Tech titan Elon Musk has named his 14th child Seldon Lycurgus, blending a nod to a science fiction legend with reverence for an ancient Greek figure.
The baby, born to Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, marks another chapter in Musk’s growing family saga. The announcement also hints at a Greek-inspired name for another child, Arcadia.
“Arcadia” (or “Arkadia” in Greek: Αρκαδία) refers to a historical region in the central Peloponnese of Greece, known in ancient times as a pastoral paradise. Mythology and literature often depict it as an idyllic, utopian land of natural beauty, simplicity, and harmony—home to shepherds and the god Pan, associated with music and nature. The name derives from Greek mythology’s Arcas, son of Zeus and the nymph Callisto, who is said to have been the region’s founder or namesake.
The news follows recent buzz about a previously undisclosed 13th child with MAGA influencer Ashley St. Clair, who claimed Musk had distanced himself from her. Undeterred, Musk and Zilis celebrated their latest arrival on X. Zilis wrote, “After discussing with Elon, and with beautiful Arcadia’s birthday in mind, we’re thrilled to introduce our incredible son Seldon Lycurgus. A powerhouse with a heart of gold—we adore him.”
The name Seldon honors Hari Seldon, the psychohistory genius from Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, recently adapted by Apple TV+. Lycurgus, the middle name, references the Spartan lawmaker famed for shaping a disciplined, militaristic society and advocating procreation as a societal duty. In Kaylynne Hoeppner’s Lycurgus of Sparta, he’s portrayed as a visionary who prioritized strong offspring through rigorous training for both men and women—a stance echoed by ancient historian Xenophon, who noted Lycurgus saw motherhood as a free woman’s highest calling.
The mention of “Arcadia” in Zilis’ post suggests another Greek-inspired name in Musk’s family. Arcadia, derived from the Greek region of Arkadia, evokes a mythical paradise of pastoral beauty and simplicity, linked to the god Pan and the hero Arcas, son of Zeus. It’s a fitting companion to Lycurgus, reinforcing Musk’s penchant for names rich in cultural resonance. While it’s unclear if Arcadia is a sibling born earlier or part of a broader announcement, its Greek roots align with Musk’s naming philosophy.
This philosophy resonates with Musk, who has warned on X that “population collapse from low birth rates” poses a greater threat than climate change. His mother, Maye Musk, shares similar views on the importance of procreation.
Musk’s penchant for unique names is well-documented—his first child with Grimes bears the moniker X Æ A-12. With 14 children across partners, including Grimes, Zilis, ex-wife Justine Wilson, and St. Clair, Musk continues to expand his unconventional legacy.
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