Neko sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Echo, Nico, and Niko are the closest matches by sound. Most share Neko's Japanese cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"cat"
"my light, my flame"
"cart driver, cart maker"
"handsome, well-built, beautiful of form"
"great homestead, large settlement"
"God is my illumination"
"supplanter, heel-follower (Jacob/James origin)"
"variant X-spelling of Zane"
"little fire (via Aidan)"
"tailor, cloth cutter"
"lord, master"
"peace settlement"
"powerful, mighty"
"town of stone"
"shining, radiant, brilliant"
"wise guardian warrior (fictional FFX character meaning)"
"third son with divine grace"
"warrior spirit"
"eldest tiger"
"pillar, support"
"manly, brave, strong (via Andre/Andreas)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Neko — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Japanese origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Neko.
Rhythm: Neko is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.