Mentioned in 1385 as "nova platea retro sanctum Petrum" (new lane behind St. Peter), in 1459 as "parva platea sancti Petri" (small lane by St. Peter), and in the 16th century also as "parva platea versus ecclesiam" (small lane toward the church). In 1617 and 1643, the lane was called Kirchengasse (Church Lane). The present-day name Pumpengang (Pump Alley) appears on maps only from 1869.

For most of its history, this lane seems to have gone by the name "Bei Sankt Peter" (By St. Peter) or "Kirchengasse," determined by its location. The later St.-Trinitatis-Kirchengasse was also temporarily called Kirchengasse, which could occasionally lead to confusion. The name Pumpengang presumably refers to a water pump that stood here.

History