Elon Musk Family Tree: Explore His Family & Children

When you hear the name Elon Musk, what comes to mind? SpaceX rockets? Tesla’s sleek electric cars? Maybe even Twitter (or should we say X)? While Musk is best known for his groundbreaking work in technology, space exploration, and artificial intelligence, there’s another side to him that isn’t often discussed—his family.

 

So, who are the people behind the billionaire? What do we know about his parents, siblings, and the many children that are set to inherit the Musk legacy? This blog dives deep into Elon Musk’s family tree, exploring his ancestors, parents, siblings, children, and extended relatives.

Why Does Elon Musk’s Family Background Matter?

Elon Musk’s upbringing and family history have played a crucial role in shaping the ambitious entrepreneur we see today. His childhood in South Africa, his complex relationship with his father, and the influence of his brilliant and independent mother have all contributed to his relentless drive for innovation.

 

Understanding Musk’s family tree gives us a unique perspective on his journey—where he came from, how he was raised, and how his own children might carry his legacy forward.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the people who make up the Musk family tree, from his parents to his ever-growing list of children.

Elon Musk’s Parents: Errol Musk & Maye Musk

Like any intriguing family story, Musk’s begins with his parents—each leaving a strong mark on his personality and ambitions.

Father: Errol Musk

 

Elon’s father, Errol Musk, is a South African electromechanical engineer, pilot, and property developer. He was highly successful in his career, and for a time, the Musk family lived in luxury. However, Errol has been a controversial figure, with Elon himself calling him a “terrible human being” in interviews. Their relationship has been strained, with Musk rarely speaking about his father in a positive light.

 

One of the most talked-about aspects of Errol’s life is his claim that he once owned an emerald mine in Zambia, though the truth behind this story remains debated. Regardless, Elon has repeatedly denied coming from a wealthy background, stating that he funded his education and business ventures through student loans and personal efforts.

Mother: Maye Musk

 

On the other hand, Maye Musk—Elon’s mother—is an entirely different story. A Canadian-South African model and dietitian, Maye has been a powerhouse of independence and resilience. She started modeling at 15 and, even in her 70s, continues to be a successful figure in the fashion industry.

 

Raising Elon and his siblings as a single mother, Maye worked hard to provide for them. She has often been credited with shaping Elon’s strong work ethic and determination. She frequently shares insights into his childhood, recalling how he would read encyclopedia pages for fun and dive deep into physics and technology.

The Elon Musk Family Tree Chart

Ever wondered what Elon Musk’s family tree looks like? With multiple marriages, a growing number of children, and an intriguing ancestral background, Musk’s lineage is anything but simple. Mapping it out can feel like trying to solve a complex equation—fitting, given that the man himself loves numbers and logic.

 

If you’re curious about how to create a family tree, there’s a simple way to do it using tools like Treemily. Whether you’re tracing the Musk family or your own, here’s a step-by-step guide to mapping out your ancestry.

How to Build a Family Tree Like Elon Musk’s

Want to create a family tree that documents your lineage just like we’re doing for Musk?

 

Follow these simple steps:

 

• Define Your Family Size – First, decide how far back you want to go. Are you focusing on just immediate family, or are you tracing generations? Musk’s tree spans multiple generations, from his parents to his own children.

 

• Decide on Who to Include in Your Family Tree Layout – A proper family tree should include parents, siblings, children, and even notable extended relatives. In Musk’s case, we include Errol Musk, Maye Musk, his siblings, his wifes, and all of his children.

 

• Older Records Require More Effort – If you’re tracing back multiple generations, be prepared to dig deep. Musk’s South African and Canadian heritage makes his ancestral records unique, requiring more detailed research.

 

• There Might Be Someone Talking About Your Ancestors – Public records, old interviews, and even books can offer valuable insights. Musk’s ancestry is well-documented in biographies and news articles, making it easier to piece together his lineage.

 

• Question All Sources – Family trees often contain inconsistencies. Even Musk’s story has contradictions—like the disputed emerald mine his father claimed to own. Always verify details before adding them.

 

• Use Treemily to Create Your Family Tree – Once you have all your information, a tool like Treemily can help you design a professional family tree. It’s a great way to visualize your lineage, whether you’re mapping out Elon Musk’s family tree or your own.

 

Family trees aren’t just historical records—they tell stories. By mapping Elon Musk’s family tree, we gain insight into the people who influenced him, the values passed down through generations, and the legacy he’s building for his own children.

Elon Musk’s Siblings

Elon Musk isn’t the only ambitious one in the family. He has two younger siblings—Kimbal Musk and Tosca Musk—both of whom have carved out their own successful careers. While they may not be launching rockets or developing AI, they’re making an impact in their own unique ways.

