Buddy sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Rudy, Bunny, and Teddy are the closest matches by sound. Most share Buddy's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"friend, companion"
"son of Ben"
"right-handed, skillful"
"king, ruler"
"island meadow"
"golden chamber, bay window"
"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"
"son of Emery, ruler of work"
"belonging to the Lord"
"grey home, gravelly homestead"
"varies by given names the initials represent"
"from the city of Troy"
"the Lord is salvation"
"healer, to heal"
"powerful giant, cosmic force"
"raven (sacred Celtic bird)"
"hero, champion (from Kaveh root)"
"rejoice, be glad (via Gaius/Caio)"
"brave in battle (via Casey etymology)"
"hunting grounds"
"grove, wooded area"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Buddy — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have American English origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Buddy.
Rhythm: Buddy is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.