Mallory sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Valerie, Marjorie, and Hillary are the closest matches by sound. Most share Mallory's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"unfortunate, ill-omened"
"dark one, black-haired one"
"calm, peaceful"
"foreign riches"
"gracious, youthful"
"eighth"
"white or bright settlement"
"pledge, hostage (of good faith)"
"defender of the people"
"sea of bitterness"
"grace, favor"
"fair bow, white arc"
"goddess of spring and growth"
"Jerusalem (poetic)"
"sea battle, sea fighter"
"dark-haired, dark"
"white hero"
"bright, shining light"
"to ward off, protect"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Mallory — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old French origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Mallory.
Rhythm: Mallory is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.