Tech billionaire Elon Musk and singer Grimes have named their newborn son X Æ A-12 Musk, prompting discussions about the legality and pronunciation of the unusual moniker. Musk revealed the name on Twitter, though it remains unclear if he is serious. Grimes later attempted to explain the meaning, but the name has raised questions about birth certificate regulations in California.
The couple's choice joins a long list of unconventional celebrity baby names. Apple, daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, and Blue Ivy, child of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, are among previous examples. Blue Ivy's parents attempted to trademark the name but were blocked by an existing business.
Other notable unusual names include North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and Brooklyn, son of David and Victoria Beckham. Geographic names are popular among celebrities, with examples like Milan (Shakira's son), Paris (Michael Jackson's daughter), and Egypt (Alicia Keys's son).
Legal experts note that while most unusual names are permitted, some jurisdictions have restrictions. The name X Æ A-12 may face scrutiny due to its use of numbers and symbols, which are not typically allowed on birth certificates in many US states.
