Introduction
Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X (formerly Twitter), is not only one of the most talked-about entrepreneurs in the world but also a father of many children. While his companies and innovations dominate headlines, Musk’s personal life, particularly his growing family, often sparks curiosity and debate.
As of 2025, Musk is known to have 11 children, born to different mothers, and each with unique stories attached. From tragic losses to unusual names like X Æ A-12 and Exa Dark Sideræl, Musk’s family reflects both joy and controversy.
This article explores Elon Musk’s children in detail, their backgrounds, and what his parenting style reveals about one of the most influential men of our time.
Elon Musk’s Approach to Family
Musk has always expressed his strong belief in the importance of having children. He often highlights concerns about population decline and urges people to have larger families. His own parenting journey reflects this philosophy—he doesn’t just talk about it, he lives it.
However, being a father while managing billion-dollar companies isn’t simple. Musk has admitted that his work consumes much of his time, yet he insists on spending meaningful moments with his kids whenever possible.
Elon Musk’s Children: Names, Birth Years, and Mothers
Below is a breakdown of Musk’s children, their mothers, and their stories.
| Child’s Name | Year of Birth | Mother | Notable Facts |
| Nevada Alexander Musk | 2002 | Justine Musk | First child, died of SIDS at 10 weeks old |
| Griffin Musk | 2004 | Justine Musk | Twin, born via IVF |
| Xavier Musk (now Vivian Jenna Wilson) | 2004 | Justine Musk | Twin, came out as transgender in 2022 and changed name |
| Kai Musk | 2006 | Justine Musk | Triplet, born via IVF |
| Saxon Musk | 2006 | Justine Musk | Triplet, raised privately |
| Damian Musk | 2006 | Justine Musk | Triplet, raised privately |
| X Æ A-12 Musk (nicknamed “X”) | 2020 | Claire Boucher (Grimes) | Famous for unique name; lives partly with Musk and Grimes |
| Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (nicknamed “Y”) | 2021 | Grimes | Born via surrogate; rarely seen publicly |
| Techno Mechanicus Musk (nicknamed “Tau”) | 2023 | Grimes | Name revealed in 2023 biography |
| Twins (names undisclosed) | 2021 | Shivon Zilis | Born via IVF; Shivon is Neuralink executive |
The First Chapter: Musk’s Family with Justine Musk
Elon Musk’s first wife, Justine Wilson (now Justine Musk), is a Canadian author. They married in 2000 and started building a family soon after.
Nevada Alexander Musk (2002)
Their first child, Nevada Alexander, was born in 2002. Tragically, he died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at only 10 weeks old. This loss had a profound effect on Musk and Justine, shaping their approach to parenthood afterward.
The Twins: Griffin and Xavier (2004)
In 2004, the couple welcomed twins through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Their names: Griffin Musk and Xavier Musk.
- Griffin lives mostly outside the spotlight.
- Xavier, however, made headlines in 2022 when she transitioned and legally changed her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson. She also distanced herself from Musk, taking her mother’s surname.
The Triplets: Kai, Saxon, and Damian (2006)
In 2006, Musk and Justine had triplets, also through IVF: Kai, Saxon, and Damian. The three boys live very private lives and rarely appear in public.
By 2008, Elon and Justine divorced, but they share custody of the five children.
Children with Grimes (Claire Boucher)
In 2018, Musk began dating Grimes, a Canadian singer and artist. Their relationship has been unconventional and highly publicized.
X Æ A-12 Musk (2020)
In May 2020, Grimes gave birth to a baby boy with a name that immediately went viral: X Æ A-12 Musk.
- The name represents a mix of mathematical symbols, Musk’s favorite aircraft, and personal creativity.
- Nicknamed “X,” the child has become somewhat of a pop culture phenomenon.
Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (2021)
In December 2021, Grimes and Musk welcomed a daughter via surrogate: Exa Dark Sideræl Musk, nicknamed “Y.”
- Grimes explained the name draws inspiration from space and science fiction.
- “Exa” refers to supercomputing, while “Sideræl” is a nod to cosmic time.
Techno Mechanicus (Tau) (2023)
In 2023, it was revealed that Musk and Grimes also had a third child named Techno Mechanicus, nicknamed Tau. The child’s existence was kept private until disclosed in Musk’s biography.
Twins with Shivon Zilis (2021)
In November 2021, it came to light that Musk fathered twins with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink, one of Musk’s companies. Their names are not widely publicized, as Musk and Zilis prefer to keep them out of the spotlight.
This revelation surprised the public, adding more attention to Musk’s already large family.
Musk’s Parenting Style and Philosophy
Elon Musk has a distinctive approach to fatherhood:
- Education: He founded a private school called Ad Astra (later renamed Astra Nova) for his children and a few others. It focuses on problem-solving and hands-on learning rather than traditional exams.
- Time Management: Musk has admitted that his work takes up most of his schedule, but he makes sure to include his children in meaningful moments, such as traveling with him on business trips.
- Belief in Large Families: Musk openly states that population decline is one of the greatest risks to civilization, and his large family reflects his personal mission to encourage people to have children.
Public and Media Reactions
Elon Musk’s children have sparked widespread media attention for various reasons:
- Unique Names: Names like X Æ A-12 and Techno Mechanicus often trend online and become memes.
- Custody and Relationships: His co-parenting with Justine, Grimes, and Shivon Zilis often makes headlines.
- Vivian Jenna Wilson’s Transition: The public took notice when Musk’s daughter legally changed her name and gender identity, distancing herself from him.
Despite controversies, Musk remains firm in his views on family and continues to support his children in different ways.
Challenges of Being Musk’s Child
Growing up as Elon Musk’s child comes with unique challenges:
- Media Attention: Even the youngest of his children are constantly discussed online.
- Privacy: Musk tries to shield them from too much exposure, but it’s difficult given his global fame.
- Legacy Pressure: With a father seen as one of the greatest innovators of this century, his children may face expectations to achieve extraordinary things themselves.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s children represent the most personal side of a man known primarily for rockets, cars, and bold technological visions. With 11 children from different relationships, Musk’s family life is as complex and fascinating as his career.
From the heartbreaking loss of his first child to the unusual names that grab headlines, Musk’s role as a father shows a softer, human side to an otherwise relentless entrepreneur. Whether in private or public, his children will always be part of the legacy of Elon Musk—one that extends far beyond the world of business and technology.
