I don't think it's better, just more uncommon. There's also added appeal for me in that it was
Vincent van Gogh's middle name :)
I do like
Wilbur, and
Willoughby, but I can't get behind the latter as an actual given name, though it might grow on me.
I've never encountered
Jubal before, so thanks for introducing me to it! I'll also have a look for names with the b_l pattern.
I'd love to use
Bilbo, sigh...
Ottilie
http://www.behindthename.com/pnl/116467