If you’ve been following the Teen Mom universe for the last decade, you probably think you know everything about Kailyn Lowry. The four baby daddies. The seven kids. The messy transitions between relationships that play out in real-time on social media. But lately, there's been a shift. A name change. A public coming out. A new chapter that has nothing to do with her dating life and everything to do with her oldest son, Kailyn Lowry Elliott.
Wait, you might be thinking. Who is Elliott?
Honestly, he's the kid we’ve known as Isaac for fifteen years. In early 2025, during an episode of his mom’s Barely Famous podcast, the teenager dropped a bombshell that was both deeply personal and a little bit heartbreaking. He’s going by his middle name now: Elliott. It wasn’t just a random whim or a "cool" branding move. It was a choice rooted in a desire to separate the kid the world saw on MTV from the young man he actually is today.
Why the Name Change Actually Matters
Names are heavy. Especially when you grew up with a camera in your face before you could even talk. Elliott explained to his mom that "Isaac" felt tied to the TV version of himself—the toddler crying over Jo and Kail’s breakups, the little boy stuck in the middle of endless custody battles.
Basically, he wanted a fresh start.
He noticed the teachers at his high school were already using Elliott on paperwork. He liked it. It felt right. Kailyn admitted on her podcast that the transition was a bit rocky for her at first. You’ve called your kid one thing for fifteen years, and suddenly, that name doesn't fit anymore. It’s a lot. But she’s leaned into it, even if Elliott's dad, Jo Rivera, still uses Isaac at his house. There’s no drama there, though; Elliott says he doesn't expect them to change overnight. It’s about his own internal comfort, not a demand for everyone else to flip a switch.
The Reality of Coming Out Twice
The most intense part of the Kailyn Lowry Elliott story isn't just the name. It’s how he was "robbed" of his own narrative. Imagine being fifteen and having your most private secrets leaked to millions of people before you’re ready to say a word.
That’s exactly what happened.
Prom photos of Elliott and his date were leaked online, essentially outing him to the public. During a June 2025 podcast episode, Kailyn got emotional talking about how her son was robbed of the "coming out" experience—twice.
- The Fifth Grade Incident: Elliott told a "friend" he was gay. That kid immediately told the entire class. It was devastating. Elliott ended up writing an angry letter to the kid, which a substitute teacher intercepted. That's how Kail and Jo found out—via a phone call from a guidance counselor.
- The Public Leak: Years later, as he was navigating high school, the internet did what the internet does. Photos surfaced, and suddenly, the "Teen Mom" fan groups were buzzing.
Lowry’s reaction was pretty typical for her: "I didn't give a f---." Not in a mean way, but in a "you’re my son and I love you" way. She told him that whether he wanted to marry a man or a woman, it didn't change his place in the family. It’s one of those rare moments where the chaos of her life takes a backseat to some really solid, supportive parenting.
Life in 2026: More Than Just a Supporting Character
As of early 2026, Elliott is carving out a space that is entirely his own. He isn't just "Kail’s kid" anymore. He’s been helping with charity events, like the Dream Drive in Bucks County, which supports foster kids. He’s also been a recurring voice on Karma & Chaos, the podcast Kailyn hosts with Becky Hayter.
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There’s even talk of a reality series focused specifically on him.
Kailyn mentioned to Lala Kent that they’ve been in talks with production companies for a show told through Elliott’s eyes. It would be a massive departure from the MTV days. Instead of focusing on "teen mom" struggles, it would look at the unique life of a kid who grew up famous, is navigating the LGBTQIA+ community, and is part of a massive, blended family of seven siblings.
Speaking of that family, the dynamic is... complicated.
- Isaac (Elliott): The oldest, born to Jo Rivera.
- Lincoln: The athlete, born to Javi Marroquin.
- Lux & Creed: The duo from the Chris Lopez era.
- Rio, Verse, & Valley: The youngest trio with Elijah Scott.
Wait, Elijah Scott? Yeah, that’s another piece of the puzzle. While Elliott was finding his voice, Kailyn’s relationship with Elijah hit a wall. They ended their engagement in mid-2025 after three years together. The wild part? Elijah lives right next door. They co-parent the three youngest kids by literally wheeling them back and forth in a wagon. It sounds like a sitcom, but it's just Tuesday for the Lowry-Elliott clan.
The Javi Drama and Moving On
You can't talk about this family without a little friction. Just this month, in January 2026, Javi Marroquin went on social media to blast Kailyn’s version of events regarding her new boyfriend, Isaac Knighton (often called "Ike").
The internet is currently losing its mind because Kailyn allegedly moved Ike into her house shortly after Elijah moved out. Javi called her claims "comical" and "inaccurate."
Does any of this affect Elliott? Probably. But he seems to have developed a thick skin. He’s spent 12 years with a "TV face," as he calls it. He knows how to separate the noise from the reality. He’s even joked on-air about texting his mom after she’s dead—their bond is weirdly dark and incredibly tight.
What This Means for You
If you're a parent or just a fan, the Kailyn Lowry Elliott saga is a masterclass in identity. It shows that even in the middle of a literal media circus, a kid can find a way to stand on his own two feet.
Takeaway Lessons:
- Support is everything. Kailyn has many flaws, but her "I don't care who you love" stance is a blueprint for supporting queer youth.
- Names have power. If a teen in your life wants to change their name, it’s usually about something deeper than a trend. Listen to the "why."
- Boundaries are survival. Elliott’s move to distance himself from the "Isaac" persona is a healthy way to reclaim his life from the reality TV machine.
If you’re looking to support a young person in your life going through a similar transition, the best thing you can do is follow Elliott’s lead: listen, validate, and maybe keep the "TV face" for the cameras, but keep the real heart for the people at home.
The next time you see a headline about Kailyn's latest breakup, remember that the real story might be the 15-year-old kid in the background finally deciding who he wants to be. He's not Isaac anymore. He's Elliott. And he’s doing just fine.
Keep an eye on his podcast appearances if you want the unedited version of the story. Unlike the old MTV days, he’s the one holding the microphone now.
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Actionable Next Step: Research the legal process for name changes for minors in your specific state if you are a parent supporting a child through a similar identity transition. Understanding the paperwork and school notification requirements early can make the social transition much smoother for the student.