Vala, derived from Old Norse roots, translates to 'powerful' or 'mighty'. It's of Scandinavian origin and has been used predominantly in Icelandic culture. Historically, it was borne by a legendary figure, Völva, who was a seeress in Norse mythology. The name Vala is composed of two elements: 'valr', meaning 'slain warrior' or 'corpse', and '-a', signifying 'she'. Although the etymology might seem morbid, it's important to note that in Old Norse context, 'valr' also referred to the realm of the dead, which wasn't necessarily associated with negativity. Today, Vala is still a recognized name in Iceland but has yet to gain widespread global popularity.
The name Vala experienced periods of popularity and fluctuating usage throughout the 20th century, with a notable resurgence beginning around the year 2000.