MINABERRY

Our maternal grandmother, Maite's, maiden surname is also spelled in modern Basque with the letter "i" substituting for the letter "y".  The surname is the combination of two words: "mina" and "berri."  While there is no dispute about the meaning of berri ("new"), mina can mean either "seed" or "mine."  Thus the name is either "new seed" or "new mine."  Both are possible.  The Basque Country is rich both agriculturally and with plentiful minerals under the soil.  

The name Minaberry made its way from Donostiri (St. Esteban) to Ortzaize (Osses) with my maternal great-grandfather Kaiet [for whom Kaiet is named]!