In the 14th century, from 1377/78, the lane is listed without a name. In 1415 it is called "arta platea scilicet Putcker Gasse" (narrow lane, namely Putcker Lane). The current name Kuhgasse (Cow Lane) appears only from 1633.

The older designation has nothing to do with the town of Putzig (modern Puck). It derives instead from the name of a distinguished burgher family frequently mentioned in 14th-century Danzig, which already belonged to the city government at that time.

The name Kuhgasse, like the neighboring Ochsengasse (Ox Lane) and Ziegengasse (Goat Lane), points to stables located in the lane. These likely belonged either to the city municipality or -- more probably -- to the butchers' guild, since the Right City's meat stalls were situated in the immediate vicinity on Heilig-Geist-Gasse (Holy Spirit Lane).

History