Salim sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Salem, Saleem, and Solomon are the closest matches by sound. Most share Salim's Arabic-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"safe, unharmed, peaceful"
"elaboration of Ahmad (most praised)"
"guide, protector"
"studious, learned one"
"letter Z sound"
"one who is complete"
"the one who swallows (alternative etymology)"
"increasing, growing, abundance"
"iron-willed, strong"
"the divider between right and wrong"
"softness, tenderness"
"God will increase, God adds"
"one who grows and flourishes"
"guardian, protector"
"devoted one"
"disobedient, rebellious, wild"
"one who practices abstinence from worldly pleasures"
"one who travels light"
"high, enlightened"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Salim — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Arabic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Salim.
Rhythm: Salim is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.