Named after Riga, now the capital of Latvia on the Baltic Sea. At the time when this street was named, Riga was under Russian control, part of the Tsar's empire.
Resolved that Mr Edward Walkington be permitted to name two new streets on his property at Shankill ‘Riga Street’ and ‘Moscow Street’. 20th September 1865.
"That on the application of the owner Mr James Tate of Tennent Street 3 new streets on his property situate off Tennent Street be named Dewey Street, Santiago Street and Upper Riga Street". (31st August 1898). [Upper is crossed out in the minute book].