The Big Mac was the McDonald's menu item that introduced the famous Big Mac name.
McDonald's introduced the Big Mac in 1967 after franchisee Jim Delligatti developed the larger sandwich for customers who wanted a more substantial meal. It used two beef patties, a middle bun section, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and the sauce later associated with the sandwich. The product became both a menu success and a major branding asset.
The name “Big Mac” was selected from suggestions made during an internal naming process. Its short, memorable wording helped the sandwich stand out from more descriptive menu names and eventually made “Big Mac” one of McDonald's most recognizable product brands.
The Big Mac is sometimes confused with the Quarter Pounder because both are signature McDonald's sandwiches. The Quarter Pounder is defined by the weight of its beef patty before cooking, while the Big Mac is defined by its distinctive three-part bun and layered construction.