Angel tattoos have been incredibly popular for hundreds of years. there is something about an angel, whether dark or light, that draws you to them. they continue to gain popularity, especially in recent decades. It’s hard to say why some people choose to get an angel tattoo, perhaps it’s the importance of having your own personal guardian angel to care for it.
Although not everyone chooses the angelic white angel, many choose the rugged look of a dark and mysterious angel.
angel means aggelo in Greek and means “to convey something new or announce something”. that’s a nice feeling to have in your body if that’s the message you want to send to the world.
In religions such as Islam, Judaism and Christianity, angels have a special meaning. they are our link between heaven and earth and many people believe that they have actually seen the presence of angels. they take comfort in the knowledge that angels are there to watch over us and, in theory, to keep us safe from harm. so it’s no wonder so many people decide to get an angel tattoo.
Many angel tattoos are depicted with wings, sometimes only the wings are used. never the head or the body. getting angel wings tattooed on your back was a very popular tattoo concept at one time.
Cherub tattoos seem to be the most popular tattoos. Below are 72 angel tattoos that you are sure to love:
72 of the best angel tattoo designs that will make you fall in love
- this is a cute character if you are looking for a smaller angel. this dark little character tugs at the heart and there is a mystery attached to him because of that single tear that crawls down his cheek.
2. this is a very large tattoo that takes up most of your back. it is beautiful with crazy details between the wings and the body of the angel. the black and white makes it look like a pencil drawing. it’s impressive.
3. this is more of a traditional angelic image. it is quite large and in black and white. there is quite a bit of detail involved in designing this tattoo.
4. these simple wings are attached to an inspiring message. the two go together because the angel is supposed to be an inspiring image. the combination goes well.
5. an outline of an angel made a more simplified tattoo for you. this tattoo looks as if an angel is holding a baby and looking at it. the halo and delicate and sweet.
6. This cherub angel symbol is quite extraordinary because of all the detail involved in the wings. the tattoo looks like you can reach out and feel the wings of the angel.
7. If you are looking for an understated tattoo, these little wings located on the thumbs may be just what you want. small black and white tattoos are cute.
8. these two angels are locked in an embrace. it seems as if one is a dark angel while the other is a light one. they have come together for a single purpose, whatever it may be.
9. A cherub and heart attached to someone’s initials. there is definitely some significance to the tattoo whether it signifies a death or someone important. 
10. wings of angels with a heart in the middle. beautiful black and white design and the two symbols come together to promote love.
11. a memorable tattoo signifying the loss of a loved one. the message is clear and is surrounded by a halo and angel wings.
12. a popular choice, this is a smaller version of your own angel wings. If you’ve always wanted to be an angel, this may be the look you’re looking for.
13. Just like the last one, these angel wings are very voluminous, but they are nonetheless a sweet symbol of being an angel.
14. this angel wing is a little more special. since one of the wing feathers becomes the initial of the owner’s name. it could also mean a loved one.
15. this could be an angel or even possibly a fairy. it’s a cute little design with lots of color. it seems to take up the entire shoulder blade, so it’s a good size.
16. this beautiful angel is holding and comforting a baby. There could be a lot of importance behind the choice of this tattoo for the owner. love the pop of blue.
17. this beautiful image depicts an angel in some sort of distress. his head is bowed as if he is crying. the detail of the tattoo is remarkable.
18. another traditional angel image. this one of an angel praying high and standing in full color.
19. the detail of this tattoo is so extraordinary that it is hard to believe that it is actually a tattoo. the artist did a great job depicting this angel scene. the black and white image looks like a portrait painted on a canvas, not a body.
20. a smaller and more elegant angel image with lots of details. this beautiful angel is sexy and sensual with a lot of mystery behind the image.
21. a strange representation of an angel, but if you are looking for something different, this may be the tattoo for you. I don’t think it’s a good angel, as it seems to have ripped the flower head off.
22. another traditional angel symbol with a name attached. this tattoo has meaning for the owner. the black and white angel is a classic image with great detail.
23. a very untraditional angel image with a small halo. This tattoo can be placed anywhere on the body and looks best in black and white.
24. this angel is of a male image in prayer. the black and white tattoo is rendered in great detail.
25. the sweet cherub tattoo, this is a classic. the cherub sitting there with his head in his hands is a familiar image. if you’re looking for something sweet, this might be the one for you.
26. this amazing angel tattoo shows strength and power. the wings are unusual and incredible to look at. This black and white tattoo occupies the entire back.
27. another version of the angel wings look. it occupies the entire back as if the wings were really there and the owner could get up and fly.
28. Same idea for the angel wings on the back, except these are small and dainty. they look black and white, but these little wings are blue.
29. this is a male with the same shape of angel wings on his back. however, these wings are quite extraordinary, since they cover the back and go down the arms. the detail on these wings is quite exquisite. they are dark black in color and resemble real wings.
30. this badass angel looks like a warrior angel. if you’re looking for a strong feminine equivalent of a tattoo, this could be the one for you.
31. this beautiful tattoo is like a drawn portrait. the detail involved in this tattoo makes it hard to believe that it is a tattoo. it’s an absolutely stunning tattoo.
32. a collapsed angel this beauty has fallen and is a nice tattoo if you are looking for something small and elegant.
33. the dark side and the light side. evil and good against each other. these two angels are a nice reminder that there are always two choices to make. these silhouettes are a fun option for a tattoo.
34. such a beautifully detailed fallen angel. you can almost feel the desperation in the angel’s body language. It’s also not too big, so it’s not a big compromise.
