Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has unveiled the fascinating origins behind his children's names, revealing a significant tribute to Indian scientific excellence. In a personal revelation on social media, Musk explained that his son's middle name pays homage to a legendary Indian-American astrophysicist.
The Meaning Behind Strider Sekhar
Responding to a post from the X account Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, which featured a photograph of him with his twins, Musk provided a detailed breakdown. He stated that his son's full name, Strider Sekhar, draws inspiration from two vastly different yet iconic sources.
The first name, 'Strider', is a direct reference to Aragorn, the revered ranger and future king from J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. The second part of the name, 'Sekhar', holds profound scientific significance. Musk confirmed it is a tribute to the renowned Indian-American astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.
Chandrasekhar, a luminary in his field, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his groundbreaking theories on the evolution and structure of stars, particularly white dwarfs. His work remains foundational in astrophysics.
Gaming Inspiration for Daughter Comet Azure
Musk did not stop at his son's name. He also explained the origin of his daughter's distinctive name, Comet Azure. Unlike the literary and scientific blend for Strider, Comet Azure's name springs from the world of gaming. Musk explicitly mentioned that it is "named after the most powerful spell in Elden Ring", the critically acclaimed action role-playing video game.
The twins, a boy and a girl, were born in November 2021 to Musk and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis. The couple has since welcomed two more children: Arcadia in 2024 and Seldon Lycurgus in March 2025. It is noteworthy that Zilis has Indian heritage through her mother, Sharda Zilis, who is of Punjabi origin.
Online Reactions and Cultural Significance
Musk's explanation quickly ignited conversations online, with many users appreciating the thought and cultural depth behind the names. One social media user praised the uniqueness, stating, "You always find the most amazing and unusual names for your children. Very unique identities."
Another user highlighted the Sanskrit roots and meaning of 'Sekhar', commenting, "Beautiful names!! Sekhar (Shekhar) is a Sanskrit word meaning highest point in terms of excellence. Blessings!" A third applauded the scientific nod, writing, "Naming after Chandrasekhar is a beautiful nod to science. Respect."
This revelation underscores how Musk's naming conventions weave together diverse threads of influence—from fantasy literature and video game lore to monumental achievements in science, with a special recognition of India's contribution to global astrophysics through the legacy of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.
