According to Singapore Street Names1, Desker Road was named after Malacca-born Eurasian, Andre Filipe Desker (1826-98). Commonly known as Henry Desker, he was one of the earliest butchers in Singapore. Desker had his butchery nearby (somewhere between Veerasamy Road and Norris Road). His business must have prospered, for he was able to own several properties in the area as well as elsewhere in Singapore.