37 Most Popular And Meaningful Tattoo Designs – 2023

Best Tattoo Designs For Women And What They Mean

1. Tribal Tattoos

Tribal tattoos are generally based on ancient tribal art. These tattoos originated from the artworks of ancient tribes, such as the tribes of Celtic, the Borneo, the Haida, and the Maori. The modern form of these tribal artworks is called New Tribalism. Some styles also originated in India, Hawaii, Aztec, Samoa, and Polynesia and spread to the rest of the world.

Tattoos in these communities were used to depict the social status of a person, rites of passage, and family status. They were sometimes even used for medicinal purposes. Every culture has its own designs and techniques, but most of the tribal tattoos are done in black.

Tribal tattoos feature bold line motifs, repetitive patterned designs, elements, bold black lines, and spiritual and mythical symbolism. The most popular tribal tattoos are the Hawaiian flower, Indian motifs, letters, and rose tattoos.

2. Traditional Tattoos

Traditional or old-school tattoos are based on the traditional American or the Wild Western tattoo style. Traditional tattoos are possibly the oldest among all the other tattoo forms. They have been used by most of the sailors around the world to set themselves apart from others.

They generally feature bold, black outlines and have a limited color palette, featuring red, green, yellow, and black. Later on, purple was also added to the palate.

Some popular traditional tattoo designs include sparrow tattoos, eagle tattoos, pin-up tattoos, native American tattoos, heart tattoos, anchor tattoos, mermaid tattoos, navy and army symbols, dagger tattoos, rose tattoos, and gypsy design tattoos.

3. Realism Tattoos

Realism tattoos look like photographs or actual 3D objects. In the tattoo world, the term realism refers to designs that are detailed, precise, and exact representations of real-life images. They generally focus on faces, scenery, animals, and everyday objects.

This style of tattoo requires a lot of patience and a great eye for detail. Realism tattoos have many colors and layers. Depth is used to maximize contrast and 3D effect of the tattoos. The most beautiful realism tattoos have perfect depictions of the eyes, with the Safety Precautions When Getting a Tattoo

4. Watercolor Tattoos

Watercolor tattoos have become insanely popular because of their ethereal style, fluid forms, and vivid hues. They are inked the same way normal tattoos are done. The only difference is the techniques of coloring and shading.

Watercolor tattoos generally have no bold outlines. The designs are mostly splashes of colors with a few bold lines in between for shape – and sometimes not even that.

5. New School Tattoos

The new school tattoo style includes elements from many tattoo styles, such as old school, irezumi, and folk art. This style of tattooing uses the heavy outline style of the old school tattoos. But contrary to using a limited color contrast as in old school, new school tattoos use a range of bright colors.

They do not use realism as all the details in the tattoo are exaggerated and represent graffiti style. New school tattoos feature fantastical subjects and allow the artists to do a lot of customization.

6. Neo-Traditional Tattoos

The neo-traditional tattoo designs are a modern version of the traditional American tattoos or old-school designs. Neo-traditional artists try to make things more contemporary by adding thick, bold lines to the symbols and using realistic images and designs.

However, some people say that there is no real difference between traditional American tattoos and neo-traditional tattoos, but that is not true.

7. Japanese Tattoos With Meanings

Japanese tattoos are called irezumi. They are also known as motifs. The unique thing about these tattoos is that every image that is inked has a specific meaning and purpose.

Japanese tattoos may depict a person’s character traits, personal beliefs, and aspirations, or even declarations of gang associations. They are also sometimes based on myths and famous stories.

8. Blackwork Tattoos

Blackwork tattoos, also called neo-tribal tattoos, are created using solid black ink. These tattoos use linework and dotwork to a large extent and have large areas of black tint, black shading, distinctive motifs, graphic art, and symmetrical and complex geometrical patterns.

These tattoos are made up of minimalist images and symbols. They are heavily influenced by Polynesian artwork and tattoos. All-black tattoos were done by the ancient Polynesian tribes to flaunt their identities, lineage, and social standing, and their ideas of warfare or religious beliefs.

9. Illustrative Tattoos

Illustrative tattoos can be recognized easily because of their style and line quality. They look so real that they are often mistaken as marker drawings on the skin. The Illustrative tattooing style involves numerous different techniques – such as dotwork, linework, parallel hatching, small dashes, stippling, and cross-hatching.

