Esma sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Esme, Asma, and Isma are the closest matches by sound. Most share Esma's Arabic-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"names (plural of ism)"
"quiet like still water"
"celestial maidens of paradise (houris)"
"swooping eagle, falling vulture (star name)"
"exalted, sublime, the highest"
"gift, blessing obtained"
"heaven, paradise"
"gentle branch, vine"
"exalted, noble"
"great, superior"
"singing, musical"
"vitality, life force"
"wine, intoxication (poetic)"
"peerless one"
"my princess, noblewoman"
"gift from God"
"prosperous, flourishing"
"elevated, high above, lofty"
"high, elevated"
"princess, noble"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Esma — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Arabic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Esma.
Rhythm: Esma is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.