This street was called after William James Pirrie who was chairman of Harland and Wolff shipyard between 1895 to 1924. He was also Lord Mayor of Belfast from 1896 to 1897. It had previously been called Ardenlee Gardens.
"The City Surveyor submitted letter, dated 20th ult. from Mr. Bruce Campbell, 11 Ardenlee Gardens, on behalf of the owners of property in the portion of Ardenlee Gardens between Ardenlee Avenue and the Methodist College Sports Grounds (Pirrie Park), requesting that as it is proposed to re-number that portion of the thoroughfare, the name be changed to Pirrie Park Gardens. The Committee were informed that all the owners of property on the portion of the thoroughfare concerned had signed the request for the change of name, and it was. Resolved – That the request be acceded to". (8th October 1935).