Reason why Elon Musk and Grimes were forced to change their child’s name within less than a month

Elon Musk and Grimes weren't exactly going to give their kid the most generic name out there, but their choice was so controversial that they were actually forced to change it.

The former couple, who dated on and off for about four years from 2018 to 2022, welcomed three children throughout their relationship - all of which have quite, um, out there monikers.

The 53-year-old Tesla boss and Canadian singer Grimes, 36, whose real name is Claire Boucher, had their first child back in 2020.

The little boy is now four years old and was even spotted at the White House alongside Musk during a press conference on Tuesday (11 February).

The toddler's name was announced at the time as X Æ A-12 - something that clearly baffled fans.

Just one month later, however, the pair were forced to do away with their first choice due to the fact the name X Æ A-12 did not comply with the law in California.

Musk took his and Grimes' son to the White House this week (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

According to the state constitution, names must only 'use the 26 alphabetical letters of the English language' - and it's pretty obvious that Musk and Grimes fell very short of such conditions.

So, in order to get around the situation, the parents switched out the numbers for Roman numerals, adapting the name to X Æ A-XII - with his first name being X, middle name AE A-XII and surname Musk.

After announcing the news, Grimes said: "Roman numerals. Looks better tbh," before clarifying that one dash is 'allowed'.

Grimes also ended up taking to social media to explain the meaning behind the unique choice, writing on Twitter: "X, the unknown variable. Æ, my elven spelling of AI (love &/or Artificial Intelligence).

Grimes and Musk have three children together (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

"A-12 = precursor to SR-17 (our favourite aircraft). No weapons, no defences, just speed. Great in battle, but non-violent + (A=Archangel, my favourite song) (metal rat)."

Musk also explained a little more background details surrounding the name at the time, saying on the Joe Rogan podcast: "First of all, [Grimes] is the one that, actually, mostly, came up with the name. She’s great at names. I mean it’s just X, the letter X. Um, and then, the Æ is, like, pronounced 'Ash'. And then, A-12, A-12 is my contribution."

"Archangel 12, the precursor to the SR-71, is the coolest plane ever," he added.

The former couple also share two other children together; Techno Mechanicus, two, as well as daughter Exa Dark Sideræl, three.