Possibly named after James Emerson Tennent (1804-1869) who was the son of a wealthy Belfast merchant William Tennent. James was educated at Belfast Academy (it is now used by the Education Authority) and Trinity College Dublin. He was elected an MP for Belfast in 1832. He later became Ceylon Colonial Secretary. He was a friend of Charles Dickens. (thanks to Jackie Redpath for his assistance with this entry). Tennent Street features in the 1868 Belfast Street Directory. Matier’s Belfast Directory 1835-1836.