Mabel sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Maybel, Maple, and Mamie are the closest matches by sound. Most share Mabel's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"lovable, dear"
"noble, of noble kind"
"illusion, magic"
"honor, reputation"
"faithful wife"
"pleasant wood; meadow near a lake"
"beloved, esteemed"
"from the boar meadow"
"grace, favor"
"free woman, free man"
"of noble lineage"
"of the Julian family (Gens Julia)"
"of noble birth"
"torch, bright flame"
"flower named for botanist Pierre Magnol"
"free woman"
"mine (term of endearment)"
"work-power, industrious strength"
"knotted cord"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Mabel — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Latin origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Mabel.
Rhythm: Mabel is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.