Looking for some meaningful tattoos? then you’ve come to the right place!
let’s face it. At least once in our lives, we have all dreamed of getting a tattoo. and some of us have even gotten one (or more!). tattoos have always received mixed reactions. some love them and some don’t. but, what others think does not matter, as long as you choose the right one for you. After all, tattoos are just another representation of your character and personality. in such a case, it becomes important to know what each tattoo means and represents.
Before getting a tattoo you should know what you are getting. So, we have brought you some tattoo meaning ideas. From small meaningful tattoos to big and bold, we’ve covered them all.
what’s the wait? Let’s get started!
50+ best tattoo designs with meaning
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1. roses and butterfly
Each tattoo has its meaning and significance. A variety of interpretations have developed over the years for meaningful tattoos. A red rose is generally considered a symbol of love, passion, or loyalty. a butterfly, on the other hand, represents transformation. when these two symbols come together, they come to represent a symbol of love that hints at transformation in one’s love life.
2. sword and snake
With our list of tattoo meanings, you won’t run out of inspiration. next on our list is another combination. A snake tattoo represents the strength, intelligence and fierceness of the creature. it is capable of attacking prey much larger than its size. swords are also a symbol of bravery, courage and warrior spirit. a snake coiled around a sword is considered to represent mortality in many cultures. it also symbolizes a warrior who is ready to defend the fortress from him.
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3. angel wings
Angel wings are one of the most popular tattoos with meaning. The best thing about this tattoo is its versatile nature. with every design variation comes a different interpretation. A pair of strong angel wings, like the ones shown here, represent strength and perseverance. they also represent purity, courage, love, and perseverance.
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4. dazzling raven
In fact, ravens have traditionally been seen as a symbol of death and destruction. but that’s not all for them. these dark and mysterious creatures are highly intelligent. they can also talk. Ravens have an important place in Norse mythology, where they were considered powerful black birds that represented death, survival, and rebirth. Ravens form one of the best meaningful tattoos for men.
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5. delicate dandelion
Dandelions are good meaningful tattoos for girls. they are a constant reminder to us of the temporary nature of life. dandelions teach us that nothing lasts forever and we should make the most of it when we get the chance. they are also a symbol of hopes and dreams. When combined with birds, this tattoo symbolizes the fulfillment and fulfillment of one’s hopes and desires.
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6. meaningful tattoo symbols
Meaningful wrist tattoos are all the rage this year. they are part of small symbols with big and powerful meanings. this particular tattoo uses two different symbols for both wrists. The om symbol is an important part of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. this is believed to be the first sound the universe made. it also represents the movement of the universe. the unalome symbol, on the other hand, has a similar meaning. It represents wisdom and has some similarities in its structure with the third eye of the Hindu god Shiva.
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7. dragonfly
Finding the perfect tattoos with meaning is a real struggle and we know it. let the dragonfly take you out of your state of confusion. a dragonfly is a sign of all things positive. In many cultures around the world, it is understood to be a symbol of change, peace, prosperity, and good luck. Some ancient cultures even called dragonflies the messenger between worlds. so if you are looking for some positivity and prosperity in your life, this is the option for you.
8. howling wolf
Wolves are strong and ferocious wild animals. They travel in herds and take care of each other. they find strong meaning in Native American culture where wolves are considered spirit guides. therefore, a wolf tattoo symbolizes strength and loyalty. The wearer of a wolf tattoo would be seen as someone protective of his family and loved ones. howling wolves also represent a spirit that is free and has a connection to nature.
9. rose tattoo
You will discover that most tattoos with meanings have a connection to sailors somewhere. The most popular interpretation of a rose tattoo comes from Greek mythology. Since it symbolizes love, passion and beauty, it is also said to symbolize the Greek goddess Aphrodite. As for sailors, they used to get rose tattoos on their bodies to remember the women in their lives whom they had to leave behind on their way to sea.
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10. sword mania
Swords are meaningful tattoos for both women and men. they were the weapon of choice in wars before modern weaponry came on the scene. From Vikings to Samurai, many warriors were known for their sword skills. A sword tattoo symbolizes courage, protection, strength, and power.
