First recorded as Marlebourough Street in 1715 on Maclanachan's plan of Belfast. This is one of the earliest commemorative names in Belfast.
The portion of the town from the foot of High Street extending in the direction of the river was mostly reclaimed by Isaac Macartney, who expressed his attachment to Whig principles by naming his quays and streets—George Quay, Hanover Quay, Marlborough Street, and Prince Street. O'Laverty, J. Vol II. Marlborough Street was named for the Duke of Marlborough, Queen Anne's victorious general. Marlborough Street (Donegall Quay) is featured in Henderson’s 1850 edition of the Belfast Street Directory.