Cregagh comes from the Irish an Chreagaigh, 'the rocky place', which refers to the steeper ground in and near Cregagh Glen, rather than the flatter ground further north.
Cregagh Road is the continuation of Woodstock Road. The change of name occurs around the junction with Ravenhill Avenue. According to Marshall: “The name comes from the fact that it leads to the Cregagh district. He continued: “It will soon be improved out of all recognition to those who remember the little by-road that was barely of sufficient width for two vehicles to pass”. (Belfast Street Names. John J. Marshall) It is noteworthy that more of Cregagh Road is in the townland of Ballymaconaghy than in the towland of Cregagh.