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Tattoo Symbols Popular Tattoo Symbols & Their Meanings Are you looking for a particular style of tattoo? Below you will find information related to different tattoo symbols and motifs. This list is being added to constantly so please check back if the type of tattoo symbol you are looking for is not here. All-Seeing Eye - The all-seeing eye is depicted as an eye surrounded by beams of light. It is found in a number of different cultures. It can symbolize the third eye, extra sensory perception or spritual insight. It is also a symbol used to ward off evil spirits in other cultures. Amulet - an amulet is a form of talisman used to protect the wearer from harm whether physical or psychic harm. It is comes in many differerent forms depending on the culture. For example Egyptian amulets were represented by a scarab and in Europe a rabbit leg was carried for protection. Many people get amulets tattooed because of the permanence and constant closeness of the amulet.
Angels - Angels manifest in practically all cultures in some form or other and represent higher beings beyong the physicality of the material world. They are usually depicted as guardians, guides, protectors and intermediaries between this world and the higher dimensions. They can take on the form of archangels like Uriel or Michael and can be seen holding a sword or as playing music. More information on Angel Tattoos. Anchor - More information on Anchor Tattoos Ankh - Is a form of cross and goes back thousands of years to Egyptian culture. It is also known as the key of life or the key of the Nile and is associated with sexual union. AB - Short for the Aryan Brotherhood which is a prison gang and White Supemacist organization. Its main beliefs are of the superiority of the white race over all other races. The types of tattoos common to the Aryan Brotherhood are the celtic cross, the shamrock or other nazi insignia. Aso - A mythical animal which is a cross between a dog and dragon and serves as a protective symbol against maleveloent spirits. It originated amonst the indigenous people of Borneo known as the Dayak. Aztec Sun - The Aztecs believed that four suns were created in four different eras. The sun was belived to be the giver and taker of life and the Aztecs frequently sacrificed people to the gods of these four suns. Barbed Wire - Also known as barbwire and was created to mark territory in the 1800's. It has come to symbolize more than the control of land and because of its use in prisons and such places has come to be associated with confinement. This has not stopped it from being a popular choice of arm-band tattoo made even more popular by Pamela Anderson. Bar Code - The bar code used extensively in retail and is unbiquitous when shopping. In tattooing it has come to mean the commodification of modern life and a yearning for individuality. It is both a humorous look at human bodies and also an indictment of how packaged human bodies have become. Bat - The bat is generally seen as a negative symbol in the West but has the opposite meaning in the far East where it is associated with good luck. The Mayans considered bats to have god-like qualities. Bees - Bees can symbolize being industrious and also working with a 'hive' mentality. The appearance can also mean being stung! Benten - A Japanese God of fortune and represents wisdom, literature and the sea. Betty Boop - Once a popular cartoon tattoo depicted as a innocent looking girl tugging at her skirt. Bio Hazard Symbol - This is a very popular form of tattoo. Its design resembles a tribal tattoo design even though it is used extensively in the bio chemical industry. Bio Mechanical - This is a form of tattoo that can be placed anywhere on the body and gives the effect of looking into that part of the body. It can be depicted as robotic parts such as tubes and mechanical parts or sinewy flesh. Birds - Symbolically birds are rich in association. They have had many positive associations and can mean many things such as freedom, peace, longevity and spirituality. Black Rose - This is a tattoo that has been adopted by many in the anti-establishment. It can represent sadness, tragedy and struggle. Black Widow - The black widow is a popular tattoo amongst goths. It can represent the female aspect as the female tattoo is renowned for eating the male after mating. Bombs - The bomb with fuse has become a new school tattoo symbol and can mean impending danger and aggression. Borneo Rosette - Originating in the island of Borneo off Malaysia. This form of tattoo has been practiced for thousands of years. Males in Borneo often receive this tattoo as a form of honor particularly in battle. It is often worn on the shoulder and looks like a dark flower with a spiral in the center. Born to Ride - This is a popular biker tattoo and worn by biker gang members such as the 'Outlaws' and can be written above or below other biker symbols such as motorcycle logos or skulls. Bulldog - This is a British symbol that has been adopted by members of the US Marine Corp and goes back to World War 1. British Bulldog - This is a image of a bulldog wearing a union jack waistcoat and sporting a bowler hat. Sometimes also shown smoking a cigar. It has become synonymous with extreme nationalism. Butterfly - This is without a doubt one of the most popular tattoos worn by women. Butterfly tattoos can mean several things such as beauty, metamorphisis, freedom . happiness and fragility. Many cultures have associated the butterfly with the soul. Read more about Butterfly Tattoos. Cards - Playing cards are a popular form of tattoo. They can be depicted as an Ace of Clubs or