Ross sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Russ, Rawson, and Rhys are the closest matches by sound. Most share Ross's Scottish cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"headland, promontory"
"hero, protector (fictional)"
"strip-shaped clearing in woodland"
"warlike, martial"
"forest guardian, one who patrols"
"winding river"
"one who tends the grange"
"intersection, meeting point"
"bright, radiant"
"may God protect"
"youthful"
"from the west farm"
"will, desire, helmet"
"rule of the spear, spear ruler"
"warrior"
"hollow land (alternative)"
"hound of the plain"
"to move swiftly, energetic forward movement"
"emperor, supreme ruler"
"modern spelling of Coe (jackdaw bird)"
"father of peace"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Ross — 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 Ross.
Rhythm: Ross is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.