An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Riese

by Friedrich Kluge

Riese, m., ‘giant,’ from the equiv. MidHG. rise, OHG. risi, riso, m.; comp. OSax. wrisi-lîc, ‘gigantic,’ OLG. wrisil, Du. reus, ‘giant.’ Goth. *wrisi-, or rather *wrisjan-, is wanting. It seems primit. allied to Sans. vṛšan, ‘mighty, manly, strong,’ to which OIr. fairsing, ‘great, powerful,’ is also probably akin.