Estes sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Estes, Estus, and Este are the closest matches by sound. Most share Estes's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"from the east, eastern place"
"supplanter, God will establish"
"lavender plant, purple flowering herb"
"white, fair, bright"
"people, folk (from Old High German diot, related to Dietrich)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Estes — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old French d'Este origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Estes.
Rhythm: Estes is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.