Nelly sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Nellie, Kelly, and Ellie are the closest matches by sound. Most share Nelly's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"bright, shining one (from Helen)"
"wished-for child"
"invented lyrical name"
"victorious, successful"
"claw, fingernail (Greek)"
"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"
"full of life, vibrant"
"heaven spelled backwards"
"air, song, melody"
"ray of light, illuminating"
"elevated place, great one"
"from the wren meadow"
"beloved lake"
"taught by God"
"gazelle"
"blessed joy, peaceful friend"
"forever blooming"
"rowan tree, protection"
"valley, sheltered lowland between hills"
"she-god, divinity (Phoenician interpretation)"
"she who brings joy and welcome"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Nelly — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Nelly.
Rhythm: Nelly is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.