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"
"heavenly, divine"
"courageous, spirited (from Irish Raghallach)"
"possessor of good, upholder of good"
"heavenly May flowers"
"victorious, joyful (from Jai)"
"goddess of the hunt and moon"
"like a bird, birdlike"
"ancestor's descendant"
"commander, sovereign"
"generous love, benevolence"
"beautiful altar"
"Supplanter, one who follows"
"noble grace"
"Irish form of Mary, beloved"
"grace and beauty"
"born on Christmas Day"
"meadow, plain"
"lady, woman"
"from the Astor estate (hawk's home)"
"dew of heaven, morning dew"
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.