a King of Hearts and mean good luck and fate. Catfish - A popular form of tattoo in the Japanese style. Catfish are recognisable by their whiskers and can grow quite large. Celtic Cross - Also known as the 'Wheel Cross' and owes it roots to early Christianity in Ireland. It has been adopted by many White Nationalists. Chains - Mostly worn by those who have been to prison. But they can also depict freedom if they are depicted as broken. Cherries - More information on Cherry Tattoos. Cherubs - Although originally from middle eastern culture, they have been adopted by Westerners. They are usually depicted as children on clouds and can mean protection. Chinese Dragon - More information on Chinese Dragon Tattoos. Chrysanthemum - These are very popular in the Japanese style of tattoos. They were originally associated with royalty and can symbolize determination. Claddagh - Claddagh is a place in the West of Ireland which has given its name to an Irish wedding ring depicted by a heart being held on either side by a pair of hands with a King's crown on top. The heart represents love, the hands represent friendship and the crown, devotion. Clover - Otherwise known as four leaf clover or sometimes shamrock. The four leaf clover is very rare and is thus seen as a form of luck. It has also been adopted by White Nationalists and Aryans. Cobras - This is a common tattoo and can mean a 'charmer' . Snakes have also been associated with youth. Comedy and Tragedy - This is depicted as a smiling mask alongside a sad mask and is derived from Greek theater. It is a popular form of tattoo in prison. Compass - A popular tattoo with 'travellers' and can mean guidance to its wearer. Confederation Flag - This is a red flag with a blue diagnol St Andrew's cross with thirteen stars. It has been adopted by white supremacists in recent years. Cow Skull - This is a popular form of tattoo in the Native American tradition. It has an otherworldly appearance and is associated with ritual. It can remind those living of the impermanence of life. Crips - A gang that was started in LA. Tattoos worn by Crips are usually depicted as Old English script. Crossed Swords - These are associated with death and harken back to pirate times. They are associated with sailor style tattoos. Crown - This is a form of tattoo that has been popularised by the new school form of tattooing. It is depicted as a heart with a crown on top. Cruxifixion - Worn obviously by those of the Christian faith. They can be worn on the arm or as an entire back-piece and usually symbolize devotion and sacrifice. Cupid - The god of love and is depicted as a naked winged boy with a bow and arrow being shot through a heart. It is a positive symbol associated with love, being in love or yearning.
Dagger - Similar to the sword in meaning and can represent danger or betrayal. It is a popular form of tattoo in the new school tradition. Dagger and skull - Worn mostly by those who have done prison time for murder. Daisy - can represent youth and rebirth. These can be worn as an armband in the form of a daisy chain and can also mean carefreeness. Death before Dishonor - The phrase 'Death before Dishonor' is usually depicted as a scroll wrapped around a dagger being held by an eagle. It is a popular military tattoo and has a couple of different meanings. Some suggest that extreme dislike of homosexuality while others suggest honor amongst troops. Devil - It can be depicted in many forms from a scary entity to a playful cartoon depiction. The devil has many different meanings and is associated with evil but it is also be associated with desire and lust. Devil Girl - A popular form of pin up girl which can represent lust and temptation. Dice - Dice tattoos are worn by people who like to take risks and are representive of an uncertain outcome. Dogs - As mans best friend they represent loyalty and faithfulness. They are mostly tattooed as memorials of pet dogs who have passed away and as such are a popular form of portraiture. Dolphins - Dolphins are perceived to be one of the most intelligent of all mammals and have a close connection with humans. Humans have long associated them with symbols of spirituality and the divine. Dolphins have also been known to rescue humans who have fallen overboard. They are a very popular form of tattoos amongst females. Dragonfly - Dragonfly tattoos are thought be associated with good luck. Dreamcatchers - Dreamcatchers were used by Native Americans to ward off bad spirits in dreams. The idea was that they would catch bad dreams in the web like circle and only allow good dreams through a small hole in the centre. The feather on the dreamcatcher was for added protection from spirit guides in the form of certain birds. They are a hugely popular form of armband tattoo amongst males in particular. Eagle - The eagle is one of the most powerful and majestic birds. As a tattoo eagles can have many different meanings from strength to national pride as in the American Bald Eagle. Eight ball - The eight ball is the last ball in a game of pool or billiards. It can mean bad luck as in'behind the eight ball and is also associated with some of the seamier side of life. Elephants - Are popular forms of tattoos in the eastern tradition. Elephants are well known for the long memories. Also a God in the Hindu tradition called Ganesh. Elf - Mythical creatures in the celtic and nordic tradition. They appear quite a lot in fantasy style tattoos. Eye of Horus - This is an ancient Egyptian symbol and is used as protection. It is a popular form of tattoo in the modern tradition of tattooing. More Tattoo Symbols Below...
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