Mariya sits next to 5 phonetic neighbors — Maria, Mariah, and Maya are the closest matches by sound. Most share Mariya's Russian-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"beloved, wished-for child"
"sincere, well-wishing"
"judged, vindicated"
"stranger, foreigner"
"intelligent, smart"
"elevated, exalted, lofty"
"short form of Johanna or Henrietta"
"Defender; one who defends or helps (from alexein)"
"paradise, garden of heaven"
"moon goddess"
"gentle, delicate"
"eye, mirror"
"torch, shining light"
"true believer, one who follows the true faith"
"possessor, wealthy"
"righteousness, piety"
"beautiful, flourishing"
"something subtle or concealed"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Mariya — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hebrew origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Mariya.
Rhythm: Mariya is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.