Mae sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — May, Maye, and Mei are the closest matches by sound. Most share Mae's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"pearl"
"lion of God"
"myrrh, fragrant resin"
"lord, master"
"salt worker, salt town"
"bitter, beloved"
"honey, sweet"
"exultant, glad"
"free woman, song of joy"
"Yahweh has helped"
"settlement on the ledge"
"of the lyre, musical expression"
"the Frenchman, one who is free"
"lyre, musical instrument"
"knowledge, wisdom"
"dark complexioned, shadowy"
"unhappy, unlucky one"
"blooming flower, radiance"
"caring, without superior"
"petite woman"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Mae — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek via Latin origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Mae.
Rhythm: Mae is a 1-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.