Named after Maridi, a town in South Sudan, formerly known in English as Meridi. Part of a small group of streets off Donegall Road which commemorate British colonial expeditions and rule in Egypt and Sudan, including Nubia Street, Kitchener Street, Kitchener Drive and Soudan Street. From 1882 onwards British forces occupied Egypt and fought wars in Sudan.
"On the application of Messrs. Glendinning, McLeish & Co. Ltd., it was Resolved – That the name Meridi Street be approved of for a new street on their property situate off Donegall Road". (5th February 1929)