[Surname] Mayberry and Maesbury
I have read that "berry" may be "borough" or "fortified city" or "stronghold" but I also have seen that berry may be forest or hill... but no explanation for "maes" or "may" any answer?
Replies
Mayberry/Maybury is an alteration of Marbury (see tinyurl.com/cgc85lk) which comes from Old English mere + byrig (< burh) "at the fortified place near a lake". Maesbury was first recorded as Meresberie the first part of which comes from Old English mæres "near the boundary".
thanks!