Vanya sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Sonya, Tanya, and Manya are the closest matches by sound. Most share Vanya's Russian-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"God is gracious"
"torch, moonlight"
"evolving, changing (poetic)"
"paradise, sanctuary"
"hedged area, forest clearing"
"weary, delicate"
"gift of God (via Matilda)"
"modest, virtuous"
"gracious, consecrated to God"
"star"
"born on Sunday, Sunday's child"
"one who lives near a brook or stream"
"graceful meadow (Ana + Lee)"
"grace, favor"
"renowned in battle"
"follower of Christ"
"goddess of concord and harmony"
"raven meadow"
"pledged to God"
"independent, one of a kind (Maverick root)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Vanya — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hebrew via Slavic origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Vanya.
Rhythm: Vanya is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.