Did Elon Musk really name his son?
It was the news of the year. Billionaire technology entrepreneur Elon Musk and his partner Grimes welcomed a new little Musk into the world late 2020. He revealed the newborn’s name – X Æ A-12 – creating an avalanche of questions across social media. Did Elon Musk actually name his son X Æ A-12? To answer that question, we need to first look into what does the name mean, before examining the legality of the naming rights.
Musk clarified the meaning of the name on Twitter – X, the unknown variable; Æ, my elven spelling of Ai, a favorite song of Grimes; A-12, the precursor to SR-17, the favorite aircraft of both of us. Musk and Grimes explain that the significance behind the name stem from a song from Grimes’ album ‘Miss Anthropocene’, the term for the current, man-made epoch. Musk and Grimes kept their theme going in giving their son the letter X to signify an unknown, futuristic, and exploratory feeling, as well as combining their favorite aircraft type.
However, some of the most pressing questions revolve around the legality of the name itself. A peculiar case, laws in California, where Musk is based, prevent parents from ‘using symbols or numbers in the name of a person’, which the name X Æ A-12 may be considered to violate. Other states have different rules on what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to baby names. All things considered, it is still uncertain if the name is legally allowed.
Experts agree that it can be argued that the name is not illegal. Stephanie Standal, an important lawyer in the United States and specialist in this area, suggests that the name would be difficult to classify considering it doesn’t contain any vowels, which goes against what child naming statutes indicate. There have been similar cases in the past, like a couple in Germany who called their son ‘Tesla’ after the inventor.
Although there are many views surrounding this strange name choice, the case of Elon Musk and Grimes’ son has made more people understand what a child needs in order to develop in a healthy way. Firstly, a secure family environment full of love and respect, whether a child’s name is symbolic or named after superheroes.
Furthermore, even if the name is considered to be legal, it’s not clear what will happen when the boy starts going to school and has to fill in forms or when he applies for a job in the future. It may be the case that he will opt to use a simplified version of his name or even choose to go by another one.
First Name Change
For parents deciding to change their child’s name, there are certain rules that have to be taken into account. First, any name change has to be personally requested in writing to the court. Then, the parents must publish a notice in a legal newspaper and then appear in court for a hearing. The judge will look at factors such as the best interest of the child, the request for a change in the name and any other factors the judge considers relevant to make the final decision.
Consequently, many people are aware that Elon Musk and Grimes could face a rather complicated judicial decision to confirm their son’s name in case they needed to change it. Even though it might take months and a large amount of money to get it done, at least they will have the court’s decision.
One thing’s for sure though; as a parent, it’s important to consider all the potential issues a name may provoke in the future since it is a decision that can’t be reversed. Name changes affect documents like birth certificates and passports, making them more difficult to obtain. For example, if the name is illegible or the symbol used can’t be represented on a form, it might cause issues in the future.
Importance of Bouncing Name Ideas
When deciding to create a unique name for your child, it is hugely important to conduct research first. An effective suggestion might be to discuss the possible name with close relatives, friends, or family members. Thus, it is possible to get a feedback and some perspective instead of making a rash decision without thorough research.
Moreover, for parents who choose to be original and use symbols in their babies’ name, it is important to be aware of the legal difficulties they could face, especially since some people may argue that it would be best for the child, in the long run, to alter the name. The best thing to do would be to take some time to think and plan in order to reach an informed decision.
Breaking Social Norms
Social norms often define what is considered to be an acceptable behavior or action. These expectations are deeply ingrained in society and are usually implicit. Consequently, a name is a part of an individual’s social identity and their cultural heritage. When it comes to a unique and controversial name like X Æ A-12, opinions may be very divided.
Some argue that Elon Musk and Grimes have defied the traditional norms of society and have made a bold statement. Others may believe that the decision is nothing more than being over the top and that this offbeat progressive parenting trend may be little more than an attention trap. Nevertheless, people who are needlessly judgmental should consider the fact that a name is a matter of personal choice, or at least between two people.
Consequences of Unusual Names
Unusual and unique names can pose a range of challenges for the people carrying them. These implications could range from the practical issues of not having the name on a uniform or ID card, to issues concerning identity and self-image. Therefore, it is vital for parents to think carefully about what name they choose for their child.
Since children are influenced greatly by their name, it is important for parents to try to pre-empt any negative reactions that the child may experience in the future because of it. For example, if the name is too outlandish and identified as being odd, it might make the child feel embarrassed or even prevent them from making new friends.
Current Debate
Despite potential legal, social, and practical issues, the name Elon Musk and Grimes chose still sparks current debate. Since the name is seen as being too unusual, people might start to question the values Elon Musk and Grimes are teaching their son or the type of environment they are setting up for him. On the other hand, some people believe that a one-of-a-kind name reflects a creative and contemporary family.
The truth is, it’s not entirely clear why Musk and Grimes chose this name for their son. They both have expressed their admiration for science. Therefore, its possible that X Æ A-12 is an homage to the couple’s scientific knowledge, although the complexity of the name still confuses many people.
Future Repercussions
Time will determine whether this name gave by Musk and Grimes will pay off in the future. As of now, it remains uncertain whether the couple took into consideration all the potential implications it can have on their child’s life, academic activities, and career. Additionally, the public won’t soon forget Elon Musk’s and Grimes’ naming decision, so it’s only a matter of time until their son learns to make the most of it.
Privacy Concerns
Having such an unusual name could also lead to an increased concern for the privacy and safety of a person. With the advancement in technology and social media, it’s easier to look up information about someone and to find their personal information. As a result, it’s difficult to protect the identity and information of those who have unique and unusual names.
There’s no doubt that Elon Musk and Grimes’ son won’t be able to hide and most likely his details will be searched for, making him a public interest. Therefore, one of the parents’ priorities should be to more vigilantly try and protect their son’s privacy from the public eye as he grows so that he is able to enjoy a normal expectance of privacy, as any other child.
Reflection
Although Elon Musk and Grimes’ decision of naming their son still seems pretty controversial, the name X Æ A-12 at least shows evidence of the parents’ love, affection, creativity, and admiration for science. Moreover, it is an example of how important it is to think carefully and research a potential name, as a name will stay with a person for the rest of their life.
It emphasized the importance of having a loving family environment, regardless if the names are conventional or not, as well as the need to take into consideration potential implications of a name choice. And although it’s unlikely that X Æ A-12 will become a widespread trend, Elon Musk’s and Grimes’s story will continue to be a source of inspiration for other expectant parents who are looking for unique and creative naming options.
