Ink can go deeper than the skin and a small symbol can carry a big message. here is a list of small meaningful tattoos that touch the soul.
I remember reading a story about a girl who lost her grandfather. she couldn’t see him before he passed away, and it broke her heart. her grandfather used to call her by her nickname, which means “look” in pakistan. and she decided to tattoo the word on her wrist. she makes her feel that her grandfather is always there, calling her by her name. it is those stories that prove how meaningful a tattoo can be. the lines and shapes of the skin have the power to touch the soul.
although we all have our story to tell, it is not easy to do it through a small tattoo. instead, you have to dig deep and find a word, letter, or object that speaks to you. Here is a list of small meaningful tattoos that are creative and thought-provoking to give you some ideas.
Disclaimer: This tattoo collection is for inspiration only. please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow the artists and show them some support.
meaningful little tattoos that send a message
fire rose tattoo for survivors
@janinks
Sometimes symbols can have deep meanings that touch the soul. fire rose tattoo is one of them. Created by Jaqueline Lin, the symbol combines loops of DNA, the fire symbol, and Lady Gaga’s favorite flower, the white rose. The singer publicly shared her experience as a victim of sexual assault and inspired survivors to come forward.
The story behind the tattoo can be heavy. but it is also a symbol of strength and healing that will continue to inspire.
small lightning bolt tattoo
@yanalavskaya
in greek mythology, lightning is the weapon of zeus. represents a destructive force to be reckoned with. Because lightning strikes quickly, it also symbolizes strength and determination.
stay – a minimalist one word tattoo
@winczi.tattoo
we all have a word that is closed in our hearts. This one word tattoo can be a statement that you are here to stay, to live life to the fullest, and to make a change. or it can be a commitment to a relationship, to stay close and loyal to the love of your life. the meaning varies as we all have different stories to tell. that’s what makes it personal.
laugh now, cry later
@angustattoo
You may have seen another version of this meaningful tattoo: a mask that laughs and another that cries. Initially, the tattoo refers to the “laugh now, cry later” attitude. it means living to the fullest or recklessly and dealing with the consequences later.
As we become more aware of mental health issues, the happy face/sad face tattoo takes on new meaning. can now also suggest the user pretends to be okay while fighting on the inside.
@sarakori
ocd awareness tattoo
@jeherv
300.3 is a diagnostic code for obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). as tattoo owner jeherv mentioned in his instagram post, this tattoo is a reminder that the disease “is a part of me whether i want it or not”. Now that he has recovered, the tattoo marks his fight against OCD and celebrates his bravery along the way.
Also read: 53 Meaningful Mental Health Tattoos With Meaning
magic wand ankle tattoo
@cagridurmaz
Believe in your magic.
broken heart
@m3.ink
It may sound contradictory. but sad tattoos are not always sad. they can be a symbol of closure or a reminder to appreciate the present. this little broken heart is the first case. A tiny tattoo like this can help the wearer get over a breakup or recover from a loss.
little family photo
@ovenlee.tattoo
Our aesthetics or values may change. but our families will always have a special place in our warmth. so if you want a small and meaningful tattoo that will never go out of style, a family portrait tattoo like this one will be perfect.
red energy angel tattoo
@sonia_ink_
lonely little matchmaker
@keenetattoo
A lit match represents light and hope. but this phosphor tattoo gives a different feel. he is alone, burning himself to warm others. but unfortunately no one is around.
wish you were here
@m3.ink
christopher mccandless, the man who wandered into the wilderness and died there, wrote in his notebook that “happiness is only real when shared.” without a loved one by our side, joy is boring. and this sad quote tattoo is a reminder to keep our loved ones close and cherish them.
I still get tattoo on the back of my neck
@meg_macabre_tattoo
The quote is the title of the poem by Maya Angelou, the late American writer and civil rights activist. in the poem, she wrote, “you can tread me on the very ground. but still, like dust, I will rise.”
Today, loneliness has become a motivation for many people to face the challenges of life and find the strength to recover.
a statement quote tattoo for artists
@mayoanj
Also read: 19 artistic tattoos to turn your skin into a canvas
the happy chemist
@_thinkdifferent
Serotonin is considered a “happy chemical.” when you have a lower level of serotonin, you may experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. This small tattoo can be the complement that brings joy and comfort.
eye of horus tattoo
@golaya.tatts
in ancient egyptian mythology, horus is the god of the sky. in a battle, he lost one of his eyes. but somehow, he recovered. and the eye of horus became a symbol of protection, healing, and health.
snake tattoo
@maywarrior
Across cultures, people have different thoughts about snake tattoos. some may relate it to witches. in his view, snakes are dangerous and represent greed, seduction and even sin.
