When your dad is a member of the Backstreet Boys, you're pretty much born into the spotlight. That’s exactly what happened on November 27, 2012, when Ava Jaymes McLean arrived in Los Angeles. She was the first child for AJ McLean and his wife, Rochelle DeAnna McLean, weighing in at 7 pounds and 7 ounces. For years, fans watched her grow up through Instagram snippets—trips to Disneyland, backstage passes, and dance recitals.
But then, things got a little confusing for the public.
In late 2022, Rochelle posted a "back to school" photo. It featured her two daughters, but the balloon for the eldest didn't say "Ava." It said "Elliott." People lost their minds. The internet immediately started spiraling with theories. Was it a gender transition? Was it just a nickname? Was it a permanent legal change? Honestly, the reaction was a bit much for a nine-year-old just trying to start fourth grade.
The Story Behind the Switch to Elliott
The truth is way less scandalous than the comment sections suggested. Basically, Ava Jaymes McLean just didn't want to be one of five "Avas" in her dance class. If you've spent any time in a school hallway lately, you know that "Ava" is the "Jennifer" of the 2020s. It’s everywhere.
AJ eventually went on TODAY to clear the air. He explained that his daughter simply felt the name Ava wasn't "unique" or "original" enough. She had been trying on different names since she was about five years old, but Elliott was the one that finally felt right.
Where did she get it? Pete’s Dragon.
She watched the movie, loved the name of the dragon, and decided that was her vibe. It’s a very kid thing to do. AJ and Rochelle decided to roll with it because, as Rochelle pointed out on Instagram, it’s kind of weird that we pick names for people we haven't even met yet and expect them to stick with them forever.
Is Ava Jaymes McLean Still Her Name?
Legally? Probably. AJ mentioned back when the news broke that they hadn't actually gone to court to change her birth certificate. It’s a social change. In their house, she’s Elliott. To the public, she’s often referred to as Elliott (Ava).
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- Birth Date: November 27, 2012
- Parents: AJ McLean and Rochelle DeAnna McLean
- Siblings: Younger sister, Lyric Dean McLean
- Chosen Name: Elliott
AJ is pretty vocal about his "million percent" support for his kids. He’s always been the kind of dad who lets his daughters paint his nails or put makeup on him. For him, the name change wasn't a "gender thing," which was a major point of clarification the family had to make repeatedly. They just wanted her to feel like an individual.
Growing Up Backstreet
Living as the daughter of a pop icon means Ava Jaymes McLean—now Elliott—has had some pretty wild experiences. We’re talking about a kid who met Taylor Swift before she hit double digits. She’s also been seen taking private dance lessons from Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough.
It’s clear she has the performance bug.
Whether it's competitive dance or writing her own songs (which she apparently started doing around age six), the talent is definitely there. She used to turn little poems into melodies. That’s a classic songwriter move.
But it hasn't all been red carpets and glitter. The family has been through some public shifts, too. AJ and Rochelle announced their separation in early 2023 and eventually confirmed they were divorcing in early 2024. Throughout that process, they’ve remained "parent goals" for a lot of people by staying incredibly tight-knit for the sake of Elliott and Lyric.
Why This Matters for Parents Today
The "Ava to Elliott" saga actually sparked a pretty interesting conversation about autonomy. Some people think it's "too much" to let a child change their name over a movie character. Others see it as a low-stakes way to let a kid explore their identity.
Honestly, it’s just a name.
If she wakes up at twenty and decides she wants to be Ava again, she can. If she stays Elliott forever, that works too. The McLeans are basically saying that as long as their kids are kind and happy, the label on the school backpack doesn't matter all that much.
What’s Next for Elliott?
As of 2026, Elliott is firmly in her teenage years. She’s navigating that weird middle-school-to-high-school transition while being the daughter of a man who is currently enjoying a career resurgence with hosting gigs like Building the Band.
She stays mostly out of the "influencer" lane for now, which is probably healthy. Most of what we see comes from her parents' curated updates. She’s still dancing, still creating, and still very much her own person.
If you're following the family's journey, here’s how to keep things in perspective:
- Respect the name: If the family calls her Elliott, using that name is just basic courtesy.
- Ignore the rumors: Most of what you read about "hidden reasons" for the name change is just clickbait. It really was just about wanting a unique name.
- Focus on the talent: This is a kid who has been in dance and acting classes since she was two. Keep an eye on the theater or music world—she’s likely headed that way.
The biggest takeaway from the story of Ava Jaymes McLean is that fame doesn't have to make a family rigid. It’s okay to change. It’s okay to be "Elliott" because there are too many "Avas" at dance class. In a world that tries to box everyone in, that’s a pretty cool lesson to learn from a celebrity kid.