Named after politicians, pitchers, philanthropists, rock stars and rappers, our streets tell the stories of lives dedicated to the city and its neighborhoods.

It’s an impactful way to memorialize the individuals who have made a difference. Firefighters, police officers and others who gave their lives in the 9/11 attacks live on in streets and landmarks named after them. But lesser mortals can be honored this way as well. Recently, fans of George Carlin embarked on a campaign to have the late comedian’s name bestowed on a city street near his childhood home in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights. A petition to change part of West 121st Street to George Carlin Street now has nearly 6,000 signatures (CBS Local). So how does one go about getting a street named in their honor?

First, a proposal for a name change must be approved by the city council, which itself may suggest names. A “street naming” bill is proposed, discussed, and decided upon. Then the mayor must sign the bill. The naming and renaming of streets is sometimes addressed in batches: In June of 2011 at least 56 city thoroughfares and public spots were renamed, according to the City Council of New York website. What are the criteria? Proposed honorees must be individuals who are deceased and of significant importance to New York City. Any objections must be heard in a public forum (about.com).

Local heroes come in all shapes and sizes: Seminal hip-hop group Run DMC are remembered at 205th Street and Hollis Avenue in Queens; the intersection was recently renamed “RUN DMC JMJ Way” (NYTimes). The late rapper Big Punisher’s legacy hasn’t been so easy to secure. The supersized Bronx native’s family is trying to bestow Big Pun’s moniker on the intersection of East 163rd Street and Rogers Place in the borough’s Longwood section (NYDailyNews).