Malik sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Malak, Malek, and Malik are the closest matches by sound. Most share Malik's Arabic-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"king, master"
"of the Julian clan, youthful"
"rising in the sky, boundary"
"healer (if derived from Jason/Kason)"
"greater, superior"
"may God protect"
"evening conversation partner"
"praiseworthy, highly praised"
"healer, physician"
"battle (possible Irish Gaelic root)"
"bringer of light"
"one who transports goods by cart"
"friendly, allies, friend"
"handsome; fair one"
"royal ruler"
"wave, abundant, learned"
"animal enclosure, warren"
"son of the blessed one"
"high-spirited person"
"meadow land"
"young creature, cub"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Malik — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Arabic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Malik.
Rhythm: Malik is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.