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11. the ouroboros tattoo
The ouroboros symbol is one of the most popular tattoos with meaning. it consists of a snake that is eating its tail. Taken from Norse mythology, this symbol represents the united nature of the universe. it is also a representative of the eternal cycle of rebirth and destruction. you can dye it anywhere on your body, but when it is done around the ankle, it looks very impressive.
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12. swallow
Swallows are generally associated with freedom and happiness. Swallow tattoo meaning ideas also have a connection with sailors. Many things are alike between sailors and swallows. these birds are known to constantly return to the same nesting site. Like sailors, they too travel long distances and face harsh conditions to reach their destinations. sailors tattooed a swallow to ensure a successful sailing trip. It was also believed that in the event of the death of a sailor at sea, the swallow would guide his spirit to the afterlife.
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13. phases of the moon
many meaningful tattoo symbols have come together to form this beautiful and impressive tattoo. the butterfly symbolizes transformation, while the moon represents feminine power and beauty. the phases of the moon symbolize purity, dreams and the circle of life and death. they are also a representation of one’s karma. Overall, this tattoo reeks of strong feminine power and energy, making it one of the best meaningful tattoo options for women.
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14. sunflower
Sunflowers are bright yellow flowers reminiscent of warm summer days. These flowers are known for their eternal connection with the sun and their constant movement towards it. A sunflower symbolizes happiness, romance, positivity, good luck, and fidelity. Sunflower tattoo ideas for women with meaning are said to stem from Greek mythology, where it stands as a symbol of hopeful, everlasting, and loyal love. This is a watercolor tattoo that highlights the yellow color of these flowers, which has its own meaning.
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15. sword with crown
There are many meaningful tattoos that often use a combination of symbols and achieve a whole new meaning. a crown symbolizes royal authority, power and dominance. it is also a symbol of leadership, longevity and nobility. the sword, on the other hand, represents honor, strength, courage, justice, and protection. Together, these two tattoo symbols signify the power that lies within the throne.
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16. viking tattoo sleeve
This viking tattoo sleeve consisting of the runic symbols, fenrir, the wolf and the helm of awe will leave you in total awe. The majestic wolf Fenrir is the son of Loki and god of destruction according to Norse mythology. he is a symbol of undeniable power, strength and courage. It is said that he brought Ragnarok as revenge against the gods for what they did to his family. therefore, he also symbolizes love for the family. the helm of awe has eight-armed spikes emerging from the center. Viking warriors believed that it gave them protection and courage to fight their enemy. As for the rune symbols, each one represents a different god and power.
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17. wise old tree
Trees are a popular choice if you’re looking for meaningful tattoos. A tree represents life, nature, as well as the resilience, resilience, and wisdom that comes with it. the most common design is the tree of life which is a tattooed tree with its branches and roots in a circular shape. this circular structure represents the circle of life.
18. red rose
A red rose is a very popular choice of meaningful tattoos for girls. it is a symbol of romance, loyalty and passionate love. but like any other symbol, a red rose can also mean other things. In addition to being a symbol of love, it is also seen as a symbol of sacrifice. You can get a red rose tattoo in memory of someone special in life who is no longer alive.
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19. koi fish tattoo
The Japanese koi fish is another popular choice when it comes to getting meaningful tattoos. this fish symbolizes strength, perseverance, prosperity and determination. many also see them as a symbol of good luck. They are often tattooed in pairs to represent the dual nature of life and how it exists in perfect harmony.
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20. ouroboros snake and moon phases
The term ouroboros is made up of two words, “oura” which means tail and “robos” which means to eat. thus, the word ouroboros means the one that eats the tail. this symbol has a special meaning in Norse mythology and represents the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. The moon phases tattoo is a perfect partner here as it also symbolizes birth, death and reincarnation.
21. butterfly tattoo
Many tattoo meaning ideas are inspired by nature and life. the butterfly tattoo is one such example. It’s one of the most popular choices between meaningful small tattoos and big, eye-catching motifs. Butterflies are a symbol of hope, beauty and transformation. they represent new beginnings and the ability to break free from troubled waters.
