gries

Gries is a German-language toponym and surname used in German-speaking regions. It refers to several places, and the name appears in historical and contemporary contexts across the area.

The most prominent place commonly associated with the name is Gries, a district of Merano (Meran) in the autonomous province of Bolzano-South Tyrol, northern Italy. As a locality, Gries is part of the Merano urban area and is recognized in both German and Italian linguistic contexts. The toponym also appears in other municipalities within German-speaking regions, reflecting historical settlement patterns.

As a surname, Gries is of German origin and is borne by individuals in various countries and communities. In genealogical and biographical materials, Gries may appear as a family name associated with different lineages and regions.

Etymologically, the toponym Gries is linked to German linguistic roots and is found in several localities where Germanic language influence was historically strong. The term should not be confused with Grieß, the German word for semolina, which is spelled with an eszett (ß).