Over 40 of the most popular tattoo design symbols and meanings explained.
Have you ever wondered about some of the most popular tattoo designs? Are you wondering about its meaning? what are they supposed to represent? there are many symbolic meanings in tattoos.
This list is a collection of some of the most beautiful and meaningful tattoo designs and the different meanings behind them.
let’s see ideas for more than 40 different tattoo designs that tell a story and reveal your personality
A tattoo is a permanent piece of body art, so the meaning behind it will stay with the person for the rest of their life.
This is why so many people choose to get tattooed to express their thoughts and feelings, to commemorate certain events in their lives, and to give their loved ones a way to connect with them for the rest of eternity.
Everyone’s reasons for getting a tattoo, and their individual meanings and motivations are unique to them.
Tattoos mean different things to different people, but today we’re going to take a look at some of the most common meanings and symbols associated with tattoos.
Whether you have your own personal meaning and reason for choosing a particular design, it’s still important to know what the general meanings of that tattoo are and if that resonates.
after all, this tattoo design will accompany you for the rest of your life
If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, this is your article. We have collected the most beautiful and meaningful tattoos to inspire you.
Some of these are great for small subtle tattoos, while others can be made into much larger tattoos.
here are over 40 beautiful tattoo designs, whose meanings go much deeper… ready: tattoo enthusiasts, come on
1. semicolon tattoo
The semicolon tattoo is one of the most popular small meaningful tattoos.
The meaning of this tattoo is related to mental health issues, and some relate it more specifically to surviving suicide.
The meaning of the semicolon is that your story could have stopped here, but it didn’t. when you could have chosen to finish a sentence, but instead chose to continue.
this symbol is linked to the semicolon project; your story is not over, that raise awareness about mental illness.
“A semicolon is used when an author could have chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. the author is you and the sentence is your life.”
2. ampersand tattoo
the meaning of the ampersand is “and” it has several meanings, one of which is connection and union, especially if you get a matching tattoo with an important person.
The other meaning is to indicate that there is always more to the story.
An ampersand makes a beautiful simple design, it’s a lovely tattoo for those who like it small and understated.
Choose your font carefully, so your ampersand tattoo has the most impact.
3. anchor tattoo
The anchor represents stability and peace. This is one of the most popular traditional tattoo designs, often associated with sailors, but it goes beyond that.
When used as a matching tattoo, it has the meaning of reminding each other that you are your anchor and support each other, which is very beautiful and reassuring.
4. butterfly tattoos
butterflies represent transformation. from a caterpillar to a butterfly, this animal represents radical radiance and can resonate if you’ve been through tough times and come out stronger.
5. feather tattoos
Feather tattoos, like birds, represent freedom. we both have matching feather tattoos to represent friendship.
feathers are also important in Native American culture
6. stars
Star tattoos represent ambition, adventure and hope. These are also one of the most popular tattoo symbols for friendship tattoos as they can be done quite small and in subtle places like the ankle or wrist.
star tattoos can be combined with some of your favorite song lyrics like “you drew stars around my scars” (taylor swift)
7. heart tattoo
In essence, the heart tattoo is a symbol of love, most commonly romantic love. many people like to combine it with the name of their partner, as one of the most traditional tattoos.
A small heart is one of the most popular minimalist tattoo ideas.
8. viking tattoos
There are many powerful symbols in Norse mythology, passed down from ancient times to the Vikings.
the Viking symbol or rune inguz means “where there is a will, there is a way”
The Viking symbol “chevron” means “create your own reality”
9. rose tattoos
Whether you get a red rose, a mandala rose sleeve with elaborate designs, or an understated little flower, the rose is a symbol of beauty.
each color of rose has a slightly different meaning, and in tarot the rose is a symbol of balance
Whether subtle or bold, rose tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs.
10. lotus flower tattoos
The lotus flower has a deep meaning and is the symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism.
Lotus flowers grow in murky waters, but despite this, they remain clean and pure.
This is a popular choice for those looking for spiritual tattoos that reference getting through tough times and thriving despite difficult circumstances.
11. arrow tattoo
arrow tattoos symbolize finding direction.
Arrows are also said to symbolize strength, due to the connection to hunting and being a powerful weapon.
This combined meaning could represent you as a strong fighter or warrior as you find your own direction in life.