22. snake on floral vine
Snakes are extremely powerful creatures with great wits and strength. They are very intelligent and adaptable. They are also a symbol of rebirth as they are known to shed their skin and emerge again. roses are a popular representation of everything related to love and beauty. when a snake is shown coiled among roses, it represents a love so passionate that it has gone overboard and turned into temptation that leads to the loss of innocence.
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23. phoenix
here is one of the most sought after tattoos with meaning. The phoenix tattoo is a popular choice among meaningful tattoos for men. you can tattoo it on your arms or on your chest. legend says that a phoenix is a powerful creature that can live for a thousand years. when they are near their end, they make a nest and set themselves on fire to re-emerge from their ashes, young and strong. therefore, a phoenix tattoo represents rebirth, immortality, and victory over death. it can also be interpreted as the never-dying spirit of one’s character.
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24. the mighty dragon
Dragons are a big part of the meaningful tattoo catalog these days. And honestly, we’re not surprised. These ancient and powerful creatures are part of old legends and are known for their courage, strength and fierceness. South Asian cultures view dragons as noble and full of wisdom, while the West has viewed them as evil and harbingers of destruction. Amidst the wide range of its meanings, a red dragon tattoo is specifically a symbol of strength.
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25. tattoo ideas for women with meaning
A traditional tattoo sleeve is a collection of individual symbols that cover an entire limb. sometimes they are part of pieces inked by different artists. this particular sleeve is a collection of various tattoos that have varied meanings. a clock represents life and death. it could also mean an understanding of the passage of time. the tiger is a symbol of indomitable power, passion, courage and free spirit. the roses act as great space fillers while adding a beautiful feminine look to the entire tattoo.
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26. bear claw
Here is another popular choice of meaningful tattoos for men. A bear claw tattoo can mean a number of things, from power and strength to maternal instincts. Bears are powerful and ferocious wild animals with unmatched strength. but despite their tough exterior, bears are considered soft on the inside. they are highly valued in Native American culture and are considered to symbolize leadership.
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27. jellyfish
medusa has always been treated as a villain by pop culture when in fact it symbolizes protection. When it comes to tattoos with meaning, no other tattoo can have as much meaning and value as this one. It will be a great way to honor and represent feminism as Medusa is a symbol of strong and invincible female power.
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28. lotus symbols
lotus and unalome are two significant tattoo symbols that can be combined effortlessly to enhance the meaning of the entire piece. The unalome symbol is made up of different smaller symbols that come together to represent the journey of life. it is a symbol with meaning in hinduism and something similar to lord shiva’s third eye is seen which leads to the end of the world if opened. the lotus, on the other hand, represents peace, harmony, and perseverance. It is a symbol of strength of character, making it the perfect companion to the unalome symbol.
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29. skull with flowers
If you search for the skull tattoo meaning ideas, you will be surprised. You will find that a skull tattoo is not as morbid as it seems. a skull tattoo is a reminder of our mortality. when combined with roses and butterflies, it takes on new meanings. it becomes a tribute to the endless circle of life and death. It comes to represent that for every death you see, a new life force is also being born.
30. moth
The internet has made many jokes about moths and their obsession with light. but moths are fascinating creatures that represent life and transformation. they can look as beautiful as a butterfly and represent renewal and rebirth. Many cultures believe that moths can guide you to the light due to their connection to the moon. The moth tattoo here comes with more small and meaningful tattoos. the floral mandala represents the circle of life, while the heart chakra at the top symbolizes healing, sharing, compassion, and forgiveness.
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31. semicolon tattoo
Semicolon tattoos have gained immense popularity as meaningful tattoos. A semicolon is a punctuation used in grammar to mark a pause in a sentence. it means that the author could have chosen to finish the sentence but did not. instead, he used a semicolon to simply introduce a pause. this is where the semicolon tattoo gets its meaning and significance. it has become a symbol of solidarity against suicide, depression and other mental illnesses. it means the user chose to take a break and not end her life. now it has come to represent one’s strength of character, that his story is not over yet.
