Ailee sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Ailey, Allie, and Eileen are the closest matches by sound. Most share Ailee's Scottish cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"light, bright one"
"dear child (term of endearment)"
"life, bird"
"radiant, sun"
"honor, esteem"
"wished-for child"
"diminutive of Cornelia (horn, strength)"
"phantom queen"
"dream, vision"
"noble, bright"
"crown of laurels"
"little rock, steadfast"
"Ann's meadow"
"gift of God"
"bright, radiant"
"high clearing in woodland"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Ailee — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Scottish Gaelic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Ailee.
Rhythm: Ailee is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.