The Eagle Tattoo Meaning and 115+ Soaring Eagle Tattoos

The eagle tattoo meaning ranges from honor, bravery to strength and power.

Whenever I was commissioned to design an eagle tattoo, I heard various explanations about the meaning behind the ink. Naturally, the art historian in me had to check out the real meaning associated with eagle tattoos.

Here is what you should know about the eagle tattoo as well as various eagle tattoo designs to choose from.

What is the Meaning of the Eagle?

Before you get an eagle tattoo, you first have to understand the eagle tattoo meaning. This means that you need to take a deep dive into the significance of eagles.

Unsurprisingly, there are many countries and cultures that place a lot of importance on the eagle.

Let's begin with its significance in Native American culture:

The Bald eagle and the Golden is unequivocally the most important bird according to Native American heritage. This is one of the reasons that the eagle is so revered in American today.

For instance, did you know that it is illegal for people to interact with or harm eagles in the United States? You aren't even allowed to touch or move a dead eagle without having the proper permission. In fact, there are laws that forbid people from taking eagle feathers.

This has to do with the fact that the eagle is a significant bird in Native American culture. If a dead eagle is ever found, it has to be sent to the National Eagle Repository where they are processed.

After this, Native American tribes have to apply to get an eagle or their feathers. Only proper tribe members over the age of 18 are allowed to take the remains - they are so sacred.

Native Americans believe that because the eagle can soar so high that the bird is close to the Gods.

They also believe that the eagle can carry prayers to the heavens. Due to this, an eagle tattoo is a sign of trying to stay close to God. It's also a symbol of hope that your prayers will be carried to God and fulfilled.

The physical prowess is also greatly admired by indigenous peoples. Eagles have excellent eyesight, allowing them to see far beyond what others can. So, in this sense, an eagle tattoo meaning could be foresight.

This works well if you're someone who tends to look to the future or forges a path that other people are afraid to take.

Eagles are also revered for their flight. They can fly high, soaring much higher than many other types of birds. The eagle represents freedom.

In this instance, an eagle tattoo can indicate a longing for freedom. This doesn't just have to be freedom from a particular place. Your eagle tattoo could represent the fact that you long to break free from the shackles of your family, society, and other elements of your life.

Or, it could be a sign that you're a free spirit and enjoy spreading your wings and not being tied down to one place.

An eagle tattoo could also indicate someone who isn't afraid to take flight. You may always be looking for how you can improve yourself or how you can soar to new heights. An eagle tattoo could mean that you are always on the lookout for adventure or can't wait to go after what you see on the horizon.

Getting an eagle feather tattoo is pretty significant. This is because eagle feathers have just as much as importance as the eagles themselves. This has to do with the fact that eagle feathers, unlike the birds, can be possessed and used in rituals and other customs.

Eagle feathers are used in many healing ceremonies. If a feather is waved over a person, it is a wish that they will receive happiness and bravery. If the feather is waved over a large group of people, it's thought that they will all receive prosperity, happiness, and peace.

If an eagle feather is ever dropped on the ground or falls from the sky, a special ceremony has to be performed before the eagle feather can be picked up again. The person has to be careful to not drop that feather again.

Eagle feathers are also associated with bravery. It is said that indigenous warriors were only allowed to wear an eagle feather in their headdress or on their person if they had committed a great act of bravery. So, the more feathers someone had, the braver they were considered to be.

Therefore, an eagle tattoo could be a sign of your own bravery. An eagle tattoo may also be a symbol of how you want to be braver in your everyday life or in certain circumstances.

There is also some evidence that eagle feathers were used in marriage ceremonies. A man gave a woman an identical eagle feather. This signified the lifelong bond between them.

If you want, your eagle tattoo could actually signify great love and passion.

The Native Americans aren't the only people that place great significance on the eagle. The people of Ancient Egypt did as well. In fact, traits such as intelligence, cunning, strength, and power, all dates back to Ancient Egypt.

The eagles were meant to represent the goddess Nekhbet - she was the protector of Pharaohs and was also seen as a maternal figure.

It is believed that the Roman Empire adopted the eagle after invading Egypt. The people of Ancient Rome considered the eagle to be the king of birds. To them, the eagle represented courage, strength, power, and even immortality.

In fact, a small statue of the eagle was carried into battle. It was a representation of the Empire.

Even the Aztecs regarded the eagle as an important part of their culture. The Aztecs were a warrior society who were seen as daring, fearless, and brave.

It was Aztec tradition to wage wars to find sacrifices to their Gods as well as to broaden their nation. Due to this, the eagle was seen as an integral part of maintaining Aztec society.

Understanding the Negative Connotations of Eagle Tattoos

For the most part, eagles and eagle tattoo meanings are positive. They represent strength and bravery. In many cases, they are also a depiction of a strong and protective society.

That being said, there are instances where the symbolism of the eagle and eagle tattoo has been twisted. For some time, the eagle was used as a Nazi symbol. In this design, the eagle was depicted clutching a swastika.

In some places, the double-headed eagle tattoo is still seen as a sign of hatred. In particular, the German eagle tattoo can be misconstrued. Be mindful of where you are living before you get such a tattoo.

This doesn't mean that you can't get an eagle tattoo or even a double-headed eagle tattoo. You should simply be aware of hate symbols and do the appropriate research to ensure that this is not what you're getting tattooed.

If you're Polish, you may want to get a Polish eagle tattoo. After all, the eagle wearing a crown is the country's coat of arms.

You may want to think twice before getting a Polish eagle tattoo, even if you are patriotic. Poland has some pretty strict rules about how this coat of arms can be portrayed and it may be frowned upon.