The methods of applying the ink differ for getting a particular texture or look. The style of geometric tattoos is often used in Illustrative tattoos because they have similar origins and techniques.

10. Chicano Style Tattoos

The Chicano tattoo style is comprised of inspiring and eye-catching imagery. It is rich in cultural, political, and historical connotations. Every tattoo design is meaningful and has a background story, generally directly related to the Chicanx culture. This form of tattooing can be used to influence the preservation of heritage.

The Chicano style tattoo came from the Pachuco gang culture. It was done to identify the gang members and show loyalty and respect to the gang. The Chicano style of tattooing is based on classic themes like skulls, flowers, lush roses, praying hands, pretty girls with shining tears, women, and religious figures, such as the Virgin Mary.

11. Polynesian Tattoos

Polynesian tattoos are an ancient form of tattoo art. In Polynesian culture, tattoos are a form of expression. Interestingly, there were no writings in Polynesia – only tattoos. They were an indication of people’s status, their identities, genealogy, personalities, and even their rank in society.

Tattoos were more than just an art form – they were spiritualistic. People could not simply choose the designs of their tattoo. Their ‘master’ would make the decision depending on their social status.

12. Phases Of The Moon Tattoos

The phases of the moon tattoo stands for purity, dreams, magic, mystery, eternity, and shadows. It is similar to celestial and coffin tattoos as far as meanings are concerned. This tattoo lets people associate with their past, present, and future.

One of the most appealing meanings behind the phases of the moon is its representation of karma. This style also refers to the eternity of the moon. This lets women relate to their cycles even more.

13. Henna Tattoos

The tradition of applying henna tattoos can be traced back to Ancient Egypt. It is believed that Cleopatra used to apply henna to adorn her body. Egyptians would use henna to paint the nails of mummies before burial. Henna tattooing is traditionally done to celebrate a happy occasion or acknowledge rites of passage. These are the most common tattoos.

Hindus don henna tattoos on their weddings to symbolize purity, joy, beauty, happiness and spiritual awakening. Moroccans paint their doors with henna as they believe that it brings prosperity to the household and eliminates evil.

14. Filipino Tattoos

Filipino tribal tattoos are often based on the beauty of nature, such as mountains and rivers. The original tattoos often featured scenes and symbols of the area where the artists grew up in.

Filipino tattoos were believed to offer protection to men during battles. They also represented bravery or tribal status. These tattoos often used repetitive, meticulous patterns, as well as detailed, photo-realistic images.

15. Arabic Tattoos

Arabic tattoos are mesmerizing, graceful, and exquisite. A lot of people get captivated by the Arabic language and the font for the creative writings. The cursive way of writing the letters is truly beautiful. Even though some Islamists believe that tattoos are against their religion, many Arabs flaunt beautiful tattoos.

Arabic tattoos have multiple quotes and designs. These tattoos can be theological, a person’s name, or even spiritual phrases or quotes.

16. Dolphin Tattoos

Dolphin tattoos represent friendship, a sense of belonging to a community, and harmony. A lot of besties and couples get matching dolphin tattoos. Dolphins are extremely intelligent. Ancient Greeks considered the dolphins god-like.

Here are a few symbolic meanings of dolphin tattoos – love, happiness, friendship, playfulness, freedom, intelligence, connection, protection, and sensitivity. When two dolphin tattoos are inked together, it represents the sun and the moon. It also represents duality, cooperation, partnership, and balance.

17. Dragon Tattoos

Dragon tattoos are associated with courage, strength, protection, power, wisdom, and independence. These mythological creatures are one of the most legendary beings in the history of folklore and mythology.

Dragons form a part of the cultures of China, Vietnam, and Japan – and many other countries. Most Eastern civilizations consider dragons as noble creatures, whereas, European civilizations associate dragons with darkness and evil.

18. Butterfly Tattoos

Butterflies are a common theme of tattoos among females. They are sometimes inked just as a pretty skin decoration. But at other times, they may have a deeper meaning.

Butterfly tattoo designs and meanings symbolize beauty, liberty, confidence, freedom, and change. They represent transformation, freedom from the emotional burden, forgiveness, or spiritual growth. Butterfly tattoos are a symbol of female sensuality, feminine beauty, and sexuality.

19. Wings Tattoos

Wing tattoos are associated with spiritual symbolism. These tattoos represent speed, freedom, elevation, and aspiration. These tattoos can be of different sizes, designs, and colors.

