Gene sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Jean, Dean, and Keen are the closest matches by sound. Most share Gene's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"well-born, of noble descent"
"little red-haired one"
"Roman colony at the lake"
"from the surname of poet W.H. Auden"
"son of Evan"
"man from South Munster (south Munster province)"
"modern invented name, no historical meaning"
"fair, white, bright"
"God is gracious (via Eoin/John)"
"sea fortress"
"of the Julian family (Jupiter-descended)"
"ruler's counsel, powerful advisor"
"pale, holy"
"beauty, grace"
"dweller at the untilled ground"
"modern invented spelling"
"holy, sacred one of God"
"badger settlement"
"divine strength"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Gene — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Gene.
Rhythm: Gene is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.