This street and other streets which include the name "Ballymurphy" are called after the townland wherein they are located. Baile Uí Mhurchú ‘(O’) Murphy’s townland". “That on application of the owners The Executors of Riddell (space in minutes) five new streets situate off Falls Road be named Ballymurphy Street, Beechmount Avenue, Clowney Street, Felspar Street and Mica Street”. Minutes, Town Improvement Committee, 16th March 1898. Ballymurphy Street was previously known as Sunbeam Street.