The name of the road is taken from the name of the town to which it eventually leads. According to James Patton in his book on Ballymacarrett, the Newtownards Road was built around 1870 mainly by firms like that of Francis Ritchie.
"That on the application of Mr. Chas Boyd on behalf of the owners, the Council be recommended to change the name of Keenan’s Court to Keenan Street on Mr. Boyd preparing the cost. (29th July 1891). (Keenan Street was off the Newtownards Road).
"That on the application of the owner Mr H. J. McCracken of Train View, a new street on his property situate off Newtownards Road be named Austin Street". (14th July 1897).