The product renamed from “Aristocrat” to “Big Mac” in 1967 was the Big Mac.
The sandwich was developed by McDonald’s franchisee Jim Delligatti, who wanted a more substantial hamburger for customers. It was initially tested under names including “Aristocrat” and “Blue Ribbon Burger.” The name “Big Mac” was eventually chosen and became the permanent identity of the product.
The final name was simple, memorable, and clearly communicated that the sandwich was larger than McDonald’s standard hamburger. That naming decision helped the product become a distinct brand within the broader McDonald’s menu. The sandwich’s three-part bun, two beef patties, toppings, and special sauce reinforced its separate identity.
The Big Mac’s regional testing and national launch are also easy to confuse. It was introduced regionally in 1967 and added to the national U.S. menu in 1968. “Aristocrat” was an early test name, not a separate sandwich that remained on the menu.