Alex sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Alec, Alexis, and Alek are the closest matches by sound. Most share Alex's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"defender of men"
"asked for, prayed for"
"cheerful settlement"
"brave in war"
"God will increase"
"bear, bear-like strength"
"servant of Jesus"
"enduring, lasting"
"raised by Yahweh"
"glorious, famous"
"son of Owen"
"little fire"
"my God is Yahweh"
"ruler of the army"
"gift of God"
"victory of the people (from Nicholas)"
"lord, master"
"Yahweh has been gracious"
"Poecc's estate; Poecc's settlement"
"barrel maker"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Alex — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Alex.
Rhythm: Alex is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.