Maeli sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Mailey, Malee, and Haley are the closest matches by sound. Most share Maeli's Welsh cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"bitter, beloved"
"small cloak, beloved one"
"wonderful things"
"candle, vigil light"
"woman from France"
"from Britain, a Briton"
"sullen, tempestuous"
"gazelle"
"compound of grace and flower"
"slender, beautiful"
"God is gracious (via John → Jack)"
"light of God"
"mother goddess"
"flower that blooms in adversity"
"meadow, clearing"
"beloved one"
"noble and gracious"
"alone, only, unique"
"festive occasion, day of rest"
"to leap or jump"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Maeli — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hebrew origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Maeli.
Rhythm: Maeli is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.