Mcdaniel sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — McDaniel, Daniel, and Nathaniel are the closest matches by sound. Most share Mcdaniel's Irish-rooted cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"son of Daniel"
"invented name, possibly taming guide, with rhythmic African America..."
"noble, strong, virtuous"
"star"
"upper settlement, settlement above the valley"
"serious, earnest"
"Title used by rulers of the Songhai Empire; associated with leaders..."
"Place name and noble surname in English history"
"concern, affection"
"Modern creative name inspired by Damian (to tame/subdue) with a dis..."
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Mcdaniel — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Irish Gaelic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Mcdaniel.
Rhythm: Mcdaniel is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.