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20+ Adoption Tattoo Ideas That are Full of Familial Love

by Sherri Owens

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate your journey as an adoptive parent or as a child who was adopted? Look no further than adoption tattoos. From symbolic designs to powerful quotes and personalized portraits, there's a tattoo for you.

As a tattoo artist who has designed adoption tattoos for families before, I'm excited to share my insights and inspiration with you.

In this article, we'll explore various styles and meanings behind these adoption tattoo ideas that will help you find the perfect ink.

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Adoption Symbol Tattoos

As you may be aware, a triangle intertwined with a heart is the adoption symbol. This adoption symbol tattoo symbolizes the three parts of adoption: the birth parents, the adoptive parents, and the child. Each corner of the triangle represents the love that each party has for the child. It's a unique and meaningful way to capture the complexity and beauty of adoption.

Black Bold Line Heart and Triangle Symbol Tattoo

Image by @bengalsmom7 via Instagram

Black and Red Adoption Symbol Tattoo

Image by @howdy.tattoos via Instagram

Now, if you would like a straightforward tattoo, then you can simply opt for a basic design for the symbol. In case you want to take a more artistic approach, there are so many other elements that you can add. This includes flowers, the names of the adopted children, adoption dates, and so much more!

Floral Heart Shape and Triangle Adoption Tattoo

Image by @hannahforsythe.jpeg via Instagram

Roman Numbers with Adoption Symbol Tattoo

Image by @em.delany via Instagram

Chosen Tattoos

When it comes to the 'Chosen' tattoo, it's all about celebrating your adoption journey in a powerful yet simple way. This tattoo symbolizes that you were intentionally chosen to be part of your family. This can be a lovely way to focus on the fact that you weren't given up for adoption by your birth mother or birth family but rather that you were chosen by your adoptive family.

Lotus with

Image by @your.moms.tattooer via Instagram

The 'Chosen' tattoo typically features the word itself, sometimes accompanied by a heart or other meaningful symbols like. You can get it in a language that holds significance to you or in a script that feels personal. Some people also like to incorporate the adoption symbol, a heart intertwined with a triangle, to highlight the message even more.

Red Rose with Adoption Symbol and Chosen Text Tattoo

Image by @slingerstattoo via Instagram

The design and placement of your 'Chosen' tattoo are entirely up to you. Remember, it's not about following trends, but choosing a design that resonates with you on a personal level.

Colorful Adoption Tattoo Piece

Image by @eric_perfect via Instagram

Sunflower with Adoption Symbol, Date and Chosen Letter Tattoo

Image by @kacijulia35 via Instagram

Adoption Tree Tattoos

In adoption tree tattoos, each branch or leaf can represent a member of your family. This is where you can get creative and personalize your tattoo. You can choose to include initials, birthdates, or symbols that are meaningful to each person. You may want to include the word Ohana, which is the Hawaiian word for family to represent your whole familial unit.

The branches can extend and intertwine, symbolizing the connections and relationships within your unique family unit.

Adoption Tree Watercolor Tattoo

Image by @luvinink via Instagram

Adoption tree tattoos also provide an opportunity to incorporate symbols of love and celebration. You can add hearts, infinity symbols, or even puzzle pieces to represent the unique puzzle that your family is. These symbols serve as a reminder of the love, care, and acceptance that brought your family together.

Black and Grey Adoption Tree with Dates Tattoo

Image by @bowzerwowz via Instagram

When it comes to colors and shades, adoption tree tattoos offer endless possibilities. You can choose to keep your tattoo in classic black ink for a timeless and elegant look. Alternatively, you can add pops of color to your design, using shades of green for the leaves or incorporating vibrant hues that hold special meaning to you and your family.

Adotion Tree and Symbol Tattoo

Image by @seanglovertattoo via Instagram

Every adoption story is unique, and adoption tree tattoos allow you to tell yours through the art on your skin. Whether it's through the choice of symbols, the arrangement of branches, or the overall style, your tattoo becomes a visual representation of your family's journey. It serves as a constant reminder of the strength, love, and resilience that brought you together.

Three Adoption Trees into One Tattoo Piece

Image by @artrebeltattoo via Instagram

Adoption Quote Tattoos

If you're looking for a simple yet powerful way to express your adoption journey, consider getting a meaningful adoption quote tattoo. These tattoos are all about capturing the essence of adoption and the love that binds your family together.

Adoption Quote with Color Splash Tattoo

Image by @rae_lynntattoo via Instagram

One popular design idea is to have a quote like 'Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone, but still miraculously my own.' This quote beautifully sums up the idea that family goes beyond blood ties. It could be written in a simple font, maybe even in your own handwriting, to add a personal touch.

Adoption Quote, Symbol and Date Tattoo

Image by @paganinkbysarahstreet via Instagram

Another option is to go for a shorter phrase like 'Chosen with love' or 'Born in my heart.' These phrases are concise but impactful. You could have them inked in a minimalist style, with clean lines and a small font size.

Adoption Quote with Baby Portrait Tattoo

Image by @ad_risingsuntattoo via Instagram

Remember, the key is to choose a quote that resonates with you personally. No matter the design or style you choose, your adoption quote tattoo will serve as a powerful reminder of your unique bond.

Adoption Symbol Ribbon with Quote Tattoo

Image by @gay_girl_on_fire via Instagram

Starfish Adoption Story Illustrative Tattoo Piece

Image by @inkedbybethlargofl via Instagram

Adoption Portrait Tattoos

If you're into visuals, a personalized adoption portrait tattoo is a great choice - this works well for an adoptive mother or father but can be especially popular among adoptive moms. It's a beautiful way to remember your unique adoption journey. This design option lets you capture the spirit of your adopted child or the moment of adoption in an artistic way. You can choose a portrait of your child or a symbolic image that represents your bond.

Mother and Child Adoption Portrait Tattoo

Image by @la__gatta via Instagram

To get a great portrait tattoo, you need a skilled artist who pays attention to details. It's important to find someone who can bring your vision to life. Look for an artist who excels at creating realistic, high-quality portraits because this tattoo will be a permanent tribute to your adoption journey.

Mother and Daughter, Quote with Adoption Symbol Tattoo

Image by @theartofvic via Instagram

You can also include significant dates or meaningful words in your tattoo. Maybe you want to add the adoption date or the day you first met your child. If there's a quote that resonates with your experience, you can incorporate that too.

Hand in Hand Tattoos

Hand-in-hand tattoos are a popular choice for adoptive parents looking for a meaningful design. These tattoos symbolize the strong bond and unity between you and your adopted child. The design can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer a realistic depiction of your hands or a more abstract and symbolic version.

Mother and Child's Hands with the Adoption Symbol Tattoo

Image by @gabhortontattoos via Instagram

You can even incorporate other elements that hold significance to your adoption story. Whenever you look at your hand-in-hand tattoo, it will serve as a reminder of the journey you've taken together.

Parent and Child Hand with Red Heart Adoption Tattoo

Image by @tattoo_lauren13 via Instagram

Conclusion

So, you've explored a range of adoption tattoo ideas. Whether you're drawn to the profound symbolism of a 'Chosen' or Adoption Tree tattoo, the powerful resonance of a quote, the personal touch of a portrait, or the significance of a Hand in Hand design, there's a design out there that'll perfectly encapsulate your adoption journey.

After all, it's your story to tell, and what better way to express it than with a unique, meaningful tattoo?

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