Around 1650, the side of the lane facing the Mottlau - which, as was customary in the Lower City, was traversed lengthwise by a water ditch - bore the name Ziskengasse (derived from Zeisig, meaning siskin, a small bird). The opposite southern side was already called Schwalbengasse (Swallow Lane). The designation Ziskengasse later fell out of use.

From 1763 onward, maps show the entire lane under the name Große Schwalbengasse (Great Swallow Lane), to distinguish it from the Kleine Schwalbengasse (Small Swallow Lane), which was not laid out until the 18th century.

History