Iris sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Aris, Idris, and Osiris are the closest matches by sound. Most share Iris's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"rainbow"
"crossing, ford"
"my God is the Lord (Yahweh)"
"beneficent, fortunate"
"twins"
"son of Owen"
"little wolf, wolf pup"
"victorious one"
"God is gracious"
"who is like God"
"song, nightingale"
"heather-covered hill"
"oak grove, oak tree"
"growth, abundance"
"settlement of the prince, princely estate"
"elf army (alternative theory)"
"holder of the heel / who is like God"
"sword (card suit origin)"
"narrow strait, channel"
"immense quantity, boundless"
"clover plant, good luck"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Iris — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Iris.
Rhythm: Iris is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.