Great Victoria Street was named for Queen Victoria in the mid-19th Century. Queen Victoria reigned 64 years from 20 June 1837 to 22 January 1901. This street features in the 1843 Belfast Directory with a reference to one resident, a railway entrance and “John O’Hanlon, Railway tavern” (31st March 1903)
"That Mr. Hugh Strain be informed in reply to his letter of 26th Inst., that the name Great Victoria Street applies from Howard Street southwards, and the Committee do not see their way to adopt his suggestion to continue the name to College Square North". (31st March 1903).