Melinda sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Linda, Belinda, and Malinda are the closest matches by sound. Most share Melinda's English-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"honey, sweet"
"Ash tree settlement"
"vine, climbing plant"
"beautiful"
"God is gracious"
"short form of Antonia/Antoinette"
"azalea flower"
"God beholds, foresight"
"unbranded calf, one who doesn't follow the herd"
"land of the Aryans"
"fire, sacred flame"
"creative blend of Ja- prefix and Leah (weary)"
"eternal flower, forever flowering"
"night rain"
"divine messenger"
"lake, waterfall"
"yew tree; archer"
"ornament, adornment"
"dear little Ana, gracious one"
"mercy (if from Eleanor)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Melinda — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Melinda.
Rhythm: Melinda is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.