Maliyah sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Malia, Aaliyah, and Amalia are the closest matches by sound. Most share Maliyah's Hawaiian cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"beloved, calm waters"
"modern musical creation"
"God has helped"
"caring, solicitude"
"champion, one who attains"
"marvel, object of wonder"
"heavenly, from the sky"
"beloved, exalted crown"
"origin, beginning, creation"
"goddess of spring and growth"
"queenly dignity, regal bearing"
"commander"
"ivory white"
"modern coinage blending Jay and Kayla"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Maliyah — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hawaiian/Hebrew origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Maliyah.
Rhythm: Maliyah is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.