I’m thinking about naming one my characters [name_f]Cosima[/name_f]. It fits her perfectly, but I’m worried readers will have trouble pronouncing it. What do you think – is [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] usable?
There might be a tiny bit of confusion but if it’s a name you really like and think suits the character, I say go for it. If you’re really worried, something I’ve noticed a lot of authors doing with slightly unusual or ambiguous names is working in a rhyme using it or discussing it in the dialogue e.g [name_f]Hermione[/name_f] [name_m]Granger[/name_m] explaining how to pronounce her name to [name_m]Viktor[/name_m] Krum in “[name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] and the Goblet of [name_m]Fire[/name_m]”.
Yes I think it is usable.
Most readers will most likely think it is “coh-see-muh” which really isn’t that far off. Sounding it out isn’t too difficult, so I don’t think readers would struggle with it. They may not use the exact pronunciation that you have in mind, but they will at least come to one easily, even if they may be a little off. Does that make sense? [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] also doesn’t have any random silent letters or anything that would make it more difficult to read. I say go for it!
I can pronounce it, but that’s only because I knew a girl with the name. I had trouble pronouncing it at first, though. Maybe nickname her Cosi? Her name could still be [name_f]Cosima[/name_f], but the nickname would be easier to pronounce.