Malinda sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Melinda, Belinda, and Linda are the closest matches by sound. Most share Malinda's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"honey, sweet"
"of noble birth"
"fruitful, she who will rise again"
"miracle"
"grace, favor"
"orange tree"
"sacred river"
"modern invented name"
"primordial goddess of night"
"sparkling, to flash or sparkle"
"life and grace combined"
"envious (alternative etymology)"
"fair and smooth, white phantom"
"song, joyful song"
"grace, God has been gracious"
"star, radiant one"
"alluring rock, murmuring rock"
"royal meadow, king's clearing"
"horn (from Cornelia)"
"beautiful and honest"
"heavenly calm, noble tranquility"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Malinda — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Malinda.
Rhythm: Malinda is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.