35. this is another variation of the big angel wings that you can have on your body. This black and white tattoo has no details, it looks like it’s just an outline.
36. this angel is traditional and it’s also just an outline version of a tattoo without any real detail.
37. this is a very original looking angel. If you love sugar skulls then this would be a great tattoo for you. is the angel look that combines the sugar skull for a truly unique look. there are a lot of details to make this a great tattoo.
38. this could be a fairy or an angel, it’s hard to tell. it seems as if the wings are even butterfly wings. It is a delicate tattoo that is placed at the base of the neck.
39. the angel is traditional, something you can imagine from the church. there is also a cross symbol to accompany it. the tattoo is in black and white with many details. It’s quite a beautiful tattoo.
40. This is another angel tattoo with angel wings falling behind the girl. It is a beautiful innocent look at the tattoo. the tattoo also has a sort of sun behind it which really ties the whole look together.
41. another look that gives you the impression of having your own angel wings. these are pretty fancy looking wings. they fall delicately down the back and into and around the shoulders. they look as real as they could without having real wings. they are dark and have a lot of detail in the feathers.
42. this angel has his hands crossed on his chest in a hurt way. his gaze is intense and almost frightened. the detail is extraordinary, a great tattoo for men or women.
43. a traditional angel look that adds some effect with the stars. It almost looks like a portrait, so it’s a great tattoo.
44. this is a very sexy angel with a busty look. It would probably be a great tattoo for a man, because women are very sensual. her wings are the best part as they are unique and quite original compared to most angel wings. they almost wrap around her like a shield.
45. This angel tattoo has a certain affiliation with heaven due to the inscription that the owner put on it from her father. Angels often accompany tattoos of the dead because they are seen as protectors.
46. a small but beautiful tattoo if a child is inside the wings of an angel. I love the color of the tattoo, it looks kind of metallic with the silver all over it. It is a sweet tattoo that fits the inner part of the wrist.
47. a cute cherub tattoo for those who like cheerful chubby angels. this one is cute but still detailed for an adult tattoo.
48. here is the other side of the coin, the dark angel. In general, this tattoo seems to have a very dark origin. It is small, so it does not take up much space to incorporate it.
49. Very similar to a previous tattoo, these little angels are cute but deceptively so. you have the devil on one side and the angel on the other, but even the angel looks a bit rough around the edges. great unique tattoos for someone looking for something small.
50. an elegant and moving angel. there is a lot of detail in this one too with the angel on his knees and his wings up.
51. a baby cherub, this is a beloved symbol of the angelic species. it is a very small tattoo so there is not much commitment. a tattoo like this would suit a woman better than a man.
52. this tattoo has the look of an angel on a mission. she has control over the stars and is sending some power with them. It’s a small tattoo without many details.
53. This tattoo is very reminiscent of the Christmas angels that you see in the tops of Christmas trees. there is no detail, it is a small sketch. a modern take on an angel tattoo.
54. a smaller version of the personal angel wing look. these are obviously much smaller than most but give the same look without much compromise. a unique look for someone who is dying for wings.
55. another little angel for those who do not want a big tattoo. This delicate little angel fits on her wrist to guide her on her journey.
56. these seem to be more of a dark angel version of the personal wing tattoo. they’re not as crowded as the others and have an almost sinister air about them.
57. these angel wings appear to be connected to the horns just above, as if this could also be a darker tattoo.
58. there are versions, as you can see, of the personal wings tattoo. these are a smaller option for you.
59. again, the person’s wing tattoo appears once more. these are full and occupy the entire back. this is a real commitment for a tattoo.
60. this is another tattoo that is small enough to make a home on the wrist.
61. this cute cherub is holding an initial, possibly that of the owner or someone they care for. it’s a simple design that wouldn’t take long to create.
62. This beautiful tattoo looks more like a fairy than an angel, but it could be anyone, it’s hard to tell. the color really pops against the black and white. If you’re looking for an easy tattoo that doesn’t require a lot of work, this is the one for you.
63. These amazing black wings are gorgeous and very lifelike for a personal pair of wings. you can’t deny that they seem made for her body. the detail in the tattoo is exquisite.
64. Another personal wing tattoo, this one is a fallen angel version based on the inscription at the bottom. these black, winged wings have many curves.
65. another chubby and happy cherub playing with a dive. This is a fairly simple tattoo that doesn’t require a lot of work.
66. an image of a male angel taking a knee. it is quite small since it is located on his ankle. It’s a simple tattoo but it also has a lot of emotion.
67. Speaking of emotions, I love the feelings that this angel tattoo evokes. is it suffering? she is sad? it’s hard to tell, but the emotion in this angel’s body language is strong. it’s a beautiful tattoo with lots of great details.
68. It’s a pretty big tattoo of a praying angel among many other spiritual elements. There is not a lot of detail in this tattoo but it is still quite beautiful. It has a lot of meaning and probably represents the death of a loved one.
69. another tattoo of an angel that could have symbolic meaning for the passing of a loved one. is a beautiful angel with crossed hands. the detail isn’t on the wings, but it’s still a strong tattoo.
70. this is a great tattoo of a scene with an angel advising another man. The man may be Jesus, but there is a hint of a horn on the man, so it could be something else entirely. however, it’s a great black and white look and has a lot of detail.
71. cherub tattoos are always popular.
72. this angel is obviously one of the warrior archangels, they were the only ones who carried weapons of any kind. if you want a strong and symbolic angel, this is a good option.
