The street was originally called Bell’s Lane which took its name from the brewery that was there at that time. It was redeveloped in 1892. This street "received its name from James Abraham Garfield (1831-1881) inaugurated President of the United States, March 4, 1881. His assassination in the autumn of the same year sent a thrill of horror throughout the world, when Royal Avenue was formed just prior to this happening one of the streets laid on the ground cleared by the demolition of the old unsavoury streets and entries was named Garfield Street after the American President. Only Upper Garfield Street had been built, and not all of it in 1884, Lower Garfield Street was not completed by 1887. The President's tragic death caused a spate of Garfields. There was a second Garfield Street, off Blythe Street, Sandy Row, a Garfield Terrace, Antrim Road, and another Garfield Terrace on My Lady's Road all in 1884 or earlier". (Belfast Street Names. John J. Marshall).
Garfield Street was changed to Garfield Street Lower Minutes of TIC 29th December 1897.
"Garfield Street – Proposed re-Naming.
The Surveyor reported that prior to December 1897, the whole of the thoroughfare between North Street and Smithfield was known as Garfield Street and in December of that year the portion between North Street and Royal Avenue was re-named Lower Garfield Street. He further explained what alterations would be necessary in regard to the re-numbering consequent on another change. Resolved – That the present names of the thoroughfares mentioned remain". (10th February 1925)