Matthew sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Madison, Maisie, and Matilda are the closest matches by sound. Most share Matthew's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"gift of God"
"queen (from Regina)"
"contemplation, observation"
"rosy-cheeked, bright"
"flower; blooming"
"red, reddish"
"torch, shining light"
"wanderer, traveler"
"elder tree forest"
"shining glory"
"drop of the sea, sea of bitterness"
"dear one"
"creative American name coinage"
"flower"
"From Wales; a foreigner or stranger"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Matthew — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hebrew origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Matthew.
Rhythm: Matthew is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.