Niari sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Naomi, Nairi, and Niari are the closest matches by sound. Most share Niari's African-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"graceful river, purpose"
"noble one"
"wisdom (via Sonya/Sophia)"
"abundance, growth"
"guest, stranger (from Greek Zeus/Xenos)"
"friendly, affectionate companion"
"one who brings good luck"
"majestic one"
"luck, fortune"
"elevated, noble"
"safe, secure"
"protection, shielding from harm"
"ethereal, of God"
"bane, ruin, destruction"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Niari — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Central African / Kongo origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Niari.
Rhythm: Niari is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.