Groß Borstel was first recorded in the 11th century. The former village can also be found on maps and in documents as Burstolde, Burstelde, Borstel, Bossel, Calebostel and Kahle Borstel. The name derives from Bur, meaning house, and stel, meaning place.[2]
The early 18th century Frustberg House, today known as Stavenhagenhaus, is located in the quarter.
Groß Borstel was incorporated into Hamburg in 1913.[3]
In March 2023, seven people including the gunman were killed and eight others injured in a mass shooting at a Jehovah's Witnesses center on Deelböge street.[4]