Because snakes shed their skin several times a year, a snake tattoo can also symbolize reincarnation and a new beginning. Either way, this tattoo shows a gesture of courage and power. on the hunt for a badass tattoo? this could be it.
meaningful little semicolon tattoo
@crynow____crylater
The semicolon represents an unfinished story. She gained popularity in 2013 when Amy Bleue founded Project Semicolon, an organization that advocates for mental health. she was a survivor of abuse and rape. and she lost her father to suicide at the age of 18. she passed away in 2017, but her legacy continues.
Nowadays, a semicolon tattoo becomes a trophy for survivors battling mental health issues. check out this post for the stories behind semicolon tattoos.
safety pin tattoo
@gyu_tattoo
A safety pin tattoo can give you the real feeling of pain just by looking at it. but it has a deeper meaning. According to Tattoo SEO, the safety pin first gained popularity among punk fans as a fashion statement. Since a safety pin is used to hold pieces of cloth together, it became a symbol of unity against abuse and discrimination.
scars are beautiful
@_thinkdifferent
hourglass tattoo to cherish every moment
@sashatattooist
“time is all we have and don’t have”. – Attic poetry
sailing towards dreams: a meaningful tattoo on the wrist
@_thinkdifferent
red pill, blue pill
@newtattoo_studio
You may remember that Morpheus offered Neo a red pill and a blue pill if you’ve seen the matrix. she had to choose between the two.
The red pills represent the real world which is full of dangers and unknown. on the other hand, the blue pill will take him to a wonderland where he will never know what really happens. between real struggles and false comforts, neo chose the former. what would you choose?
a reminder to look for authenticity
@iritgamburg
find your anchor: a meaningful ankle tattoo
@jully_artistt
The anchor prevents a ship from drifting. the meaning of anchor tattoos varies from person to person. You can honor the support of family and friends. or it can be a symbol of unshakable beliefs. If you have something or someone that keeps you grounded, this may be an ideal tattoo design for you.
Also read: 85 matching best friend tattoos and meanings
live in the present
@hannah.tattoos
reset
@nikkibandit
00:00, four numbers that couldn’t be simpler. It is the moment when everything restarts. new day, a new beginning.
drown in thoughts
@jess.tattoo
You can’t always control your thoughts, especially when you think too much. and this small nape tattoo captures the struggles of overthinking.
almost circle
@eszteremm.tattoo
While circle tattoos often represent closure or wholeness, an almost circle honors the beauty of imperfection. white space can represent unrealized potential or stories yet to be told.
light the inner fire
@_thinkdifferent
While fire tattoos have various meanings, the heart in the center of the flame symbolizes intense love. a passion or someone special can come into your life and light up your world.
Also read: 31 empowering firefighter tattoos for men and women
a small dandelion wrist tattoo
@mint_tattooist
“let it hurt, then let it go”. – r.h.sin
key to the heart
@nikkibandit
keys don’t just open doors; they unlock memories buried so deep we don’t even know they exist. and we all have a key that represents a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s your first home or the office where you’ve worked, dig deep and you’ll find yours.
honor your journey: small meaningful tattoo
@larktattoos
heartbeat tattoo on ankle
@pikaketattoo
a beating heart is a symbol of life. This small ankle tattoo is a reminder of hope and possibility. encourages you to channel your inner strength and persist when you think you can’t.
cancel fear
@_thinkdifferent
Being fearless doesn’t mean you’re not afraid of anything. The moment you decide not to let fear hold you back, that’s when you find true courage.
breathe: a one word neck tattoo
@nillo.ink
an earth tattoo behind the neck
@nillo.ink
never stop exploring because you never know where your next journey will take you.
wear your pride on your sleeve
@jo_dark_tattoo
“we deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without commitment”. this quote from elliot’s page says what the lgbtq community thinks. and this pride tattoo carries a similar message: be proud of yourself.
Which of these meaningful little tattoos catches your eye the most?
or share your tattoo story in the comments below.
