Ernie sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Bernie, Arnie, and Herbie are the closest matches by sound. Most share Ernie's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"serious, earnest"
"held by the heel (from the birth story of Jacob)"
"modern invented name"
"noble ruler"
"meadow land, fallow land"
"thorny shrub, wild rose"
"modern compound: Mc (son of) + Aiden (little fire)"
"pure"
"the West, where the sun sets"
"enduring, lasting (via Dante)"
"little red one"
"from the east, east settlement"
"lover of churches, church devotee"
"from Laurentum, laurel wreath"
"ardor, enthusiasm (from Welsh Rhys)"
"little one"
"gift from God"
"short form of Reinhard (pure heart) or Reinier"
"he who holds firm the good"
"road by the waterfall"
"forever, always + wind/fighter (Ey + vindr etymology)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Ernie — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old High German origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Ernie.
Rhythm: Ernie is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.