Lian sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Liam, Leon, and Ryan are the closest matches by sound. Most share Lian's Chinese cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"graceful willow"
"traveler, one who leaps"
"great, venerable, majestic"
"brave warrior (later folk etymology)"
"thankful, God has heard"
"wolf lover"
"true, faithful"
"gentle, loyal one"
"from Wells, Somerset"
"red-haired, little red one"
"servant, messenger"
"thorny shrub, prickly plant"
"generous, noble, honorable"
"one who mills grain"
"little red one (from red hair)"
"garden, vineyard"
"one who tans leather hides"
"wise protector"
"rock, stone"
"son of marsh-dwellers"
"delight, luxury"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Lian — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Chinese (alternate character) origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Lian.
Rhythm: Lian is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.