In 1357, the lane was mentioned without a name, referred to merely as "arta platea" (narrow lane). In 1382 it appeared as "arta platea circa Mittlam," and in 1415 it was first recorded as "seyphengasse" (soap lane). By 1465, it was also known as "sepensedergasse."

However, from 1523 onward, ground-rent registers also called the lane "schomakergasse" (shoemaker lane). The latter designation remained in use into the early 19th century. As late as 1805, Wutstrack listed the lane as "Seifengasse, commonly known as Schuhmachergasse."

Both names were likely derived from the craftsmen residing here. Members of both guilds -- soap makers and shoemakers -- probably inhabited this lane in varying numbers over the centuries.

History