Haley sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Hailey, Hayley, and Hailee are the closest matches by sound. Most share Haley's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"hay clearing, hay field"
"torch, radiant light"
"purpose, intention"
"healthy, whole (heil)"
"from the pasture land"
"luminous, brilliant"
"short for Indiana or India"
"weapon, mace"
"my God is Yahweh"
"wise"
"renown, honor"
"dark, rich (possibly referring to the dark Adriatic waters)"
"sunny place, sunshine"
"scholar"
"sea, ocean"
"new light in the clearing"
"summer"
"wishes, aspirations, hopes"
"bright woodland"
"home ruler, estate ruler"
"exalted grace"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Haley — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old English origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Haley.
Rhythm: Haley is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.