From Apple to Zuma, musicians do not shy away from extending their creativity to their children’s names. In May 2020, musician Grimes gave birth to a baby with a name that sent the world into a tizzy. Initially written “X Æ A-12”, the laws regarding legal names meant that only a few days after being born, his name underwent a slight change to X Æ A-Xii. YouTube stars Zac Alsopp and Jamie “Jay” Rawsthorne felt that this was going too far and set out to discover what life as X Æ A-Xii Musk would really be like.
After a bit of research, and one very scientific process, the duo came to the conclusion that the only way to understand the experience is for Zac to legally change names via Deed Poll. That’s right, he is no longer Zac. He is now, by law, X Æ A-Xii Musk. Pronounced “Ex Ash Archangel Twelve”, you can call him “X”.
X documents the entire Deed Poll process in a very funny video. He includes the first steps everyone should take after a legal name change. Starting with contacting his financial institution and applying for a new passport. It also includes the realities those with unique names face. Complete with a trip to the coffee shop to see if they can sort out what his name is.
While some people embrace their unusual names, the case of X Æ A-Xii presents an issue by ordering letters in a way that many find unpronounceable. Funny and unique names and names with alternate spellings are completely legal as long as you follow a few guidelines. However, there are consequences when straying too far from the mainstream. Mispronunciation and misspellings aside, you may find it difficult to be taken seriously with a name like Lyra Antarctica. Unless, of course, your dad is Ed Sheeran.
