This street takes its name from John Cleaver (1842–1926) one of the founders of a very famous Belfast Shop Robinson and Cleaver. John Cleaver was born in England but came to Belfast as a young man. He worked in a draper’s shop as a lace buyer. In 1870 along with his partner (Sir) Edward Robinson (1849–1906), Cleaver set up a drapers’ shop in Castle Place, Belfast. The business flourished and moved in 1878 to High Street. In 1885 Robinson & Cleaver built new and impressive buildings in the most prominent site in the city, on Royal Avenue, and the firm’s reputation as suppliers of fine linen products spread widely. John Cleaver married Mary Anne Spence in Richill Congregational Church, Co. Armagh, on 12 August 1869. They had four sons and three daughters. The eldest daughter married the son of Sir Edward Robinson. John Cleaver died 22 September 1926. Resolved-_That the names "Cleaver Park," "Cleaver Gardens" and "Cleaver Avenue" be approved for new streets off Malone Road on the property of Mr. Joseph McMaster. (29th June 1937)