Elon Musk’s 12 Children: A Deep Dive Into the Tesla CEO’s Expanding Family

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, is not just a business magnate—he’s also a father to 12 children. Over the years, Musk has welcomed kids with three different women, including singer Grimes and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. Despite his demanding career, Musk has often spoken about his views on parenthood and the future of his children.

Here’s everything you need to know about Elon Musk’s children, their unique names, and their family dynamics.

1. Nevada Alexander Musk – A Heartbreaking Loss

Elon Musk’s first child, Nevada Alexander Musk, was born in 2002 with his then-wife, Canadian author Justine Wilson. Sadly, at just 10 weeks old, Nevada passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This tragedy profoundly impacted Musk and Wilson, shaping their approach to parenthood in the years that followed.

2. Vivian Jenna Wilson & Griffin Musk – The Twins

In 2004, Musk and Wilson welcomed twins, Griffin and Vivian, through in vitro fertilization (IVF). While Griffin has maintained a low profile, Vivian legally changed her name in 2022, distancing herself from Musk and adopting her mother’s maiden name. In court documents, she stated she no longer wished "to be related to [her] biological father in any way."

3. Kai, Saxon & Damian Musk – The Triplets

Just two years after having twins, Musk and Wilson expanded their family again in 2006 with the birth of triplets—Kai, Saxon, and Damian—also conceived via IVF. The three brothers have stayed out of the limelight, but Damian, in particular, has been described as a classical music prodigy.

4. X Æ A-12 Musk – A Name That Sparked Global Debate

Musk’s first child with singer Grimes, X Æ A-12 Musk, was born in May 2020. His name, which later had to be modified to X Æ A-Xii due to California naming laws, was inspired by Grimes’ love of sci-fi and Musk’s admiration for aircraft. Often referred to simply as "X," the child has made several public appearances alongside his father, including at SpaceX events.

5. Exa Dark Sideræl Musk – A Unique Space-Inspired Name

In December 2021, Grimes and Musk welcomed their daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk, via surrogate. Her name, often shortened to "Y," combines references to computing (Exa) and outer space (Sideræl, pronounced "sigh-deer-ee-el").

6. Techno Mechanicus Musk – Another Out-of-This-World Name

In September 2023, the world learned that Musk and Grimes had quietly welcomed a third child, Techno Mechanicus, nicknamed "Tau." Details about Tau remain scarce, but his name follows Musk’s futuristic naming trends.

7. Strider & Azure Musk – The Secret Twins

Around the same time Exa was born, Musk secretly fathered twins, Strider and Azure, with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink. The news surfaced in 2022 through court documents, confirming Musk’s role as a father to even more children.

8. Musk’s Youngest Child – The Mystery Baby

Musk’s 12th and youngest child was reportedly born in early 2024, though details remain undisclosed. The child's name and gender have yet to be publicly confirmed, adding to the ongoing intrigue surrounding Musk’s family life.

Elon Musk’s Parenting Philosophy

Musk has been open about his views on fatherhood, stating that he doesn’t plan to hand down his fortune to his children unless they prove themselves capable of managing his businesses. He has also expressed concerns about declining birth rates, emphasizing his belief in having large families.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s children come from three different mothers, each with their unique story and upbringing. Whether making headlines for their unusual names or keeping a low profile, Musk’s kids are part of one of the world’s most famous and unconventional families. As they grow older, it will be interesting to see which of them, if any, follow in their father’s footsteps in business, technology, or space exploration.