12. harry potter always symbol tattoo
Also known as the Deathly Hallows symbol, this popular motif from the Harry Potter fandom is made up of a vertical line and a circle enclosed in a triangle.
the sign represents the three legendary artifacts of harry potter: the elder wand, the resurrection stone and the invisibility cloak. together, these three things were considered the key to immortality.
13. wave tattoo
A wave tattoo symbolizes a deep connection to the ocean or water in general.
can also represent peace and calm – a wave is a reminder to let go and let go.
14. eagle tattoo
The eagle tattoo on the chest is an ancient symbol of virility. This is normally seen as a very masculine tattoo, although there is no reason why both genders cannot go with it.
Some of the eagle tattoo meanings include power, dominance and freedom.
15. cherry blossoms tattoo
The cherry blossom, also called sakura, is important in Japanese culture.
As a tattoo, it is often said to represent transience because these beautiful flowers bloom and don’t last long.
The cherry blossom tattoo is a reminder to appreciate beauty before it happens and live in every moment.
16. tribal tattoos
The meaning of tribal tattoos can vary from culture to culture, depending on the design.
With this category of tattoo design, it pays to do some serious research to make sure you understand the meaning of the tattoo design you’re choosing.
Tribal tattoo designs are popular among men and women
17. om tattoo
The om symbol is significant in Hinduism, and its meaning refers to eternal happiness.
As the om symbol is a religious tattoo with deep cultural and spiritual meanings, this is one you’ll want to research and make sure you understand what you’re getting tattooed on your body.
18. tree of life tattoo
the tree of life is a kabbalistic symbol (of kabbalah) although it is used in many traditions.
the tree of life represents a connection with everything: interconnection with everything in the universe. this is a deeply spiritual concept that is shared among many faiths.
the tree of life is also becoming a very popular nursing tattoo
19. moon tattoos
The moon is symbolic in many belief systems and spiritualities.
The symbol of the crescent moon with the star is considered a symbol of Islam, and in spirituality, the moon is considered a feminine symbol.
a tattoo of the phases of the moon represents the passage of time, and that change is inevitable. it is also related to immortality and eternity, as this cycle continues.
Moon tattoos also represent a connection to nature and the natural world, and are considered quite witchy.
20. sun tattoos
The sun is a powerful symbol of truth and light.
This tattoo is also popular with fire signs in the zodiac, particularly Leo because the planetary ruler of the lion is the sun.
A sun tattoo can also represent coming out of the dark, and that after a dark night the sun always comes out.
You can choose to combine both the sun and the moon in your tattoo design. this is also a popular and beautiful and meaningful idea for matching tattoos – where you get one each, one person takes the sun and the other takes the moon.
21. dot tattoo
dot tattoos are one of the simplest minimalist tattoo ideas.
a single dot symbolizes the end of one phase and the beginning of another.
Three dots on a line represent ellipses, this grammatical tattoo indicates that the sentence is not completely complete. this relates to an unfinished journey or the concept of continuation.
22. angel wings
Angel wing tattoos are used to honor loved ones who have passed away, or can refer to guardian angels.
This is a symbol of love and protection. It is also said to represent purity and for some this tattoo has religious significance and significance.
23. dragon tattoo
These legendary and mythical creatures inspire our imagination and wonder.
A dragon tattoo is said to symbolize power, fierceness, strength and wisdom.
For some it also represents a connection to childhood and a love of fantasy.
24. celtic circle
The Celtic circle or Celtic knot has no beginning or end. this symbolizes eternal life and is popular with people who have Irish heritage or roots.
The lines in the Celtic knot are woven together in a single unbroken flow.
This meaning of eternity can be linked to loyalty and friendship. Read more about Celtic symbol meanings here, and find more ideas for Celtic-inspired tattoo images.
25. trinity knot tattoo
It has an aesthetic similar to the Celtic knot, with interlocking designs.
In Celtic culture, the three points represent the natural elements of earth, fire and water, but many also choose this symbol for a Christian tattoo that represents the holy trinity in Christianity.
26. infinity tattoo
The infinity tattoo has a similar meaning to the Celtic knot, with a continuous unbroken line representing infinity, as the name suggests.
This is a much more minimalist tattoo design, which has become very popular in recent years.
This symbol can be combined with words or other designs to make it more personal and meaningful to the user.
27. deer tattoos
A stag or deer tattoo is another tattoo design that is quickly gaining popularity.