Kimbal Musk: The Food & Sustainability Entrepreneur

 

Kimbal Musk is often called the “foodie” of the Musk family. Unlike his brother, who is busy revolutionizing space travel and electric vehicles, Kimbal is focused on sustainable food and agriculture.

 

• He co-founded The Kitchen Restaurant Group, a chain of farm-to-table restaurants.
• He runs Big Green, a nonprofit that builds learning gardens in schools.
• He also co-founded Square Roots, an urban farming company that promotes sustainable food production.

Beyond food, Kimbal has been a board member at Tesla and SpaceX, meaning he’s still involved in his brother’s ventures. But his main mission? Changing the way people eat by making healthy, locally grown food more accessible.

Tosca Musk: The Filmmaker & Media Entrepreneur

 

Tosca Musk took a different path from her brothers—she’s in the entertainment industry. She’s a filmmaker, producer, and co-founder of Passionflix, a streaming service dedicated to romance films and book adaptations.

 

• She has produced and directed multiple romantic films, earning a loyal following.
• Passionflix aims to bring best-selling romance novels to the screen with high-quality adaptations.
• While not as widely known as her brothers, she’s built a successful niche in the film industry.

Despite their different career choices, all three Musk siblings share a strong entrepreneurial spirit, something that seems to run in the family.

Elon Musk’s Marriages and Relationships

Elon Musk’s love life has been as eventful as his career. He’s been married multiple times, had high-profile relationships, and is a father to several children. Here’s a look at the key figures in his romantic history.

Justine Musk: The First Wife & Mother of Five

Before Elon Musk became a billionaire, he was married to Justine Musk (née Wilson), a Canadian author. The two met while attending Queen’s University in Canada and got married in 2000.

 

• Together, they had six children—one of whom, Nevada, tragically passed away from SIDS at 10 weeks old.
• Justine has spoken publicly about their turbulent marriage, revealing that Musk treated their relationship more like a business partnership than a romance.
• They divorced in 2008, with Justine later describing herself as “a starter wife.”

Talulah Riley: The On-Again, Off-Again Wife

Not long after his divorce, Musk found love again with Talulah Riley, a British actress best known for her roles in Pride & Prejudice and Westworld. Their relationship was anything but simple:

 

• They married in 2010, divorced in 2012.
• Remarried in 2013, and then divorced again in 2016.

Despite their split, Talulah has always spoken highly of Musk, even saying in interviews that he’s not as emotionless as people think.

Grimes: The Quirky, Tech-Loving Artist

 

In 2018, Musk started dating Grimes (real name: Claire Boucher), a Canadian musician known for her futuristic music and eccentric personality. Their relationship became tabloid gold, especially after they announced the birth of their son:

 

• X Æ A-Xii Musk (yes, that’s his real name).
• They later had a daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (a.k.a. “Y”) via surrogate in 2021.
• Their relationship was on-and-off, with the two eventually separating—but remaining co-parents.

Shivon Zilis: The Quiet Addition to the Family

In 2021, it was revealed that Musk had fathered twins with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink, one of his companies.

 

• The twins were born just weeks before his daughter with Grimes.
• The news wasn’t public knowledge until 2022, when court documents surfaced showing Musk had requested to give the children his last name.
• Shivon Zilis is a highly respected AI expert, and while her relationship with Musk has never been openly romantic, the two clearly share a professional and personal bond.

Elon Musk’s Children: The Future of the Musk Legacy

 

Elon Musk is not just building rockets and electric cars—he’s also building a big family. With multiple relationships and a growing number of kids, Musk’s family tree is expanding fast. But who are his children, and what does the future hold for them?

 

Musk has openly spoken about the importance of having more children to address what he sees as a global population crisis. He has even tweeted that “a collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces.” True to his word, he has fathered at least 12 children (that we know of) with three different women.

 

Here’s a closer look at Elon Musk’s children and their unique place in the Musk legacy.

Nevada Musk (2002)

Nevada Alexander Musk was Elon Musk and Justine Musk’s first child, born in 2002. Sadly, at just 10 weeks old, Nevada passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Musk has rarely spoken about this tragedy, but Justine has shared that it had a profound impact on their lives.

Griffin Musk (2004) & Vivian Jenna Wilson (2004)

 

Born in 2004, Griffin and Vivian were Musk’s first surviving children, conceived through IVF with Justine Musk.

 

• Griffin Musk keeps a very low profile and has largely stayed out of the public eye.
• Vivian Jenna Wilson, formerly known as Xavier Musk, made headlines in 2022 when she legally changed her name and gender identity. She stated that she no longer wanted to be associated with her father, citing personal reasons.

Musk has said that his relationship with Vivian is strained, though he claims to support her decision.

Kai, Saxon, & Damian Musk (2006)

In 2006, Musk and Justine had triplets—Kai, Saxon, and Damian—again through IVF. Like Griffin, these three brothers keep a low public profile, and not much is known about their personal lives.

