Elon Musk’s son, X Æ A-12, recently made his White House debut alongside his father and former President Donald Trump. The four-year-old, often called “Lil X,” has a name that continues to intrigue the public. Musk and his former partner, Grimes, chose the name in 2020, and Musk has since explained that it’s pronounced “X Ash A Twelve.”
The name’s components have special significance. The “X” symbolizes the unknown, “Æ” is pronounced “Ash,” and “A-12” pays homage to the Archangel 12 aircraft, a forerunner to the SR-71, which Musk has described as “the coolest plane ever.” Despite its complexity, the name has become a signature of Musk’s unconventional approach to parenting.
During the White House event, Lil X became the center of attention. While Musk answered reporters’ questions, his son entertained himself by making faces, picking his nose, and even wiping his hands on the Resolute Desk. The scene quickly went viral, with social media users sharing their amusement and speculating about Trump’s reaction.
Grimes, whose real name is Claire Boucher, later commented on the incident, expressing surprise that her son was present. She wrote, “He should not be in public like this,” but noted that she was glad he was well-behaved. The couple, who separated in 2022, share three other children, each with equally distinctive names.
