Middle English nightli, from Old English nihtlic "nocturnal, at night, occurring during or characteristic of the night;" see night + -ly (1). As an adverb, "every night," Middle English nihtlich (mid-15c.), from the adjective.
she checks on her roses nightly
nightly television now goes on until 3:00 or 4:00 a.m.
nightie
nightingale
nightjar
night-light
nightlong
nightly
nightmare
nightmarish
night-night
night-owl
nightshade