The first three editions of the six-inch-to-the-mile Ordnance Survey map show that there was substantial woodland between Skegoneill (house) and Seaview (house) in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This may be the basis for the street-names beginning with "Northwood". The trees must have been felled when Premier Drive and Northwood Crescent / Drive / Parade / Road were built.
Resolved that the name Northwood Crescent’ be approved for a new street off Skegoneil Avenue on the property of Messrs. William Sawrey and William A. Bartlett (Town Improvement Committee, 6th October 1936).