In 1357 and 1387, the lane was listed without a name of its own, merely as "Twergasse" (cross-lane). By 1415, it was called "Birhalssche Gasse." The name derives from the surname Birhals, which appears very early among Danzig citizens. As early as 1366, the hereditary register records a mortgage on a garden property in Wulfhagen (Fleischergasse) belonging to Johann Westphal, taken out by the widow Birhals.

Over the centuries, the spelling of the street name varied considerably: Berhalsche, Bärholdsche, Bierholdsche, and Bierhaldsche Gasse all appear -- some quite humorous-sounding forms. It was not until the early 19th century that the present form "Berholdsche Gasse" became established. Since the war, the lane has borne the unremarkable name "Bürgerstraße" (Citizens' Street).

History