Arlan sits next to 5 phonetic neighbors — Arlen, Harlan, and Darlan are the closest matches by sound. Most share Arlan's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"pledge, oath"
"lean, slender warrior"
"mind, heart, spirit"
"visitor, pilgrim"
"divine discernment"
"victory, honor"
"free man"
"peaceful ruler, peaceful power"
"God is gracious"
"modern coinage inspired by Owen/Cowan"
"cheerful, jovial"
"narrow strait"
"strong power"
"supplanter (through Jay from Jason/James)"
"divine, godlike"
"thunder"
"God is good"
"gift of God, gift of Yahweh"
"noble strength"
"hollow"
"son of Hudde (son of Hugh)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Arlan — 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 Arlan.
Rhythm: Arlan is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.