Elon Musk’s son, X Æ A-12, recently made headlines during a visit to the White House with his father and former President Donald Trump. The four-year-old, often called “Lil X,” has a name that has sparked curiosity since his birth in 2020. Musk and his former partner, Grimes, chose the name, which Musk has explained is pronounced “X Ash A Twelve.”
The name holds special significance for the couple. The “X” symbolizes the unknown, “Æ” is pronounced “Ash,” and “A-12” refers to the Archangel 12 aircraft, a precursor to the SR-71, which Musk has described as “the coolest plane ever.” While the name is unconventional, it reflects Musk’s unique approach to life and parenting.
During the White House event, Lil X became the center of attention. While Musk answered questions from the press, his son entertained himself by making faces, picking his nose, and even wiping his hands on the Resolute Desk. The moment quickly went viral, with social media users sharing their reactions and speculating about Trump’s response.
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 names as distinctive as X Æ A-12.