Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, is not only shaping the future of technology but also building a large and complex family. With 12 children from different relationships, Musk’s personal life is as fascinating as his professional journey.
The Tragic Loss of Nevada Alexander Musk
Musk and his first wife, Justine Wilson, welcomed their first child, Nevada Alexander Musk, in 2002. Sadly, Nevada passed away at just 10 weeks old due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Wilson later described the heartbreaking moment in a 2010 Marie Claire essay, recounting how their baby stopped breathing during a nap. By the time paramedics revived him, he had suffered irreversible brain damage.
Twins and Triplets: Musk’s First Big Family Expansion
Determined to grow their family, Musk and Wilson turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF), leading to the birth of twins, Griffin and Xavier (now Vivian Jenna Wilson), in 2004.
- Griffin Musk remains relatively private.
- Vivian Jenna Wilson legally changed her name and gender in 2022, stating she no longer wanted to be associated with her father. Musk has faced criticism for his public opinions on gender identity, previously calling pronouns an “esthetic nightmare.”
In 2006, the couple welcomed triplet sons—Kai, Saxon, and Damian—also via IVF. However, Musk and Wilson divorced in 2008, two years after the triplets were born.
A New Chapter with Grimes: The Birth of X and Exa
In 2018, Musk began dating Canadian musician Grimes, and in May 2020, they welcomed their first son, X AE A-XII. The unique name sparked global discussion, with Grimes explaining that:
- “X” represents the unknown variable.
- “Æ” is shorthand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and symbolizes love in various languages.
- “A-12” refers to the Archangel 12, a reconnaissance aircraft.
Musk later clarified that the name is pronounced “X Ash A Twelve.”
In December 2021, Musk and Grimes had a second child, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk, via surrogate. Nicknamed “Y”, her name carries deep symbolic meanings:
- Exa references supercomputing capabilities.
- Dark signifies the unknown.
- Sideræl represents deep space time and is a nod to Grimes’ favorite Lord of the Rings character, Galadriel.
Despite their growing family, Musk and Grimes split shortly after Exa’s birth.
Secret Twins with Neuralink Executive Shivon Zilis
In November 2021, just weeks before Exa’s birth, court documents revealed that Musk had twins with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink. The couple petitioned for the twins to take Musk’s last name, a request that was approved in May 2022.
Musk’s Perspective on Fatherhood and the Future of Humanity
Balancing fatherhood with his demanding work schedule has been a challenge for Musk. In a 2020 New York Times interview, he admitted his role in parenting was limited during his children’s early years, saying:
“There’s not much I can do at this stage. Grimes has a much bigger role than me right now.”
However, he has repeatedly emphasized his belief in large families, warning about the risks of declining birth rates. In 2021, Musk tweeted:
“If people don’t have more kids, civilization is going to crumble. Mark my words.”
A Legacy Beyond Technology
Musk’s parenting approach has sparked debate. Critics question how he manages to be present in the lives of his 12 children, given his global business commitments. Others highlight the emotional complexities of raising children across multiple households, especially after Vivian’s decision to distance herself from him.
Despite the controversies, Musk’s children represent a new generation—one that may inherit not only his wealth but also his vision for the future. Whether they follow in his technological footsteps or forge their own paths, there is no doubt that the Musk family will remain in the public eye for years to come.
