Aedan sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Aiden, Aden, and Edan are the closest matches by sound. Most share Aedan's Irish-rooted cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"little fire"
"pledge, oath"
"small"
"salt"
"knowledge, good judgment, deep understanding"
"friend of warriors"
"brave"
"from the rust-colored estate"
"high mountain, exalted"
"step, stride"
"modern invented compound name"
"the Christian cross"
"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"
"spirit, vigorous enthusiasm, flair"
"exalted father"
"hollow, small cavity"
"enduring, steadfast (via Dante)"
"precious green stone"
"modern invented name (no traditional meaning)"
"grandfather"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Aedan — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old Irish origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Aedan.
Rhythm: Aedan is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.