Hayes sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Haze, Hays, and Chase are the closest matches by sound. Most share Hayes's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"hedge dweller, from the enclosure"
"God is good; Yahweh is good"
"well-born"
"son of Jack"
"God has heard"
"one who shoots with a bow and arrow"
"bear strength, brave as a bear"
"son of Gray"
"rowan tree (red-berried tree)"
"mountain of strength; exalted"
"citizen of Rome, Roman"
"homestead by a stream"
"strengthened by God"
"ruler of the people"
"rich protector"
"young warrior (folk etymology)"
"defender of men"
"strong, virtuous"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Hayes — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old English origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Hayes.
Rhythm: Hayes is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.