The Belfast And Province Of Ulster Directory 1863-1864 lists Kensington House as part of a wider entry: "James P. Corry & Co., timber merchants and shipowners; residences, James P. Corry, 1, Upper Crescent; John Corry, jun., 2, Lower Crescent ; John Corry, sen., 138, York Street; Robert W. Corry, Kensington House, Knock".
It is likely this street name can be traced back to the name Kensington House. It had been previously called Knock Avenue Road.
At easy distances from the Northern, Eastern, and especially the Western suburbs of the town, during the last few years, groups of contiguous, semi-detached, or single villas, in highly-tasteful styles of architecture, have sprung-up, and been designated by the fashionable names of Windsor, Balmoral, Kensington, Sydenham, Brandon Towers, Richmond, Wellington Park, Cliftonville, &c . (McComb, Guide to Belfast)
"Councillor Dr. King Kerr attended, and presented a memorial of property owners in Knock district, praying to have the streets known as Knock Avenue Road, Upper Newtownards Road (from Earlswood Road to the city boundary), and the street from Sandown Road to Fountainville, named Kensington Avenue or Road, Stormount Road, and King’s Road respectively, and it was. Resolved — That the memorial be referred to the Surveyor for report". (25th June 1901).
"That the Council be recommended to name two streets in the added area hitherto known as Knock Avenue Road and the street from Sandown Road to Fountainville, Kensington Road and Kings Road respectively". (2nd July 1901).