The minutes of the Town Improvement Committee 21 June 1893 indicate the naming of five new streets off Cliftonville Road ‘Rosevale street’, ‘Harcourt street’, ‘Leinster street’, ‘Rathmines street’ and ‘Sylvan street’.
"Adverting to this Committee's decision of last meeting declining the application of Mr. E. M. Reid for approval of the name Harcourt Parade for a new street on his property situated off Rosapenna Drive, as, in view of the fact that the new street is a continuation of Harcourt Street, the Committee were of opinion that the entire street should be known as Harcourt Street, submitted letter dated 11th inst. from Mr. Reid, requesting the Committee to reconsider the matter and to agree to the name Harcourt Parade". (11th December 1928)
"Submitted letter, dated 7th inst., signed by four owners and lessees of ground adjoining Rosapenna Drive, requesting this Committee to reconsider their decision disapproving of a new street situated off Rosapenna Drive being named "Harcourt Parade", this name having been disapproved by reason of the fact that the new street is a continuation of Harcourt Street, the Committee being of opinion that the entire street should be known as "Harcourt Street". Resolved – That Mr. E. M. Reid, on behalf of the signatories to the letter, be informed the Committee cannot see their way to accede to their request". (8th January 1929).
"Submitted application from Mr. E. M. Reid for the Committee’s approval of the name Harcourt Parade for a new street on his property situated off Rosapenna Drive. In view of the fact that the new street is a continuation of Harcourt Street, the City Surveyor was instructed to inform Mr. Reid that the Committee are of opinion the entire street should be known as Harcourt Street. (28th May 1929).
"Submitted letter, dated 29th ultimo, signed by Mr. Thomas Kyle and four other property owners and residents in new street adjoining Harcourt Street, with reference to the Committee's decision refusing to agree to the new street being named Harcourt Parade in view of the fact that it is a continuation of Harcourt Street. Resolved – That Mr. Kyle be informed the Committee cannot see their way to reconsider the matter". (6th August 1929).
"Submitted memorial signed by 26 owners of property in Harcourt Street, requesting that the name of this street and the newly-made continuation thereof be changed to Harcourt Drive. Messrs. W. J. Ewing, E. M. Reid, M. Sloan and Thomas Kyle attended in support of the memorial. After consideration, it was Resolved – That the request be acceded to and that the entire street be known as Harcourt Drive". (3rd September 1929).
It is likely this street was named after Sir William Harcourt, [1827–1904] Chancellor of the Exchequer and Liberal statesman.