Probably commemorates Frederick Blackwood, 1st Marquis of Dufferin and Ava, or one of his family. Ava is a ruined city in Myanmar (Burma) on the Irrawaddy River. It was the ancient capital of central Myanmar. The pronunciation of "Ava" rhymes with "lava". The Marquess of Dufferin and Ava was appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports with the official residence as Walmer in Kent - in 1891. A very symbolically important honour within the UK. This prestigious appointment is recognised in the naming of several streets off the Ormeau Road. Ava Street, along with Ava Avenue / Drive / Gardens / Parade / Park, is part of a group of streets off Ormeau Road with names related to the Indian sub-continent, popularly known as 'the Punjab'. See also Agra Street, Baroda Drive / Parade / Street, Burmah Street, Candahar Street, Delhi Street / Parade and Herat Street (UPNS street names project; Tempan 2024, p. 123)
…that on application of the owner, Mr D. F. Coates, a new street on his property off Ava Avenue and Haywood Street be named ‘Ava Street’.” (Minutes, Improvement Committee, 15 March 1899).