McDonald’s gave its original 1968 double-decker hamburger the name Big Mac.
The Big Mac was created by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchisee in the Pittsburgh area. It used two beef patties, a three-part sesame-seed bun, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and the sauce now associated with the sandwich. McDonald’s introduced it nationally in 1968.
The product became more than a menu item: its name, layered appearance, and distinctive packaging made it an important part of McDonald’s branding. The sandwich’s advertising also helped popularize a rhythmic ingredient listing known as the Big Mac jingle.
The Big Mac had earlier regional development, so 1968 refers to its national introduction rather than the first local sale. It is also distinct from later larger sandwiches such as the Grand Mac, which do not replace the original product’s name.