Mahlia sits next to 5 phonetic neighbors — Malia, Mahlia, and Amalia are the closest matches by sound. Most share Mahlia's Hawaiian cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"beloved, wished-for child"
"flatland by the river"
"fairy queen (folk etymology)"
"Silver, bright, pure"
"place by the sea (possible Kumeyaay origin)"
"The other Aenor (foreign)"
"God is gracious (via John → Jack)"
"fair, white, blessed"
"powerful, mighty"
"exalted, elevated, high"
"God is my oath"
"Peaceful, gentle"
"strife, discord"
"amber, shining"
"lily flower (purity, beauty)"
"divine power, spirit"
"Pledged to God; abundance"
"sunrise, east"
"noble, distinguished"
"grace, answered prayer"
"stone of Beorhtsige"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Mahlia — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hebrew via Hawaiian origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Mahlia.
Rhythm: Mahlia is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.