Named after the Gaffikin family, or a specific member of the family. This family lived nearby in a house at Malone Place, close to the junction of Sandy Row and Lisburn Road, and also at Gaffikin's Row on Malone Road, near Queen's Elms (a row of mid-Victorian houses screened by elm trees, replaced by the Students' Union in the 1960s). The Gaffikins came to Belfast c. 1750 from Co. Westmeath, where the name is still found, but usually in the form (Mc)Gavigan. Both forms are derived from Ir. Mag Eachagáin. The most notable member of the family in Belfast was Thomas Gaffikin (1809-93), linen merchant and councillor. He is remembered for a lecture he gave in 1875 entitled "Belfast fifty years ago", which was subsequently published. However, it seems that it was his brother, Arthur, who applied for the name Gaffikin Street to be adopted. Many thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Cowan for supplying information.
Gaffikin Street originally ran off Sandy Row but today runs off Blondin Street.
“Resolved that the application of Mr Arthur Gaffikin to name a new street opposite Renwick Place ‘Gaffikin St’ be granted” 23 March 1864. It had been previously been called Arthur Street West.