Linkin sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Lincoln, Landon, and Lyndon are the closest matches by sound. Most share Linkin's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"settlement by the pool"
"champion"
"uncertain, possibly warrior spirit"
"one who serves"
"son of Rand, son of the shield-wolf"
"world ruler"
"ancient, enduring"
"son of the grey-haired one"
"champion, cloud"
"canal worker, church official"
"goddess of the hunt and moon"
"son of Jet, swift one"
"man, husband (archaic)"
"son of Evar; son of the boar"
"admirable, hawk-like"
"new house"
"of God, heavenly"
"brave as a lion"
"Jehovah supports"
"path to the sea"
"held by the heel"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Linkin — 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 Linkin.
Rhythm: Linkin is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.