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32. compass for wanderlust
This compass and arrow tattoo is one of the best meaningful tattoos for men. the compass is used to find directions and thus symbolizes new directions in life or a new chapter. the arrow, on the other hand, is a symbol of courage, determination, and perseverance. together, they represent a definite plan or a new direction that you could aspire to. it would symbolize that no matter how far your goals are, you will reach them.
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33. flying eagle
eagles, specifically the bald eagle may remind us of america. It symbolizes patriotism and can also mean to represent America, the land of the free. but, eagles also have a meaning in Native American culture. These are birds that are highly intelligent and can see their prey on the ground while remaining high in the sky. These majestic creatures are rightfully known as the king of the skies. A flying eagle is a classic example of meaningful tattoos.
34. Meaningful tattoos for women
This is a tattoo between the breasts for women that mainly consists of two symbols, rose and triangles. A rose as we know is a symbol of all things beauty, love and passion. it also represents loyalty and sacrifice. the triangle, on the other hand, can have varied meanings. From representing the three important aspects of your life to being a symbol of life and humanity, there are multiple interpretations of this tattoo symbol. a rose in a triangle becomes a symbol of freedom in love and beauty.
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35. loving hug
This self-hugging tattoo is a modern representation of self-love. It is one of the most popular tattoos with meaning among women. the flowers that sprout instead of the head represent the growth of the character. it is a symbol of one’s journey towards self-realization and acceptance.
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36. Meaningful tattoos for men
Angel wings are popular with men and women alike. they are often inked on the shoulder blades in great detail as if the person had wings. They are a symbol of faith and the desire to be close to God. They can also symbolize protection, freedom, love, courage and purity. these are often combined with the initials of a loved one or a quote to enhance their meaning.
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37. mix of sun and moon
This mixture of the sun and the moon forms one of the best options among meaningful tattoos for girls. the sun is the supreme power in our universe and symbolizes life while the moon is a symbol of death and resurrection. The sun and moon tattoo, therefore, represents the union of two opposing forces. represents unity, cooperation and harmony between opposites.
38. monarch butterfly
here you have another of the butterfly tattoos with meaning for you. Butterflies are known as symbols of beauty, freedom and transformation. But, when it comes specifically to the monarch butterfly tattoo, it means much more. the monarch butterfly tattoo represents royalty and returning spirits. they have a special meaning in Mexican culture as they are seen as a sign of the spirits returning to their earthly homes on the day of the dead.
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39. sword tattoos with meaning
The sword and rose tattoo is one of the most impressive tattoo ideas for women with a meaning that will leave you in awe. this popular design represents the power of love. when the mighty sword is surrounded by roses, it represents the ability to ward off conflicts and live in peace and harmony. it is also a symbol of the balance of life.
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40. watercolor tattoos
This is one of the most powerful and meaningful tattoos for women. Although the semicolon is a small punctuation mark, it has a great meaning. now it has become a symbol of solidarity against suicide. it represents the strength of one’s character and how they mustered the strength to continue their story. it is a reminder of how far the person has come on their journey. the watercolor pattern is used to make a loose structure of a butterfly that represents transformation. therefore, it enhances the message of strength.
41. sun tattoo on shoulder
The sun is the most powerful cosmic entity. A sun tattoo symbolizes power, fertility, strength, passion, courage, light, and knowledge. It is also a symbol of new beginnings, truth, and divine powers. it is believed that the sun’s rays will guide you towards the light. therefore, this is a wonderful tattoo idea to pay ode to that person in your life who brought you out of the dark.
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42. sunflower and symbols
here is another of the positive tattoos with meaning. sunflowers are known for their movement towards the sun. They are also associated with light, warmth, beauty and happiness. According to Chinese tradition, sunflowers bring good luck. in Greek mythology, they symbolize eternal and hopeful love. the two overlapping triangles below are a popular choice of symbols. They represent humanity, creativity and simplicity. Since they point upwards, they are said to represent fire.
