Jews with the name Gelhäuser existed in Frankfurt before the creation of the Judengasse. The name indicates an origin in the old imperial town of Gelnhausen. It is probable that a number of families who were not necessarily related to each other migrated to Frankfurt from there. At least one of these families subsequently formed many branches in Frankfurt, and several of these later branches adopted different names. The well known Kulp family, for example, were descendants of the Gelhäusers. The Gelhäusers were amongst the wealthiest and most respected families in the Judengasse. Their members frequently held the office of "master builder". Their family homes included the Silberne Leuchte.