Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean says he supports daughter's decision to change name to Elliott

Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean has said that he supports his daughter’s decision to change her name to Elliott.

The singer, 44, opened up in a recent interview about his child’s change of heart about her name - which her father said is ‘not’ to do with questions around her gender identity.

In an interview with PEOPLE, McLean revealed that he will stand by his nine-year-old child’s decision to change her name from Ava to Elliott.

He said to the publication: "When my daughter asked to change her name to Elliott, initially, I didn't know if it was a transgender thing, which it is not, but it is a personal choice.

"And it is her body, it's her name, it's her everything. And she's still Ava. She'll always be Ava to me,” he said to the outlet.

He added: "But at the same time, whatever reasoning it is, that's hers, and I'm going to support it a million percent, my wife will [too].”

Back in August, the performer’s wife, Rochelle DeAnna Mclean, posted a photo of their kids Elliott and Lyric heading back to school, holding balloons up with their names.

Onlookers commented in support of the forward-thinking parents and their children on Instagram, with one person penning: “Cannot tell you the amount of Nicole's I had in my classes growing up and I wanted a unique name. Love Elliott! Happy first day of school kids. Hope they have fun.”

“Love ‘Elliott’, another said. “I changed my name to ‘Missy’ once in grade school when I had to go to a summer program. I can't tell you how many times people tried to call me by the new name and I flat out didn't respond because I had totally forgotten.”

A third fan wrote: “I absolutely LOVE this! I pray and hope Elliott and Lyric have a fantastic first day and whole year!!! Sending my love!”

Meanwhile, another person defended the child’s choice to be called ‘Elliott’, writing: “To the people that think Elliott is only a boys name. It’s a unisex name like Alex or Cameron."

They added: “Her wanting to be called Elliott is no different than a child wanting to go by a nickname or a middle name when there are multiple classmates with the same first name. Happy first day of school girls!”