Named after the country of Burma or Myanmar. Burmah was an earlier spelling of the country's name. Burmah Street 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, Candahar Street, Delhi Street / Parade, Herat Street and Ava Street (UPNS street names project; Tempan 2024, p. 123).
"That on the application of Mr John Russell on behalf of the owners a new street off Ormeau Road opposite Park Road be named Ava Street and a new street off same be named Burmah Street". (14th October 1889).