Gasse

Gasse is a German noun meaning an alley or narrow street. It is commonly used in German-speaking regions to describe a passage between buildings, often found in towns and villages. In street naming, Gasse frequently appears as a component of place names, reflecting historical routes and the layout of old urban cores.

Etymology and usage in toponymy: The term derives from older Germanic words related to passage and street and is preserved across German-speaking areas. In many cities and towns, streets with the element Gasse indicate a narrow, pedestrian-oriented thoroughfare. Swiss and Austrian place names also incorporate Gasse, sometimes in compound forms such as Hauptgasse or Seitenwege, underscoring the historical importance of these lanes in local geography.

Gasse as a surname: Gasse is also used as a surname in German-speaking populations. As a family name, it likely originated from a residence near a Gasse or from a characteristic associated with a passageway. Today it appears in various countries where German heritage is present, including among communities with historical emigration.

See also: Alley, Lane, Street.