Tattoos and Their Meanings
Think you know what an Anchor tattoo means? You may be aware of the more common meanings such as strength and perseverance, but did you also know it can mean anchoring one’s spirit to the earth? What about an owl tattoo? While they are known as powerful symbols of wisdom and intelligence, did you know they also symbolize intuition, magic and guidance?
Tattoo meanings can vary and be multi-layered. A tattoo meaning may be archetypal or it may be personal. You may choose a symbol or design because it carries with it a certain meaning or meanings. In addition a particular design or symbol may have a personal meaning. An example of a personal meaning would be choosing a Polynesian style tattoo because you have Polynesian ancestry. What meaning do you want to symbolize with your tattoo?
Types of tattoos are almost as varied as the meanings they convey. When beginning to choose a tattoo, some people have a meaning in mind and are looking for a symbol to convey that meaning. Others may have a symbol in mind and are looking for the general meaning and symbolism. In either case, the below list of tattoos and their meanings may help you find the perfect tattoo with the perfect meaning. Browse our list of tattoo meanings to find the perfect tattoo for you!
Anchor Tattoo
Anchor tattoos are gaining in popularity for their retro style, and have long been a preferred… >>All Anchor tattoo meanings
Dragon Tattoo
The word Dragon is derived from the Greek word drákōn, which literally translates into… >>All Dragon tattoo meanings
Feather Tattoo
Native American and tribal cultures around the world have long used the symbol of the… >>All Feather tattoo meanings
Hawaiian Tattoo
Hawaii is the largest island of the chain of islands called the Hawaiian Islands. It is also… >>All Hawaiian tattoo meanings
Japanese Tattoo
The Traditional Japanese Tattoos known as “Irezumi” are the decoration of the body with… >>All Japanese tattoo meanings
Maori Tattoo
The Maori people are native to New Zealand, and tribal family groups continue to reside… >>All Maori tattoo meanings
Owl Tattoo
Many people associate owls with wisdom, but they can be intriguing and mysterious too… >>All Owl tattoo meanings
Rose Tattoo
It’s perfectly valid to pick a tattoo on a whim, but choosing one with a personal meaning adds… >>All Rose tattoo meanings
Tiger Tattoo
There are few animals as revered as the tiger. In fact, a recent poll by the TV channel Animal… >>All Tiger tattoo meanings
Tribal Tattoo
Tribal tattoos are very popular today. As the name suggests, their origin goes back to… >>All Tribal tattoo meanings
Wolf Tattoo
Our relationship with wolves goes back at least 40,000 years. Before dog became man’s… >>All Wolf tattoo meanings
Snake Tattoo
Snake tattoos are a classic. They are very traditional and quite a few individuals have these… >>All Snake Tattoo Meanings
Angel Tattoo
While typically associated with Christianity, angels are found in Judaism and Islam as well… >>All Angel Tattoo Meanings
Mandala Tattoo
Mandala tattoos hold deep meaning, as the mandala originates from Hindu and Buddhist symbolism… >>All Mandala Tattoo Meanings
Skull Tattoo
Skull tattoos may be associated with pirates, old school bikers, and counter-culture figures, but… >>All Skull Tattoo Meanings
Peacock Feather Tattoo
While geometric and abstract tattoos might be trendy, these designs simply can’t compete when… >>All Peacock Feather Tattoo Meanings
Key Tattoo
The key tattoo is not a mainstream tattoo, but it is a popular choice. It is sometimes… >>All Key Tattoo Meanings
Tree of Life Tattoo
The tree of life has been a enduring symbol since ancient times. In fact, it is believed to originate… >>All Tree of Life Meanings
Buddha Tattoo
Derived from Sanskrit, the word Buddha translates into, “The Awakened One.” Believed to have… >>All Buddha Tattoo Meanings
Butterfly Tattoo
A dancing butterfly might be an inspiring spot of color that brightens a gray spring day, but… >>All Butterfly Tattoo Meanings
Lion Tattoo
The lion is an animal that many people feel a strong connection to. These wild cats are among… >>All Lion Tattoo Meanings
Celtic Tattoo
Celtic tattoos are based on designs used by a group of ancient tribal societies from Scotland… >>All Celtic Tattoo Meanings
