Last Name Ries

The surname Ries is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name, meaning "clearings" or "meadows" in German, and was originally used to identify someone who lived in such an area. This name can also be found in other European countries where German-speaking populations settled, such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The spelling variations of this surname include Reis, Reiss, Riess, Riese, and Ryss.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ries

The meaning and origin of the last name Ries

The surname Ries is primarily of Germanic origin, derived from various places named Ries or Rheis in Germany. These place names often stem from the Middle High German word "Rīz" meaning ' Ridge' or 'Elevated Land', reflecting their geographical locations, which are characterized by hilly terrains. The surname Ries can also be found among the Alsatian people, a German-speaking ethnic group in Eastern France, where it may have originated from the French word "Rhais" meaning 'Rush' or 'Reed'. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved to include various forms such as Reis, Riess, and Ryss. The surname Ries is distributed worldwide today, particularly in Germany, the United States, and other Germanic countries, reflecting the historical migration patterns of its bearers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ries

The surname Ries is predominantly found in Germany, where it originated as a topographic name for someone who lived on a clearing (Ried) or a rural settlement. A significant concentration of people with the last name Ries can be found in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria regions of modern-day Germany. The name has also spread to other parts of Europe, particularly neighboring countries such as Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands due to historical migration patterns. A smaller number of individuals with this surname can be found in North America, primarily among German immigrants who settled there during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ries

The surname Ries, derived from Germanic roots, has several variants and spellings. Some common spelling variations include Reis, Reese, Rhees, Reise, Reyse, Ryss, Ryeys, Riez, Riese, and Riyce. These variations may arise due to differences in transliteration from German to other languages, regional dialects within Germany, or simple spelling mistakes over time. Regardless of the specific spelling, they all stem from the original German name Ries, which can mean "riches" or "wealth." This surname has been borne by numerous notable individuals in various fields, such as music, science, and art, further adding to its historical significance.

Famous people with the last name Ries

Robert W. B. Ries is a notable figure in the field of psychology and marketing, best known as the co-creator of the AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) model, a fundamental concept in advertising and sales. He collaborated with Eugene L. Jacoby to develop this theory. On the other hand, Malcolm Ries, born in 1946, is a renowned theoretical physicist. He contributed significantly to the field of condensed matter physics, particularly in the study of superconductivity. His work has led to several important discoveries and theoretical breakthroughs. Lastly, Maria Ries is an American film and television actress who gained prominence for her roles in "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Murder, She Wrote." Her career spans over four decades, making her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Ries

The surname Ries is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "rizz" or Middle High German "risse," meaning "ridge." It is one of the earliest recorded German surnames, first appearing in official documents during the High Middle Ages (11th-12th centuries). One notable early bearer was Rizo de Rises, a noble mentioned in documents from Luneburg, Germany, in 1140. The family name spread throughout various regions of Germany, particularly in Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate, due to migrations during the Middle Ages. Over time, variations such as Reis, Rieß, and Ryss emerged due to spelling inconsistencies in early record keeping. The Ries family migrated to other European countries, including Switzerland, Austria, and France, before reaching America with the influx of German immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries. In North America, Ries is most prevalent in regions settled by German populations, such as Pennsylvania and Texas.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ries"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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