‘Sekhar’ goes viral: Elon Musk explains the Indian inspiration behind his son’s name

Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk has once again made global headlines, this time not for a rocket launch or tech reveal but for a personal moment. An X (formerly Twitter) handle, Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, tweeted a picture featuring Musk with his twins and but it was Musk's proud comment on the post that has now gone viral around the world. The tweet shared a glimpse into his family life on social media as he introduced his son Strider Sekhar and daughter Comet Azure.

The picture of the trio, shared by Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, was captioned, "Elon Musk “Bringing a child into the world is a statement of optimism. We need to restore hope and excitement for the future—I believe it will surpass the past.” (sic)."






Musk commented, “Me with my son, Strider Sekhar (named after Aragorn & great Indian physicist Chandrasekhar) and daughter, Comet Azure, named after the most powerful spell in Elden Ring (sic).” The tweet quickly turned into one of the platform’s most discussed moments of the week as the revelation captivated followers for several reasons: the blend of pop culture, global science lore and video-game references in the children’s names, the rare personal tone from a notoriously private billionaire and the cultural conversation it sparked online.

Who are Strider Sekhar and Comet Azure?

Strider and Azure are twins born in November 2021 to Musk and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, conceived via IVF and welcomed alongside other children whom Musk shares with different partners. The twins were previously known publicly by their shorter names, Strider and Azure, but Musk’s new tweet elaborates on both their full names and the inspirations behind them.

• Strider Sekhar: Strider’s name clearly draws inspiration from Aragorn, also called ‘Strider’, the beloved ranger and king from The Lord of the Rings, a classic work of fantasy that has influenced generations. The middle name “Sekhar” is rooted in real-world achievement, paying homage to Professor Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, the Indian-American astrophysicist and Nobel laureate whose research transformed our understanding of stellar evolution. The combination reflects Musk’s penchant for blending mythic and scientific references as in this case, honouring both a heroic literary figure and a towering scientific mind. The choice has drawn widespread attention online, with commentators celebrating the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary homage.
• Comet Azure: Musk’s daughter’s full name, Comet Azure, reportedly references the “most powerful spell in the video game Elden Ring”, a bestselling and critically acclaimed fantasy title beloved by many. The name’s fantastical tone fits with Musk’s well-known enthusiasm for gaming, science fiction and digital culture.

While the specific phrase “most powerful spell” is not independently verified by gaming sources, the reference reflects how pop culture influences naming in the tech billionaire’s circle.

Musk’s unconventional naming tradition

Elon Musk has a long history of choosing unusual, symbolic names for his children and this latest tweet confirms that tradition is very much alive.

His first child with musician Grimes, for example, was named X Æ A-Xii, a name blending letters and numerals as a reflection of both parents’ interests in technology, aviation and symbolism. Other children include Exa Dark Sideræl and Techno Mechanicus with Grimes, and Seldon Lycurgus with Zilis. These names were inspired by science fiction and ancient governance respectively.

In the case of Seldon Lycurgus, the name pulled from Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series and Spartan lawgiver Lycurgus, indicating the one-off but deliberate fusion of cultural and historical figures that Musk favours.

The new tweet suggests that Strider Sekhar and Comet Azure are part of that same pattern of mixing cultural icons, historical figures and elements of fantasy, which is a style that has drawn both fascination and mockery online. Elon Musk’s family life, including his many children with multiple partners, periodically captures headlines.

According to public records and reports, Musk has acknowledged fathering at least 14 children, including twins Strider and Azure as well as other children with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis and previous relationships. Some of the children, like Strider and Azure, have previously appeared in family photos circulating online and Musk has on occasion interacted publicly about his kids, though he usually keeps his personal life private.

The wave of discussion sparked by the recent tweet reflects not only curiosity about the unusual names but also broader interest in how public figures invoke storytelling, heritage and pop culture when choosing names for the next generation.

Public reaction and social media buzz

As with many Musk-related moments, the tweet has ignited a mixed reaction online. Fans and pop culture buffs are sharing praise for the references, particularly the blended tribute to Tolkien and Chandrasekhar. Gaming communities are amused by the Elden Ring reference, seeing it as a playful nod that connects with younger audiences.

Cultural commentators are noting the cross-cultural appeal of honouring both a Western literary icon and an Indian scientific pioneer in a single name, something rarely seen in high-profile naming choices. Reposts, memes and debates about name pronunciation and meaning have already spread across X, Instagram and Reddit, where Musk’s personal posts often become fodder for broader cultural discussion.

While some of the chatter is light-hearted, this tweet encapsulates several larger trends in how modern public figures communicate. Musk uses social platforms to share personal tidbits that blur the boundaries between private and public identity. The choice of “Sekhar” highlights how global heritage and scientific admiration can coexist in naming traditions, reflecting broader globalisation.

By invoking Elden Ring, Tolkien and historical figures, modern naming can serve as encoded signals about family interests, values and technological culture. Whether one sees the tweet as charming, eccentric or emblematic of billionaire quirkiness, it has undeniably sparked conversation about modern parenting, cultural homage and the role of symbolic names in the digital age.

Bottom line

Elon Musk’s tweet introducing Strider Sekhar and Comet Azure gives rare insight into how one of the world’s most high-profile figures bridges fantasy, science, culture and personal identity in naming his children. By honouring both a legendary literary character and an esteemed Indian physicist, alongside a video-game-inspired name, Musk’s choices reflect a unique fusion of cultural currents that are distinctly modern, widely discussed and emblematic of his larger-than-life public persona.