Here’s the story of how Ava became Elliot!
AJ McLean’s 9-year-old daughter decided to change her birth name for a more “unique” one — and the Backstreet Boy and his wife are fully supportive, ET reports.
In an Instagram Story post on Wednesday, McLean’s wife, Rochelle Karidis, explains why the couple’s daughter requested to have her name changed from “Ava” to “Elliot.”
“For those asking… not that it’s anyone’s business,” she begins, “but Elliot’s name change is not a gender thing. ‘Ava’ has changed her name quite a few times since she was about five. Last year she asked us to start calling her Elliot and it stuck. She wanted something unique that no one else had. (There are so many Ava’s.)”
Rochelle continues, “I didn’t really see the harm in respecting her desire to be unique. Come to think of it, it’s a little odd that as parents we choose names for people we haven’t even met yet and expect them to forever [identify] as that person! Anyway… so that’s how Ava became Elliot.”
“I knew once I put it out there people would have opinions, but be kind,” she concludes. “She’s just a kid trying to make her way in this crazy world! I just want her to know she can always be whoever she wants to be.”
Earlier that day, both proud parents shared smiley back-to-school snaps of their daughters, including Lyric, 5, each holding pink balloons to celebrate. One balloon reads, “Elliot’s First Day of 4th Grade” and the other, “Lyric’s First Day of Kindergarten.”
“After two and a half years of homeschool, these two beauties are back to school!” the caption reads. “Lyric is starting kindergarten and Elliot (Ava) is in fourth grade! I can’t believe it! I’m so proud of these girls. As much as I’m going to miss them, I’m excited to watch them spread their wings and fly!”
