Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has once again changed his display name on the platform—this time reviving the alias Harry Bōlz. This marks the second time Musk has adopted this name, with the first instance dating back to April 2023. While many see this as yet another example of Musk’s characteristic online humor, the timing of this move has raised eyebrows, as it comes just hours after reports emerged that Musk and a consortium of investors have placed a bid to take control of OpenAI.
Musk, 53 years old and currently heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is known for his unpredictable online behavior. His frequent engagement with memes, internet humor, and trolling has made him one of the most followed and controversial figures in tech and business. The latest name change has left many wondering: is this simply Musk having fun, or is there a deeper message behind it?
Musk’s History of Changing Display Names on X
Musk has a long history of altering his display name on X, often sparking curiosity, memes, and media speculation. His playful approach to social media reflects his unconventional communication style, which frequently blends tech culture, satire, and internet humor. Two of the most notable instances where Musk changed his name include:
1. “Harry Bōlz” (April 2023 & February 2025)
Musk initially adopted the name Harry Bōlz in April 2023. The name is widely believed to be a play on words, phonetically resembling “hairy balls,” a phrase commonly used in internet humor. At the time, Musk did not provide a clear explanation for the change, but he later confirmed on X that it was intended as a joke.
Now, in February 2025, Musk has revived the name for the second time. While the precise reasoning behind this move remains unclear, it has sparked speculation that Musk is using humor to distract from or address recent business maneuvers, including his consortium’s bid to take control of OpenAI.
2. “Kekius Maximus” (December 2024)
On December 31, 2024, Musk changed his name to “Kekius Maximus” and updated his profile picture to an image of Pepe the Frog dressed as a Roman gladiator. This name is a reference to “kek,” a term popularized in online gaming culture, particularly in World of Warcraft. The addition of “Maximus” invokes Roman military titles, suggesting a humorous or satirical take on authority and leadership.
This move once again demonstrated Musk’s deep connection to internet meme culture. Some saw it as a playful joke, while others speculated that Musk was subtly aligning himself with certain meme-driven online movements.
Why Does Musk Change His X Name?
Musk’s display name changes are not just random acts—they align with his broader online persona and communication strategy. There are several potential reasons why Musk engages in these identity shifts:
1. Humor and Entertainment
Musk has often used his X platform to post lighthearted, humorous, and sometimes controversial content. By changing his name to Harry Bōlz, he may simply be entertaining himself and his audience.
2. Internet Culture References
As someone deeply embedded in meme culture, Musk enjoys tapping into trends that resonate with tech-savvy and meme-loving audiences. His past name changes have often involved inside jokes and cultural references, making them part of his larger internet persona.
3. Disruptive Marketing Strategy
By generating attention with his name changes, Musk keeps the public focused on his X profile and businesses. This strategy aligns with his broader marketing approach, where he often uses social media buzz to promote his ventures—whether it’s Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, or OpenAI-related developments.
4. A Form of Protest or Commentary
Some speculate that Musk’s name changes can be subtle forms of protest or commentary on broader tech and cultural issues. His “Kekius Maximus” name change, for example, was interpreted by some as a nod to internet subcultures that use memes as satirical political expression.
The OpenAI Takeover Bid: Is Musk Distracting from Bigger News?
Musk’s resurfacing of “Harry Bōlz” coincides with a major business move—his reported attempt to take control of OpenAI. According to sources, a Musk-led consortium of investors is placing a bid to gain influence over the AI giant. This news has major implications for the future of AI governance and competition, particularly given Musk’s past legal battle with OpenAI over the direction of its technology development.
By shifting attention to a humorous name change, Musk might be leveraging his social media presence to control the narrative, ensuring that news cycles focus on his online antics rather than the high-stakes AI negotiations happening behind the scenes.
Musk’s X Persona: Genius or Online Chaos?
Musk’s engagement on X continues to be a fascinating case study in modern digital influence. His use of humor, memes, and unexpected identity changes keeps his audience engaged while also fueling discussions about his businesses, leadership style, and vision for the future.
While some may see Musk’s Harry Bōlz stunt as a simple joke, others argue that it’s part of a larger, strategic communication style that he has mastered over the years. Whether he’s using humor to deflect attention, engage his followers, or simply amuse himself, one thing is clear—when Musk changes his name, the world takes notice. Elon Musk’s decision to once again change his X display name to “Harry Bōlz” is a move that reflects his playful, unpredictable, and sometimes strategic approach to online engagement. Whether it’s a joke, a distraction, or a cultural reference, Musk’s social media activity continues to capture global attention. His frequent use of memes, wordplay, and internet trends shows that he is not just a tech mogul but also a master of digital culture and viral marketing. As the Musk-led consortium’s bid for OpenAI unfolds, it will be interesting to see whether his online antics continue to serve as a smokescreen for major business moves, or if they simply remain an extension of his unique personality.
