before giving a quiet, contemplative response:
“You can be whoever you want to be. Just make sure it’s someone you’re proud of.”
Reportedly, the usually stoic billionaire even choked up, later telling a friend:
“He’s not just a name. He’s becoming a person. And that’s… kind of mind-blowing.
The interaction, which was said to take place during a quiet weekend at Elon’s Texas ranch, has quickly gone viral online—fueled by a wave of admiration for Musk’s rare display of vulnerability.
What’s in a Name?
X AE A-12’s name, which originally raised eyebrows and inspired memes around the globe, has always been a symbol of the Musk family’s futuristic outlook. When he was born in 2020, Elon explained the name as a combination of mathematical symbols, aviation references, and the elvish spelling of artificial intelligence.
But as X grows older, those abstract meanings seem to matter less than the human experience of identity.
“Kids, even the children of billionaires, go through phases of self-discovery,” says Dr. Leslie Garrett, a developmental psychologist. “This request may be about more than a name—it’s about autonomy, belonging, and emotional independence.”
Grimes’ Take: A Work of Art in Progress
Grimes, who co-parents X with Musk, hasn’t publicly commented on the name change but has previously called their son “a creative force” and “a being beyond the confines of language.” In a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, she hinted:
“We’re not raising a normal child. We’re raising a work of art.”
Given that ethos, it’s unclear whether the name change will be legal, symbolic, or temporary—but one thing is certain: this child is charting his own path.
A Symbolic Moment for a Public Family
Elon Musk, who juggles roles as the world’s wealthiest man, the head of multiple tech empires, and a father to at least 10 children, rarely allows emotional moments into the spotlight. But this exchange shows a side of Musk that many find relatable—a father watching his child grow, question, and evolve.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #LetXChoose, #MuskDadMoment, and #RenameTheFuture began trending shortly after the story broke.
One user summed it up best:
“He named a rocket, a car, a flame thrower… and now he’s letting his son name himself. That’s growth.”
The Bottom Line
In the house of Musk, where innovation and intellect often steal the show, a simple, heartfelt moment between a father and son reminds the world that identity isn’t something we’re given—it’s something we build. And for little X, that journey has only just begun.
