Holding steady, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Vala since 1921
Babies named Vala per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 20 |
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 31 |
| 1960s | 20 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 76 |
| 2020s | 35 |
Meaning & origin
Vala is a name of uncertain origin, with possible roots in Welsh or Norse languages. In the United States, it has been in use since at least 1921, though it remains exceedingly rare. As of 2025, the name ranks 9457 with a frequency of 1 in 160,727 births, according to Social Security data. Its peak popularity occurred in 2011, but overall usage has been low and stable. The name's appeal may lie in its simplicity and mysterious background, drawing from the Welsh word for 'choice' or the Old Norse term for the fallen warriors of Valhalla. Despite its rarity, Vala offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a short, strong name with cross-cultural resonance. No states recorded significant usage, reflecting its broad but thinly spread nature.
Vala is a name of uncertain etymology with several possible roots. In Welsh tradition, it may derive from 'gwal' meaning 'choice' or 'superior,' but it could also be a variant of the Welsh name Gwawr ('dawn'). Another theory connects it to the Old Norse 'valr' (the slain in battle), linking it to the Valkyries of Norse mythology. The name has been used sparingly in English-speaking countries, often as a short form of Valentina or Valerie, and saw modest usage in the early 20th century.
Sibling names for Vala
Names that share Vala's style, for a brother or sister.
