Neil sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Neal, Niall, and Neel are the closest matches by sound. Most share Neil's Irish-rooted cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"cloud"
"shining glory"
"right-handed, skillful"
"dealer in provisions and supplies"
"shelter, shield"
"protector of people"
"old, wise, of noble birth"
"lawful, true to one's pledges"
"wolf lover"
"slender"
"short form of Benedict: blessed"
"maker of cases or boxes"
"valley, hollow"
"gift of the Lord"
"laughter"
"lasting impact, heritage"
"woodland"
"high mountain, exalted"
"great, powerful"
"home power, ruler of work"
"a narrow road or lane"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Neil — 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 Neil.
Rhythm: Neil is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.