Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul behind Tesla and SpaceX, is not just a titan of industry—he’s also a father of 12. His growing family spans multiple relationships and has drawn as much public interest as his ventures into space and AI.

The Tragic Loss of Nevada Alexander Musk

Musk and his first wife, Justine Wilson, became parents for the first time in 2002 with the birth of their son, Nevada Alexander. Tragically, Nevada passed away at just 10 weeks old due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In a deeply personal 2010 essay for Marie Claire, Wilson recalled the devastating moment: “Nevada went down for a nap, placed on his back as always, and stopped breathing… By the time paramedics revived him, he had been without oxygen for too long and was brain-dead.”

Twins: Vivian Jenna Wilson and Griffin Musk

After Nevada’s death, Musk and Wilson turned to IVF and had twins, Griffin and Vivian, in 2004. In 2022, Vivian made headlines by legally changing her name and gender, making it clear she no longer wished to be associated with her father. Musk’s views on gender identity—he once called preferred pronouns an “esthetic nightmare” on X (formerly Twitter)—have stirred public debate and may have influenced the estrangement.

Triplets: Kai, Saxon, and Damian Musk

The couple expanded their family again in 2006 with the birth of triplet boys—Kai, Saxon, and Damian—also via IVF. Musk and Wilson divorced in 2008, but they continue to co-parent.

X AE A-XII Musk: The Baby With the Internet-Breaking Name

Musk began dating Canadian musician Grimes in 2018, and in May 2020, they welcomed a son with a name that raised eyebrows: X AE A-XII. Grimes explained that “X” stands for the unknown variable, “Æ” is a symbol for artificial intelligence and love, and “A-12” was a nod to a cool aircraft and a shared interest in tech. Musk told Joe Rogan that it’s pronounced “X Ash A Twelve.”

Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (aka “Y”)

In a 2022 Vanity Fair profile, Grimes revealed that she and Musk had a second child—a daughter named Exa Dark Sideræl—via surrogate in December 2021. They call her “Y.” The name references computing power (“Exa”), the mysteries of the universe (“Dark”), and deep time beyond Earth (“Sideræl”), plus a wink to Grimes’ love for The Lord of the Rings character Galadriel.

Secret Twins with Shivon Zilis: Strider and Azure

Not long after, news broke that Musk had fathered twins with Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink executive, in November 2021. Court documents showed the pair requested the children use Musk’s last name and Zilis’ as their middle names. That petition was approved in May 2022. The twins’ names—Strider and Azure—became public in 2023.

A Complex Co-Parenting Web

Musk’s parenting life is as multi-faceted as his business empire. Despite running multiple high-profile companies, he’s voiced his commitment to family. “Children are the future,” he once tweeted. Still, in a 2020 New York Times interview, Musk admitted he wasn’t very hands-on in his children’s early years, saying, “There’s not much I can do at that stage. Grimes has a much bigger role than me right now.”

On Fatherhood and Population Worries

Musk often links fatherhood to his broader views on humanity’s future. He’s repeatedly warned about declining birth rates, calling it a major threat to civilization. In 2021, he tweeted, “If people don’t have more kids, civilization is going to crumble. Mark my words.” His large family appears to reflect that belief.

Public Criticism and Controversy

Musk’s unconventional family life hasn’t escaped criticism. With kids spread across multiple households and co-parents, some question how involved he can really be. Vivian’s decision to distance herself from him has sparked conversations about the emotional dynamics of such a nontraditional setup. His controversial takes on gender identity haven’t helped quiet the critics either.

The Next Generation of Musk

While the world knows Musk for revolutionizing cars, rockets, and AI, his legacy may also lie in the next generation—his children. Whether they follow in his footsteps or forge their own paths, Musk’s kids will likely grow up under a bright spotlight and with the weight of big expectations.