Named after Turnpike Lane, which recalls a toll gate on Green Lanes.
The Stamford Hill and Green Lanes Turnpike Trust put up a gate here in 1765, and for the next 27 years it was the only tollgate on Green Lanes. The turnpike system was abolished in 1872 and the gate was taken down. The lane was formerly called Tottenham Lane. North Harringay and Ducketts Green were considered as names for the station.