 

Given Musk’s love for engineering and technology, many wonder if any of his sons will follow in his entrepreneurial footsteps.

X Æ A-Xii Musk (2020)

 

If there’s one Musk child who’s instantly recognizable, it’s X Æ A-Xii Musk, also known as “X”.

 

• Born in 2020 to Musk and Grimes, his name immediately caused a stir due to its complex spelling.
• Originally named X Æ A-12, California laws forced a slight revision to X Æ A-Xii (since numbers aren’t allowed in names).
• Musk has explained that the name is a mix of mathematical symbols, the Elven spelling of AI, and an aircraft name (A-12 being the precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird).

Despite the out-there name, X seems to be growing up surrounded by technology, with Grimes and Musk c-parenting him.

Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (2021)

Nicknamed “Y”, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk was born via surrogate in December 2021.

 

• “Exa” refers to the computing term “exaFLOP” (supercomputing power).
• “Dark” symbolizes the unknown, something Grimes has said fascinates her.
• “Sideræl” (pronounced sigh-deer-ee-el) is a nod to deep space and timekeeping in astronomy.

Grimes has described their daughter as “a little engineer”, suggesting she may share her father’s interest in science and tech.

Azure and Strider Musk (2021)

 

In November 2021, it was revealed that Musk had secretly fathered twins with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink, just weeks before the birth of his daughter with Grimes.

 

• Zilis is a high-ranking figure in Musk’s AI ventures, meaning these children are likely growing up surrounded by cutting-edge technology.
• The twins were given Musk’s last name, indicating a close connection.

Musk and Zilis have never spoken publicly about their relationship, but they co-parent the twins.

Techno Mechanicus Musk (2022)

Yes, you read that correctly—Musk’s youngest known child is named Techno Mechanicus, with the nickname “Tau”.

 

• Born in 2022, his name was revealed in Grimes’ biography rather than a public announcement.
• While details about him are scarce, his name suggests a futuristic, science-fiction influence (which seems fitting for Musk and Grimes).

Grimes has called her children “experimental kids,” raising them in a tech-heavy, creative environment.

Baby No. 12

In June 2024, Elon Musk confirmed he has a 12th child, his third with Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink executive. The baby’s name and birth date are not yet public. Musk clarified that his newest child was not a “secret.” He told Page Six, “All our friends and family know. Not making an announcement doesn’t mean it’s a ‘secret.’”

The Musk Family Legacy

 

Elon Musk’s family tree is just as fascinating as his ventures in space, electric cars, and artificial intelligence. From his South African roots to his ever-growing number of children, Musk’s lineage reflects a mix of ambition, controversy, and forward-thinking vision.

 

Musk’s legacy is not just about wealth—it’s about reshaping the future. Whether through his companies (Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, and xAI) or his children, he seems determined to leave an impact that extends beyond his own lifetime.

 

But what does the future hold for the Musk name? Will any of his children take up leadership roles in his empire? Or will they forge their own paths? While it’s too soon to tell, one thing is certain—the Musk family tree is far from ordinary.

Conclusion

Building a family tree—whether for Elon Musk’s complex lineage or your own—can help visualize connections across generations. Understanding where we come from often provides insight into who we are and where we might be headed.

 

If you want to map out your own family history, tools like Treemily can simplify the process. With just a few steps, you can create detailed family charts that showcase ancestry, relationships, and historical significance.

FAQs About Elon Musk’s Family

Did Elon Musk come from a wealthy family?

The truth about Elon Musk’s upbringing is widely debated. His father, Errol Musk, has claimed they were financially successful, even suggesting that their wealth came from an emerald mine in Zambia. However, Musk himself has denied these claims, stating that he had to fund his own education and businesses through student loans and personal efforts.

How many kids does Elon Musk have biologically?

Elon Musk has 12 known biological children with three different women—Justine Musk, Grimes, and Shivon Zilis. He has openly spoken about the importance of increasing the birth rate, believing that a declining global population is a major threat to civilization.

Who is the 11th child of Elon Musk?

The youngest known child of Elon Musk is Techno Mechanicus (“Tau”), born in 2022. His name was revealed in Grimes’ biography, though Musk himself has not publicly shared details about him.

How many times has Elon Musk been married?

Musk has been married twice—both times to Talulah Riley, a British actress. Their relationship was a classic on-again, off-again story:

 

• Married in 2010, divorced in 2012
• Remarried in 2013, divorced again in 2016

Before Talulah, Musk was married to Justine Musk, with whom he had five children before their divorce in 2008.

What is the heritage of the Musk family?

Elon Musk comes from a South African, Canadian, and European heritage.

 

• His mother, Maye Musk, is Canadian-born, with roots tracing back to Switzerland.
• His father, Errol Musk, is South African, with British and Dutch ancestry.
• Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, before later becoming a U.S. citizen.

 

 

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