Ken sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Kent, Kevin, and Kendall are the closest matches by sound. Most share Ken's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"handsome, born of fire"
"possessor of good; wealthy king"
"victory of the people (as short form of Nicholas)"
"God has been gracious"
"God has given (via Nathan blend)"
"sun and sea (Hawaiian compound)"
"measured flow, regular beat"
"from the Leyden region"
"spark, smoldering fire"
"son of Myer/Meyer"
"remembered by God"
"promised land, heaven"
"descendant of the dark one"
"God establishes"
"to guard, to protect"
"wagon driver, cart maker (from Old English Wayne)"
"son of Jack"
"Irish Gaelic form of John"
"completion, eternity"
"dog (loyal companion)"
"handsome, beautiful"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Ken — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Scottish Gaelic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Ken.
Rhythm: Ken is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.