Baffling problem with AirPods suddenly deciding they aren't mine and won't connect without "forgetting and resetting"

I have a bit of a mystery problem and can't find anything quite like it in the forums for help.

I've had AirPods for several years. No problems. They were new, paired to my phone and my Apple ID and so on.

Suddenly the other week they stopped connecting to my phone. I could see them come up on my iPhone/ Bluetooth, correctly named (the same name as always). But wouldn't connect - they just come up with "Connection Unsuccessful: Make sure [name of airpods' is turned on and in range" (they were).

I couldn't get them to connect so I eventually I tried "forget this device" in my Bluetooth menu, then resetting the button at the back of the AirPod case.

This does work, but brings up a message "The owner of this item will be able to see its location. You are connecting to an item that's paired to someone else's Apple Account." then gives a asterisked out email r*****@gmail.com

Every time I have had them off or in case, I now have to go through this process.

I have never lent them to someone else, they've not been out of my possession, I have not paired them with someone elses phone. Why do they suddenly think they aren't mine?!?

Other information which may help:

• I have two kids, both have apple products and an apple ID. If the asterisks aren't a significant number (eg it's not a six letter thing missing but more) then it *could* be my youngest whose email does start with an R. However, she has never used them, and when I look at her phone they don't even come up on her Bluetooth.

Any help really appreciated!