Ted sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Fred, Ned, and Ed are the closest matches by sound. Most share Ted's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"gift of God"
"one who throws, thrower"
"fire, blaze (folk association)"
"son of the rock"
"lord, master (via Kyrie element)"
"modern invented name, lively"
"from Dax, France"
"strength, power"
"possessor, acquirer"
"dark complexion"
"invented modern blend name"
"from the Lennox region of Scotland"
"God is salvation (via Joshua/Hebrew connection)"
"strife, contest"
"God has heard"
"gift (modern American coinage)"
"island meadow, land near water"
"healer"
"wolf counsel, wise advisor"
"one who judges, discerning leader"
"modern American name"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Ted — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Ted.
Rhythm: Ted is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.