AJ McLean’s wife Rochelle reveals why their daughter Ava, nine, changed her name to Elliott: ‘Not a gender thing’
Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean’s wife Rochelle explained why her eldest daughter, born Ava, changed her name to Elliott.
After announcing her two children Lyric, five, and Elliott, nine, were heading back to school after nearly three years of homeschool, the make-up artist, 40, clarified that the change of moniker was ‘not a gender thing.’
‘For those asking… not that it’s anyone’s business,’ she wrote on her Instagram Story. ‘Elliott’s name change is not a gender thing. ‘Ava’ has changed her name quite a few times since she was about five.
Supportive family: Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean’s wife Rochelle explained why her eldest daughter, born Ava, changed her name to Elliott.
She continued: ‘Last year she asked us to start calling her Elliott and it stuck. She wanted something unique that no one else had. (There are so many Ava’s.)’
Rochelle noted that she sees no ‘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 Elliott,’ the mom-of-two revealed.
Wanting to be unique: The make-up artist, 40, clarified that her and AJ’s little girl’s choice to change her moniker was ‘not a gender thing’
‘For those asking… not that it’s anyone’s business,’ she wrote on her Instagram Story. ‘Elliott’s name change is not a gender thing. ‘Ava’ has changed her name quite a few times since she was about five’
‘I knew once I put it out there people would have opinions, but be kind,’ Rochelle concluded. ‘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.’
Rochelle first revealed the name change when posting a picture of her eldest holding a massive pink balloon, which read: ‘Elliot’s first day of 4th grade!’
For her big day, Elliot wore a graphic t-shirt, black and white flannel and cheetah-print skirt over a pair of leggings.
Experimenting: Rochelle noted that she sees no ‘harm in respecting her desire to be unique’
‘I knew once I put it out there people would have opinions, but be kind,’ Rochelle concluded. ‘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’
Her younger sister wore a cute t-shirt with lips and hearts on it, plaid pants and sneakers.
‘After two and half years of homeschool, these two beauties are back to school! Lyric is starting kindergarten and Elliott (Ava) is in fourth grade! I can’t believe it! I’m so proud of these girls. As much as I am going to miss them, I’m excited to watch them spread their wings and fly!’ Rochelle captioned the snap.
The comment section was flooded with supportive messages about Elliot’s name change, with many wishing both girls good luck on their first day.
Sweet: The comment section was flooded with supportive messages about Elliot’s name change, with many wishing both girls good luck on their first day; seen in 2018
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