Iona sits next to 5 phonetic neighbors — Ilona, Ione, and Ioana are the closest matches by sound. Most share Iona's Scottish cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"island (of Saint Columba)"
"lamb"
"wren, small bird"
"from Scotland"
"Yahweh is merciful"
"slender"
"grace, favor"
"beloved, dear"
"bitter, sea of bitterness"
"descendant of the king"
"God exalts, may God live"
"desired, wished for"
"song of joy, joyful song"
"rose"
"joy, gladness"
"intoxicating, she who intoxicates"
"deep water"
"rose or lily flower"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Iona — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Scottish Gaelic place name origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Iona.
Rhythm: Iona is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.