The name comes from its proximity to Convention Street which was: "named from the great Ulster Unionist Convention held at Belfast on June 17, 1892.
"That on the application of Mr Charles Ritchie a new street on his property situate off Island Street and Cuba Street be named Convention Street". (Improvement Committee, 22nd June 1892).
"As no building in the city was sufficiently large to accommodate a tithe of the delegates, visitors, etc., it was decided to erect a special building capable of accommodating 12,000 people. No contractor could undertake to execute the work within the required time, but so great was the enthusiasm that a huge structure was erected by direct labour within the space of four weeks. It was situated on what was known as "The Plains", now covered with houses, within two minutes' walk of the Botanic Avenue entrance to Botanic Gardens. Having served its purpose it was allowed to remain up for same time afterwards to accommodate the crowds that flocked to hear D.L. Moody on his fortnight's mission to Belfast, commencing in 1892, Convention Street, in the Ballymacarrett district was partly built late in 1892 or during 1893". (Belfast Street Names. John J. Marshall)