"Farnham Street from Captain Somerset Maxwell, who succeeded to the title of Baron Farnham in 1896. During the eighties he was an active opponent of Home Rule and the land league. He organised the Lough Mask Expedition for the relief of Captain Boycott. He was elected Grand Master of the Belfast Orangemen on the death of Rev. Dr. R. R. Kane." (John J. Marshall, Belfast Telegraph, 03/03/1941).
The Irish language form Sráid Fhearnáin seems to be based on Rathfarnham / Ráth Fearnáin in Co. Dublin. However, there is no connection between Farnham, Surrey (where Baron Farnham's title came from) and Rathfarnham. Perhaps this is justified by local usage in South Belfast.
"That on the application of the owner, Mr. R. J. McConnell, four new streets off Ormeau Road, be named Hatfield Street, Farnham Street, Rutland Street and Balfour Avenue".
(17th September 1890)