- Named after Queen Mary I of England: Queen Mary I of England, also known as "Bloody Mary," was known for her persecution of Protestants during her reign in the 16th century. The cocktail is said to have been created in the early 20th century as a tribute to her.
- Inspired by the Virgin Mary: Some believe that the name Bloody Mary is a play on the name of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The red color of the cocktail is said to represent the blood of Christ, while the celery stalk is said to represent the cross.
- Named after a Chicago bartender: Another theory is that the Bloody Mary was created by a Chicago bartender named Fernand Petiot in the 1930s. Petiot is said to have named the drink after a customer named Mary, who requested a spicy tomato-based cocktail.
Regardless of its exact origin, the Bloody Mary has become a popular and iconic cocktail that is enjoyed around the world.