"Application from Mr Geo Tate to name new street on south side of Ballynafeigh Road, Somerset Street was referred to the Surveyor". (14 July 1880).
"...that on the application of Mr. George Tate a new street off Ormeau Road, and Somerset Street be named Somerset Place.” (23rd September 1885).
It is possible this street is named after Somerset Henry Maxwell (1849–1900), who succeeded as 10th Baron Farnham in 1896. He was an Irish representative peer and a military officer, serving as Captain and Honorary Major in the Princess Victoria’s Royal Irish Fusiliers.
In November 1880, Maxwell led a relief force of Orangemen from County Cavan to assist Captain Charles Boycott at Lough Mask, County Mayo, during the Land War, when Boycott was subjected to organised social and economic ostracism. The episode became internationally significant and gave rise to the term boycott.
Maxwell served as High Sheriff of Cavan in 1877 and was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Cavan in 1900, shortly before his death.
see entry for Farnham Street.