Malcom sits next to 2 phonetic neighbors — Malcolm and Callum are the closest matches by sound. Most share Malcom's Scottish cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"devotee of Saint Columba"
"ruler of peace"
"rhythm, flow, cadence"
"good race, fine stock"
"enlightenment, awakening"
"sad, melancholy (folk etymology)"
"of the Julian family (Jupiter-descended)"
"held by the heel"
"strong as an oak"
"new house"
"king, lord of the people"
"from India"
"supreme ruler"
"God has given"
"thunder ruler"
"dark-haired"
"brave ruler, strong king"
"son of Maurice"
"people of gentle birth"
"tempest, violent storm"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Malcom — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Scottish Gaelic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Malcom.
Rhythm: Malcom is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.