Yelena sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Elena, Helena, and Helen are the closest matches by sound. Most share Yelena's Russian-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"bright, shining light"
"lordly, mistress"
"gracious one"
"golden, made of gold"
"wisdom, knowledge"
"shining light, bright one"
"festivity, celebration"
"bright, shining light"
"moon goddess (Polynesian)"
"From the coast"
"diminutive of Ivan/John"
"torch, moonlight"
"one who will be reborn"
"grace (via Hebrew Ana)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Yelena — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Yelena.
Rhythm: Yelena is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.