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"
"the opposite of darkness"
"strong, healthy"
"far-sighted, young (if from Cyrus)"
"king, supreme ruler"
"settlement by the bridge"
"young warrior"
"clearing in the forest"
"one who delivers goods, agent"
"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"
"independent short punchy name"
"Mardi Gras parade organization"
"modern invented name combining Ryan and Ivan roots"
"of the Lord"
"son of the servant of Saint John"
"ancient, enduring"
"broad, wide"
"wise protector"
"from the winding stream or lane"
"unity, one"
"fern plant (feathery frond)"
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.