"Millfield was much what the name expresses – a field attached to the mill; and allusions occur as to its value for bleaching and other useful purposes" (George Benn, A History of the Town of Belfast, vol. i, 1877, p. 529).
"Millfield got its name from the Manor Mill, situated at the angle of Mill Street and Millfield. This necessary passage from the Shankill side to the mill was perhaps an improvement of George Macartney's, as its first name when it was a regularly built street was "George's Lean." It was the direct route from Lisburn to Carrickfergus" (John J Marshall, Belfast Telegraph, 31/01/1941).
The street was first recorded in 1708 under the name Milfield Lean. It is named Georges Lean on Maclanachan's map in 1715. It first appears as Millfield in 1745.
"Read letter, dated 29th ult., from Mr. P. Foley, suggesting a change in the name of Millfield. Resolved – That as the proposal has not been made by a representative number of the owners or occupiers of property in the street, the committee cannot see their way to take any action in the matter". (29th October 1912).