Yates sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Gates, Hayes, and Keats are the closest matches by sound. Most share Yates's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"gatekeeper, one who lives by the gates"
"gracious gift"
"wonder, miracle, something astonishing"
"open lands, clearing"
"fearless one"
"heart, courageous heart"
"healer (if from Jason)"
"storehouse of precious things"
"variant of Kevin (handsome, beloved)"
"modern American creation, one of a kind"
"shield-wolf"
"twins"
"man of Rome, from Rome"
"Yahweh is gracious"
"distant, far off"
"modern invented name"
"decided, resolved, determined"
"new house, bright abode"
"creative coinage, unique individual"
"spear land"
"variant of Aidan, meaning little fire"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Yates — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Middle English origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Yates.
Rhythm: Yates is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.