Ellen sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Helen, Alan, and Ellan are the closest matches by sound. Most share Ellen's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"sun, moon"
"God will establish; may God protect"
"resolute protector, will-helmet"
"son of the fair one"
"wealth, fortune, prosperity"
"slope, hillside"
"hare's meadow, hare clearing"
"gift of the ocean"
"green, blooming"
"beloved, desired"
"flat piece, thin layer"
"gentle, mild-mannered"
"famous ruler"
"called forth, gloriously summoned"
"princess, noblewoman"
"bright fame"
"famous wolf"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Ellen — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Ellen.
Rhythm: Ellen is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.