Wing tattoos are sometimes done in all black tribal style. These tattoos symbolize warriors in battle, are a symbol of honoring someone who has passed away, to establish your faith, or to appreciate your ability to overcome obstacles, fear, and whatever hurdles life throws at you.

20. Om Tattoo

The word ‘Om’ comes from the Vedanta, a Hindu scripture. Therefore, Om is familiar to many eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. It is a sacred mantra, chant, and icon. It has suddenly become popular in Western countries.

The Om tattoo symbolizes silence, oneness, totality, sacred trinity, creation, evolution, indestructibility, truth, sustainability, manifestation, perpetuation, and divine expression. People get the Om tattoo inked to celebrate sacred and timeless awareness.

21. Star Tattoos

Star tattoos symbolize the accomplishment of a goal. They can be very personal, but there are some general meanings associated with them.

They can represent hope, religious faith, transformation, ambition, finding the way home, success or accomplishment, an amazing moment in your life, an interest in astronomy, a challenge to conquer, your vocation as a fisherman or sailor, stardom, a desire to achieve bigger goals, member of the Navy Seal or Coast Guard, uniqueness or individuality, and the birth of your baby.

22. Heart Tattoos

Heart is the universal symbol of love. Heart tattoos also stand for adoration and passion for a special someone. However, they are not just meant to be for your lovers but are also used as a symbol of love for other family members.

The general meanings associated with the heart tattoo are love, heartache, femininity, heartbreak, marriage or relationship, sisterhood, friendship, stability, life, cultural heritage, homage to a loved one, memory of a pet, patriotism, spirituality, military service, hope, Christian or Catholic faith, Judaism or Jewish faith, passion, adoration, perseverance, key to one’s heart, medicine or healing, being trapped, suffering, unity, artistic nature, love of cooking, trust, past, present, and future, love for family members, and power.

23. Skull Tattoos

Skull tattoos are popular among badasses. Many people associate a skull tattoo with those large, black eye sockets with death, but that is not always the case. The biker crowd that generally gets these tattoos do so to show that they don’t fear death. Therefore, skull tattoos could symbolize that a person has accepted their mortality.

These tattoos could also be a reminder that everyone will die one day and should live life to the fullest. In this way, it has a positive association.

Skull tattoos are not necessarily masculine. There are also feminine skull tattoos, which are hugely popular among women. Some couples also get matching skull tattoos inked on their bodies. The most popular skull tattoos for women are done in pink and purple colors and have bows as well.

Many people choose to add some decorations to their skull tattoos, such as hearts, stars, flowers, ribbons with names, special dates, mottos and quotes, military symbols, pinup girls, or wings.

24. Cherry Blossom Tattoos

Cherry blossom tattoos have several different meanings associated with them. Many people get the soft pink flowers tattooed on them as an ode to spring.

Some cultures, like Japanese, believe that cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, symbolize the fragility of life and beauty. The Japanese cherry blossom is tattooed by many to celebrate life after a serious illness or to honor someone you have loved and lost.

25. Flower Tattoos

Different flower tattoos symbolize different things. Red flowers represent burning passion, violet roses stand for shyness, yellow flowers represent jealousy and possessiveness, and white flowers symbolize purity.

There are literally thousands of different flower tattoo ideas available in different designs and colors. There are many kinds of flowers that you can go for – the rose, lily, lotus, and jasmine being the most popular ones.

26. Angel Tattoos

Angel tattoos are done in honor of one’s spirituality. However, they can also stand for romantic love, doubt, and wrath.

• Angel wings symbolize protection, freedom, and the presence of God.
• Broken or tattered angel wings represent the struggle with acceptance of one’s faith.
• Archangels for those who want spiritual tattoo designs.
• Angel of Death represents fear and death.
• Celtic Angels symbolize a connection to the Catholic church as well as Celtic roots.
• Cupid represents romantic love and innocence.
• Fallen Angels represent the loss of paradise.
• Flying Angels are symbols of resurrection and rebirth.
• Guardian Angels symbolize the protection of mankind, guidance, and protection.
• Praying Angels symbolize protection, the requirement to connect with the God Almighty, guidance, and divine intervention.

27. Maori Tattoo

Maori arts, also known as moko, are traditionally inked on the face and nearby parts since the head is held sacred by this tribe. These tattoos have a great aesthetic value and are extremely alluring.

