Merritt sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Merit, Garrett, and Merrick are the closest matches by sound. Most share Merritt's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"boundary gate"
"son of Carr, son of the marsh dweller"
"flowing, running"
"son of Hendry (Henry)"
"rhythm, beat, flow"
"of the eighth"
"white, blessed"
"one who illuminates, enlightener"
"modern invented name, unique spirit"
"dear, beloved"
"variant of Cameron"
"resolute fame, desired renown"
"enlightenment, awakening"
"grace, blessing"
"honest, true, trustworthy"
"youthful, downy-bearded (first beard)"
"dark red, crimson"
"creative modern variant of Ashton/Cashton"
"high, exalted"
"helpful person"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Merritt — 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 Merritt.
Rhythm: Merritt is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.