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)"
"follower of Christ"
"heavenly peace"
"defender of the people"
"torch, bright"
"celestial light"
"ship, navigation"
"God is gracious"
"God has favored me"
"God is my strength"
"manly, virile"
"church, basilica"
"beloved, wished-for child (via Hebrew Miriam)"
"happy, joyful"
"modern invented name"
"fresh growth, spring"
"pearl"
"noble, exalted"
"ugly head (original clan self-reference)"
"bearer of good news"
"God is gracious (via Anna)"
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.