Elaine sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Elane, Elain, and Lane are the closest matches by sound. Most share Elaine's Welsh cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"sunray, shining light"
"raven"
"black and blue-green"
"loving, affectionate (if from Philemon)"
"the strait, narrow waterway"
"olive tree; symbol of peace and wisdom"
"from the alder grove"
"glory of the homeland"
"flower settlement"
"old, wise ruler"
"The great; the large"
"24-hour period"
"eagle"
"house of God (possible Bethel derivation)"
"skilled metalworker"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Elaine — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Welsh/Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Elaine.
Rhythm: Elaine is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.