Henry Groskinsky/The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images
A product shot of a McDonald's Big Mac hamburger in 1977.
- This year, the Big Mac turns 53 years old - and the world's biggest fast-food chain is rolling out two new versions of its iconic burger to celebrate.
- The Big Mac is the chain's signature and most famous burger, but few may know the history behind how the menu item came to be and got its name.
- The very first Big Mac was created by owner and operator Jim Delligatti of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- However, the burger was named by a 21-year-old secretary working in the company's advertising department.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
The Big Mac is arguably McDonald's most iconic menu item, but few know how the burger actually got its name.
Since 1967, the Big Mac has been satisfying McDonald's customers with its two patties, three buns, and secret "special sauce."
Here's how the Big Mac came to be and got its famous name, plus how the burger has changed over the years.