Islay sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Isla, Isley, and Ailey are the closest matches by sound. Most share Islay's Scottish cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"island (Scottish Hebridean island name)"
"tame, gentle"
"path dweller (feminine form)"
"manly, virile"
"noble, of noble kind"
"brave, like a lion"
"wise, a wise person"
"noble, exalted"
"loved one"
"God is gracious"
"of the Livius clan"
"work, effort, striving"
"wished-for child (Evelyn connection)"
"beautiful maiden"
"sky/heaven (from Hawaiian lani element)"
"well-born descendant"
"modern American invented name"
"work, industrious, vigorous"
"strong as steel, resilient"
"bright grace of God"
"holy, sacred (possible folk etymology connection)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Islay — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old Norse origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Islay.
Rhythm: Islay is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.