Magnus sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Marcus, Maximus, and Angus are the closest matches by sound. Most share Magnus's Scandinavian cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"great"
"wise friend"
"son of James"
"fire (Irish equivalent Aodh)"
"ruler of the household"
"male duck"
"son of Walter"
"good man, strong man"
"wood, forest"
"protector of people"
"fair warrior, white hero"
"manly, brave, strong"
"heir, descendant, beloved"
"messenger, herald"
"brave warrior (later folk etymology)"
"victorious people, conquering nation"
"lover of hounds, hound-desiring"
"passionate, earnest"
"little rock, harmony"
"hollow, ravine"
"supplanter"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Magnus — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Latin origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Magnus.
Rhythm: Magnus is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.