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43. the all-seeing eye
Another of the most popular and significant tattoo symbols is the all-seeing eye, also known as the eye of providence. It has varied representations and meanings across different religions and cultures. The most common and popular belief is that this all-seeing eye represents the omnipresence of God. it means that god is watching over the human race. the eye of providence is often enclosed within a triangle and surrounded by rays of light.
44. deer tattoo
A deer is the leader and caretaker of its herd. So, it is obvious that a deer tattoo represents love, nobility, strength, power, purity, longevity, and freedom. a deer is also very adaptable to its environment and is found on almost every continent. this tattoo also has a connection to faith. it is said to be inspired by Psalm 18:33 which says “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he makes me stand on high.” Since the tattoo shown here uses tree branches as a base, this tattoo can be understood to signify a connection to the wild and free spirits. This is one of those tattoos with a lot of meaning.
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45. for your faith
A crown of thorns is one of those meaningful tattoo symbols that have their roots in Christianity. An interpretation of this tattoo would be a tribute to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Outside of Christianity, thorns represent the difficulties of life and are a popular symbol of the ability to overcome difficulties. a thorny vine also symbolizes life, survival, strength, progress, and endurance.
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46. floral mandala tattoo
A mandala is an important part of many cultures and religions. it has its roots, especially in Buddhism and Hinduism. a mandala is said to represent the circle of life and the structure of the universe itself. part of a circular motif and expands in the same circular way. However, over time, there have been many modifications to the mandala tattoo design. This is a lotus mandala tattoo that symbolizes purity, health, growth, empathy, love, and development. it represents purity of mind, soul, and body and is often seen as a symbol of creativity and wealth.
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47. anchor tattoo with seagulls
An anchor is a popular choice of meaningful tattoos for men. An anchor is used to stop a ship at sea. symbolizes strength and stability. this is a symbol taken directly from nautical adventures, but it is also something originally popularized by sailors. Do you remember Popeye the sailor and his famous anchor tattoo? anchors are often inked with seagulls. they complement the grounded symbolism of the anchors quite well. sailors identify seagulls with land. reminds them of home. seeing seagulls flying meant that land was near. Therefore, seagulls as small meaningful tattoos represent the earth and everything that exists on earth, including love, home, family, and safe haven.
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48. small meaningful tattoos with meaning
A triangle tattoo can be interpreted to mean many different things. there is no end to the variation in their meanings. it can mean many things and can be incorporated with many designs. it can represent balance, wisdom and time. can be used to represent any three vital things. For example, in Christianity, a triangle is used to represent the father, the son, and the holy spirit. it is also often used with the eye of providence. is one of the best options for meaningful wrist tattoos considering its versatility.
49. feather dreams
Feather tattoos are popular meaningful tattoos for women. It has different meanings depending on the bird to which it belongs. it is generally a symbol of independence and free will. the flying birds that accompany the feather represent freedom. Some cultures believe that birds are messengers from the spirit world. they are considered a symbol of truth, courage, bravery and much more.
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50. beautiful raven tattoo
Ravens have been a common theme when it comes to meaningful tattoos for men. Ravens are dark and mysterious creatures that are most commonly associated with negative connotations of death and misery. but, for every negative, there is also a positive connotation. Ravens are also seen as a sign of light, intelligence, wisdom, insight, magic, and prophecy. a watch is another symbol that symbolizes both life and death. It also represents the passage of time and the acceptance and realization of it. a common interpretation for these two symbols could imply awareness of death and mortality.
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51. Viking symbols for the back
These small meaningful tattoos are inspired by Viking warriors. this is the inguz symbol that symbolizes a new direction in life, great power, strength to complete one’s goals and a completely new life.
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52. mandala sleeve tattoo
A mandala sleeve tattoo is one of the most sought after tattoos with meaning. this symbol has its roots in many religions and cultures. mandala is a Sanskrit word that translates as circle. it has deep meanings associated with it. a mandala design is believed to represent the circle of life. some believe it represents the structure of the universe. The best thing about these meaningful tattoo symbols is the fact that they can be customized to a person’s wishes. any number of designs and patterns can be chosen to fill a mandala, making each mandala a unique design.
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