Geometric deer tattoos are especially popular because they are so eye-catching.
Deer represent meekness and sensitivity.
This is also a popular harry potter tattoo due to the pattern of the deer which has meaning in the harry potter universe.
28. dreamcatcher tattoo
A dream catcher is an amulet to catch all your bad dreams and negative thoughts. hence this tattoo represents protection and security.
Dreamcatcher tattoos often incorporate feathers and have a connection to Native American Indian culture.
29. zen circle tattoo
the zen circle, also known as enso, is an unfinished circle, which represents enlightenment and strength.
This tattoo design also represents the beauty of imperfection.
30. cross tattoos
This is the most popular religious symbol tattoo among Christians. The cross is the most emblematic Christian symbol, representing the sacrifice of Jesus and God’s love for humanity.
Whether you choose to be bold or subtle with your cross, this is one of the religious tattoos that has deep spiritual meaning for committed Christians of all denominations.
check the meaning of the Celtic cross and other Celtic symbols here
31. musical notes
Put simply, a music note tattoo indicates a deep connection to music or a passion for music.
These can be designed in a minimalist way like this single note, or combined into something larger along with meaningful lettering.
32. roman numerals
Roman numeral tattoos are a simple way to mark significant dates on your body, in a beautiful and minimalist way.
If you need a guide to Roman numeral meanings, check out this helpful list below
33. paper plane
This contemporary and minimalist tattoo design symbolizes travel and adventure.
34. heartbeat tattoo
The heartbeat or pulse tattoo symbolizes life. this can be used as a reminder to celebrate life and live it to the fullest.
You can use this tattoo to commemorate your loved ones, using the heartbeat of their real EKG. Some people use their baby’s heartbeat for a meaningful tattoo.
35. snowflake tattoo
Snowflakes symbolize individuality and uniqueness as each one is different and beautiful, just like us humans.
36. laurel wreath tattoo
The laurel wreath is a symbol of victory. It may look dainty, but the meaning behind this tattoo is powerful and strong.
You can choose a full laurel wreath or just a few bay leaves for a minimalist tattoo design. the meaning will remain the same.
37. mountain tattoo
the mountain tattoo is linked to the desire for adventure.
It’s also a reminder that no problem in life is insurmountable.
38. bird tattoo
Like feather tattoos, bird tattoos represent flight and freedom. they can also indicate a connection to nature.
39. meaningful word tattoos
words are one of the most popular types of tattoo design. what easier way is there to convey its meaning than to write it down in words?
The font you choose can have a big effect on the overall look of your written word tattoo, and these can be made as large or small as you feel comfortable with.
These types of tattoos are very meaningful, whether you choose to go with a single word or something longer.
You may also like words in another language, if that language or culture has any meaning to you.
check out our list of beautiful Arabic tattoos with meaning
40. mandala tattoos
mandala is the Sanskrit word for circle, and these intricate tattoo designs are popular with those who appreciate beauty and detailed designs.
A mandala is said to represent the spiritual journey, starting from the core and working out through the layers.
Mandala tattoos are often incorporated with other designs, such as flowers.
mandalas are something you can take further and keep adding to, if you want to go with a full body tattoo then mandala designs are a beautiful option.
41. map outline tattoos
Like the mountain tattoo or the paper plane, the outline of a map represents adventure.
If you choose an outline of a smaller place, such as a state or country, it signifies the importance of that place and can be a reminder of home.
42. bear paw tattoos
We have a whole post with a variety of bear paw or bear claw tattoo designs, each with a slightly different meaning.
In conclusion, it may be true that the most beautiful tattoos are created with a combination of symbolism and personal meaning.
Tattoos are often created to remind the wearer of something that has happened in their life, or to reflect a certain personality trait or way of thinking.
The art of tattoo design is a great way to express yourself and your individuality, and there are many tattoo shops around the world that offer custom tattoo designs, which means you can create your own design and engrave it on your tattoo. skin. .
Always work with your tattoo artist to make sure you come up with the best designs that you are happy with, and that they are happy to create and feel confident doing so.
If you enjoyed this blog post and list of tattoo ideas, go ahead and share it with your friends, or pin it to your pinterest boards so inspiration is always there when you need it.
hopefully you’ve found inspiration for a tattoo design you love… go ahead and get tattooed! good luck
