Allen sits next to 5 phonetic neighbors — Ellen, Helen, and Allan are the closest matches by sound. Most share Allen's Irish-rooted cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"handsome, fair"
"skilled craftsperson, artisan"
"raised embankment, lifting"
"far-sighted"
"gift of God"
"fairy queen, princess (from Saint Tatiana tradition)"
"Ever (always or eternal) plus Lea (meadow); eternal meadow"
"bridge keeper, lives near a bridge"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Allen — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Gaelic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Allen.
Rhythm: Allen is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.