Maya sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Mia, Kaia, and Aya are the closest matches by sound. Most share Maya's Indian-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"water"
"compassion, sympathy"
"burnt meadow, charred clearing"
"island"
"dawn, rising light"
"wished-for child, life"
"myrtle leaf"
"elf ruler, supernatural power"
"alive, lively"
"work-power, powerful ruler"
"high tower, elevated place"
"protector of mankind"
"graceful, beautiful"
"royal clearing"
"of the Caecilian family (Roman gens)"
"born in summer"
"ever clearing; eternal meadow"
"eternal life, divine vitality"
"ewe, female sheep"
"priceless, beyond price"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Maya — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hebrew origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Maya.
Rhythm: Maya is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.