Vala sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Wala, Mala, and Thala are the closest matches by sound. Most share Vala's Norse-rooted cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"Chosen one; seeress"
"noble hill; Ella hill"
"resolute protector"
"blessed"
"bright sea"
"contemplation, beholding"
"beautiful spirit/soul"
"grace"
"God is gracious"
"dear little cross (term of endearment)"
"divine, goddess"
"pure, gentle, mild"
"fair shoulder"
"Diminutive of Francesca"
"good descent (patronymic)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Vala — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Old Norse origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Vala.
Rhythm: Vala is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.