Sparrow Tattoo
While the humble sparrow may not stand out quite as much as a massive heron or a fierce eagle… >>All Sparrow Tattoo Meanings
Star Tattoo
The stars have long fascinated mankind. They have served a variety of functions from telling time to… >>All Star Tattoo Meanings
Koi Fish Tattoo
Koi fish are a domesticated carp native to Japan, and are often evocative of Japanese culture and a… >>All Koi Fish Tattoo Meanings
Dove Tattoo
For many people, choosing a dove tattoo is symbolic of faith or religion, peace, innocence, piety or love… >>All Dove Tattoo Meanings
Hummingbird Tattoo
The humming bird is revered in many cultures for its special qualities unlike any other bird. It is… >>All Hummingbird Tattoo Meanings
Samoan Tattoo
Samoan tattoos – or tatau – are part of a rich historical tradition, but they have also become popular in… >>All Samoan Tattoo Meanings
Diamond Tattoo
Diamonds have come to mean many things throughout history, from luxury, to love, to controversy… >>All Diamond Tattoo Meanings
Dragonfly Tattoo
Dragonflies have long been associated with the mystical and often represent transformation as these tiny… >>All Dragonfly Tattoo Meanings
Scorpion Tattoo
From realistic depictions to abstract designs, scorpion tattoos typically hold deep meaning… >>All Scorpion Tattoo Meanings
Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Dreamcatchers are pervasive in Native American culture, and can be found in many parts of the… >>All Dreamcatcher Tattoo Meanings
Pocket Watch Tattoo
While differing variations hold special meaning, a pocket watch tattoo generally… >>All Pocket Watch Tattoo Meanings
Circle Tattoo
Throughout history, the circle has held special meaning for humanity. A representative… >>All Circle Tattoo Meanings
Cat Tattoo
From ancient Egypt, where the cat was adorded and killing one meant death for the offender, to present… >>All Cat Tattoo Meanings.
Octopus Tattoo
Historically, the octopus, or squid, has been seen as a symbol of intelligence, the ability to achieve… >>All Octopus Tattoo Meanings
Infinity Tattoo
The symbol for infinity – which looks like the number eight turned on its side – is a popular design… >>All Infinity Tattoo Meanings
Dandelion Tattoo
With a wide world of symbolism to draw from when designing your own tattoo, there’s no reason to settle… >>All Dandelion Tattoo Meanings
Sun Tattoo
The sun is the ultimate life-giver, sustaining plants, animals, and humans spanning the Earth… >>All Sun Tattoo Meanings
Sunflower Tattoo
Sunflower symbolism dates back to Ancient Greek mythology. According to the Greek Mythology… >>All Sunflower Tattoo Meanings
Moon Tattoo
The moon has a magical hold on most human beings. Without the moon, the very tides of the world… >>All Moon Tattoo Meanings
Teardrop Tattoo
Some tattoos seem to hold a negative connotation and perhaps, none is more widely known than… >>All Teardrop Tattoo Meanings
Clock Tattoo
Clocks are a popular tattoo image, perhaps because our lives are ruled by the passage of time… >>All Clock Tattoo Meanings
Swallow Tattoo
A swallow tattoo has an intriguing history dating back to the early days of sailing in the… >>All Swallow Tattoo Meanings
Compass Tattoo
Tattoos have been tied to sailors and other explorers for decades now, but that doesn’t mean you… >>All Compass Tattoo Meanings
Small Tattoos
Tattoos are one of the ways that people express their unique characteristics and beliefs to the world… >>All Small Tattoo Meanings
Aztec Tattoo
The Aztec civilization dominated Central America from the 14th to the 16th century. Its history is… >>All Aztec Tattoo Meanings
Chinese Tattoos
The Chinese art of tattooing the body, called Ci Shen, has been known for thousands of years, however it has… >>All Chinese Tattoo Meanings
Celtic Cross Tattoo
The Celtic Cross is a popular design that represents the cross of Christ. Although no one knows for sure… >>All Celtic Cross Tattoo Meanings
Eagle Tattoo
The bald eagle, sometimes called the American eagle, has been the emblem of the United States since… >>All Eagle Tattoo Meanings
Horse Tattoo
Horses have been part of American culture since early settlers began the journey westward, but the horses… >>All Horse Tattoo Meanings