Traditionally, these tattoos represented the heritage, ancestry, and status of the person in the tribe. Nowadays, these tattoos can mean a whole lot of different things, such as family, travel, prosperity, strength, career, and so on.

Manawa, which means “heart” in Maori, represents one’s life journey and the time spent on this planet. Main Korus represents people and groups of people, and Korus means new life and new beginnings.

28. Haida Tattoo

Haida tattoos symbolize the spiritual elements of animals. The tattoos have a design crest as well as an animal that basically states something meaningful about the one wearing it.

Though the meanings of most symbols have changed over time, the animal part of it has remained constant. Those looking to get a Haida tattoo done often go for the thunderbird.

29. Dreamcatcher Designs With Birds, Feathers, Or Beads

Dreamcatchers (willow hoops with strings that are woven into nets or webs. Also incorporate other items like beads, feathers, or birds) are an extremely popular tattoo choice.

It is believed to have originated from the Anishinabe, also known as the Chippewa and Ojibwa. They believed dreamcatchers had mystical powers. They associate them with the legend of the Spider Woman. People believe that dreamcatcher tattoo offers protection from bad dreams.

30. Fairy Tattoo Designs

Fairy tattoos are very popular among women. Popular variations of these tattoos include anime fairy tattoos, butterfly fairy tattoos, gothic fairy tattoos, evil fairy tattoos, sexy fairy tattoos, tribal fairy tattoos, crying fairy tattoos, Celtic fairy tattoos, sitting fairy tattoos, Tinkerbell tattoos, flower fairy tattoos, dragon fairy tattoos, and pixie fairy tattoos. They stand for femininity, innocence, naughtiness, and protection.

31. Swallow Birds Tattoo

The swallow tattoo was originally inked by sailors to flaunt their sailing experience. But with time, the meaning of the swallow has changed to include a host of other things.

The swallow tattoo represents travel, change, and you and your loved one taking a journey together. It also represents community love as this tattoo is associated with swallow birds traveling together as a flock.

32. Sun Tattoo

Sun tattoos are very popular because the sun is considered an icon and a deity. Here are some popular sun tattoo designs and their meanings:

• Rising sun tattoos symbolize a new life or beginning
• Sun devil tattoos representing one’s devilish fun side
• Sunfish tattoos are a symbol of tribute to the very mysterious ocean fish Mola
• Tribal sun tattoos symbolize strength, new life, and power
• Cloud and sun tattoos are a tribute to Pearl Jam
• Three stars and sun tattoos symbolize a spiritual event.

33. Simple Moon Tattoo

The simple moon tattoo is associated with power, fertility, secret wisdom, hidden powers, and witchcraft. Women get this tattoo inked to represent their lunar energy, intuition, divine light, sensuality, and overall femininity.

The moon tattoo is linked to the following meanings: feminine mystique, cyclical nature, Wiccan beliefs, mischief, the release of negative energy, insanity, magic, creativity, astrology, darkness, the memory of loved ones, rarity, and growth.

34. Celtic Tattoos

Celtic tattoo symbols are mostly a mixture of German and Pagan cultures. They used to tattoo animals on men as they are very symbolic among the Celts.

The tattoos generally symbolized protection, ferocity, and courage. Some of the Celtic symbols also represent respect for organic energy, such as nature, motion, wind, and time.

35. Kanji Tattoo

Japanese kanji are symbols or characters with a Chinese origin. They are simplified Chinese characters. Kanji tattoos are popular in the US and Europe. They are simple, compact, understated, and impactful, as well as elegant.

There are around 50,000 kanji symbols. People can get their names or the name of their loved ones inked on them using the Kanji characters.

36. Crown Tattoo

Crown tattoos represent power, wealth, and supremacy. If you consider yourself a queen or king, a crown tattoo is the best choice for you.

A crown tattoo has many meanings, but here are a few general ones associated with it: royal power, leadership, authority, control over emotions, ideas, and actions, self-control, power and pride, responsibility, God-like, nobility, and greatness, as well as true love and loyalty. Crown tattoos are often inked as matching tattoos by couples.

37. Sword Tattoos

Sword tattoos are longtime symbols of knights, warriors, samurai, and ninjas. They are linked to many meanings – justice, strength, bravery, courage, honor, valor, power, knowledge, nobility, danger, liberty, and freedom.

The popular sword through the heart tattoo means betrayal, a broken heart, or lost love. It is also popular among Christians.