Around 1650, the side of the lane facing Langgarten - which was traversed by a broad water ditch - was called "Erste Grabengasse" (First Ditch Lane), while the opposite side was called "Erste Adebargasse" (First Stork Lane). On plans from the second half of the 18th century, the lane is also called "Kuschenecke." This name probably derives from the Prussian dialect word "Kosch" or "Kusch," meaning pig. Indeed, the residents of the Lower Town commonly kept pigs.

However, the expression could also derive from a personal name. From 1814, the lane bore the name Mittelgasse (Middle Lane). Between 1910 and 1935, Mittelgasse and Strandgasse (Beach Lane) were merged and listed under the name Strandgasse until 1945.

History