Kelly sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Kelley, Kell, and Kellan are the closest matches by sound. Most share Kelly's Irish-rooted cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"bright-headed warrior"
"immortality, eternal life (symbolic)"
"rush plant (marsh grass)"
"rock worker, craftsman"
"modest, shy"
"bright, splendid"
"of the sea (possible etymology)"
"woodland clearing used for hunting"
"wanderer (from Scotti people's migrations)"
"the opportune or right moment"
"the Lord is my God"
"from Airelle (a place in Normandy, France)"
"place of alder trees"
"dear, gracious, beloved"
"rye land; land where rye grows"
"brave as a wild boar"
"myrrh, fragrant oil"
"may God protect"
"he to whom it belongs, messianic title"
"brave power"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Kelly — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old Irish origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Kelly.
Rhythm: Kelly is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.