Originally called Flinders Street in 1897, the current name was adopted in 1901. The name was recorded in council minutes on at least one occasion as "Flanders Street", but this was probably an error, given that both Flinders and St Kilda fit into an Australian theme discernible in this area. There are several places in Australia named after the British explorer, Matthew Flinders (1774-1814), who circumnavigated Australia and also popularised the name Australia. Perhaps the most likely connection to account for Flinders Street is the short-lived gold rush in the Flinders Ranges, which began in 1892.
St Kilda is a coastal suburb of Melbourne, named after the island in the Outer Hebrides. Gold was also reportedly found here in 1899, but not in sufficient quantites to make it worth mining.
Application of Messrs H and W Mahaffy on behalf of the owners of property to have the name “Flinders Street” changed to “St Kilda Street”. Minutes, TIC, 10th November 1897.