Whenever you copy anything, creature or token, you create a copy of the base object.
Counters, abilities gained by enchantments, equipment, or other abilities (such as Soulbond) are not copiable.
So if you Populate an Angel token that has gained lifelink thanks to Nearheath Pilgrim, then you will just get an Angel token, no lifelink.
You get a Sun Titan. Copy effects copy the object as modified by other copy effects (but not by the vast majority of other kinds of effects, as silentstormraider explained). Here is the main rule about this (bolding the part specific to your question):
706.2. When copying an object, the copy acquires the copiable values of the original object's characteristics and, for an object on the stack, choices made when casting or activating it (mode, targets, the value of X, whether it was kicked, how it will affect multiple targets, and so on). The "copiable values" are the values derived from the text printed on the object (that text being name, mana cost, color indicator, card type, subtype, supertype, rules text, power, toughness, and/or loyalty), as modified by other copy effects, by its face-down status, and by "as . . . enters the battlefield" and "as . . . is turned face up" abilities that set power and toughness (and may also set additional characteristics). Other effects (including type-changing and text-changing effects), status, and counters are not copied.
I'm a former judge (lapsed), who keeps up to date on rules and policy. Keep in mind that judges' answers aren't necessarily more valid than those of people who aren't judges; what matters is we can quote the rules to back up our answers. When in doubt, ask for such quotes.
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Is the lifelink ability granted to the token a copiable characteristic?
cheers in advance for any help, this is a head scratcher for us.
Counters, abilities gained by enchantments, equipment, or other abilities (such as Soulbond) are not copiable.
So if you Populate an Angel token that has gained lifelink thanks to Nearheath Pilgrim, then you will just get an Angel token, no lifelink.
Hope that helps.