Ideally, I like it more for a boy. But as you say, it does have a feminine sound. I’m not particularly inclined towards [name_f]Vala[/name_f], though. I think that [name_m]Valor[/name_m] would fit both genders well : )
I think it is a male name.
I love anything [name_m]Emile[/name_m] [name_m]Hirsch[/name_m] though, he is definitely a creative namer.