Named to acknowledge Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, a Conservative statesman who was vehemently opposed to Home Rule for Ireland (John J. Marshall, Belfast Telegraph 03/03/41). He was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for three separate periods for a total of over 13 years between 1885 and 1902. His three terms as Prime Minister were interrupted by Liberal governments led by Gladstone. There was considerable opposition to Home Rule in Belfast at that time. This is one of a number of streets off Dublin Road which commemorate pro-Union peers. The group includes Hartington, Ashburne, Ventry, Pakenham and Apsley.
There was, in fact, a proliferation of Belfast street-names honouring the Marquess of Salisbury at the end of the 19th century. As well as Salisbury Avenue in BT15, there was a second Salisbury Street in Ligoniel, which was later renamed Lever Street to eliminate the duplication of the name.
Application of Messrs R.J. McConnell and Co. New streets on their property be named: 2 streets off Agnes Street - Glenfarne Street and Charleyville Street; 2 streets off Old Park Road Gracebell Street and Mayfair Street, 4 streets off Dublin Road Ashbourne Street, Salisbury Street, Hartington Street Hardcastle Street. Mr McConnell was requested to choose another name instead of Maryville Avenue as the word avenue is not suitable. Town Improvements Committee, 13th October 1886.