What's more, if there are any mistakes on the coat of arms, it is actually punishable by law. If it's unlikely that you're going back to Poland or want to keep your tattoo covered for the most part, you can go ahead and get this eagle tattoo.

If this isn't possible, you may want to hold off on getting the eagle tattoo.

Eagle Tattoos and Their Meanings

Here are the various eagle tattoo designs and the meanings associated with them:

Eagle Head Tattoo

An eagle head tattoo is a great option for anyone who wants a smaller or less complex eagle tattoo. The eagle head tattoo works so well because the head of an eagle is instantly recognizable. As such, you don't need to show it on the rest of your body for people to know what it is.

You will also discover that an eagle head tattoo is a better option if you want a more patriotic tattoo. This kind of eagle tattoo is more synonymous with American pride.

Here are some eagle tattoos that you can consider:

If you want to get a more realistic head of the eagle tattoo, these are the eagle tattoos you can show your tattoo artist:

As you can see from the above eagle tattoos, there is an incredible amount of detail with eagle eagle tattoo design.

If you prefer a fierce eagle tattoo, you should be checking out these instead. Each eagle tattoo once again has a lot of detail. If you take a closer look, it's the expression on the eagle's face that takes it to the next level:

Would you prefer a more animated look to your eagle tattoo? If so, there are many eagle tattoo designs for you to choose from.

The great thing about eagle tattoos like these is that they are not cartoonish in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, they have a more classic style. As such, they come off as more vintage and stylish.

Traditional Eagle Tattoos

If you are looking for beautiful and colorful eagle tattoo designs, you should definitely consider the traditional eagle tattoo.

The traditional eagle tattoo refers to the tattoo style used here. The traditional tattooing style is all about thick, bold lines and deep colors. You can also find certain accompanying elements like arrows, roses, and women with this kind of eagle tattoo design.

One of the reasons that the traditional eagle tattoo works so well is because this is a classic form of tattooing, going back generations. Usually, an eagle tattoo is used to represent more archetypal values and traits.

Therefore, if you want to go old school with your eagle tattoo, a traditional eagle tattoo is the way to go!

Here are the traditional eagle tattoo designs you can consider for your own ink:

If you're looking for a perched eagle tattoo, it doesn't get any better than this one. There is minimal detail of the perch, ensuring that all the focus is on the eagle in the eagle tattoo. It is a great tattoo design if you're looking for something minimalistic:

This is a really cool eagle tattoo with its own meaning. As you can see, one claw is clutching a dagger while the other is holding an olive branch. So, the eagle is holding a symbol of war and peace in each claw, signaling a balanced environment.

This eagle tattoo could also indicate that you have the opportunity to choose either war or peace at any point. It is up to you to make the right decision.

Bald Eagle Tattoos

A bald eagle is the most common type and this is why you will be more likely to see a bald eagle tattoo.

Bald eagles are also significance in various cultures. So, if you're looking for a meaningful eagle tattoo, you should get a bald eagle tattoo.

This is especially true if you want to get an eagle tattoo that represents freedom or your American heritage. After all, the bald eagle is the national bird of the United States.

Here are the bald eagle tattoo designs you can consider:

There is a common pattern here. The eagle looks like it is about to swoop down and catch its prey. This is an excellent tattoo design if you want your eagle tattoo to convey power, strength, and prowess.

Flying Eagle Tattoos

It's likely that you don't see any difference between the bald eagle tattoo and flying eagle tattoo.

However, a flying eagle tattoo has a meaning of its own. This kind of eagle tattoo usually represents freedom.

You can get this tattoo as a depiction of the freedom you experience in your own life. This can be especially fitting if you're a free spirit.

This eagle tattoo works well if you're seeking freedom. You may feel like you're grounded or stuck in a rut. Such an eagle tattoo may be just the push you need to remind yourself to take a chance, spread your wings, and fly!

This is an especially beautiful eagle tattoo as the wings contain a forest scene. The eagle tattoo has a lot of meaning as eagles are closely associated with nature. What's more, if you love nature, this is a great piece of ink to get.

Here is another eagle tattoo that takes things to another level. Here, the flying wings contain a night sky, a forest, and a wolf. It's an absolutely stunning work of art.

Golden Eagle Tattoos

Golden eagle tattoos, much like the golden eagle itself, is pretty rare. It is thought that there are no more than 160,000 of these birds on a global scale. What's more, they are pretty solitary creatures and prefer to avoid humans. This is why you are unlikely to see a Golden eagle in highly populated areas.

Despite this, the golden eagle can make for a quite meaningful eagle tattoo. Like the bald eagle, the golden eagle is associated with power, strength, bravery, and honor.

However, given its nature, a golden eagle tattoo can have a meaning of its own. For instance, it could refer to a rare trait that you have.

Also, a golden eagle tattoo could be used to depict a person who prefers being independent and on their own.

What you need to keep in mind is that people get the golden and bald eagle mixed up all the time. However, the golden eagle has a brown head and golden feathers along its neck and back. These reflect sunlight and look absolutely resplendent.

This is why it's a good idea to do your research and take a picture of the exact bird you want to get tattooed. This is the best way to ensure that you get the right eagle tattoo design.

Tribal Eagle Tattoos

If you're looking for a tribal eagle tattoo, you might not know exactly what to get.

There is no such thing as an eagle tribal tattoo design. Rather, this could mean an eagle drawn with the curved, flowing, and spiky lines associated with Polynesian tribes.

While you will be able to find plenty of tribal eagle tattoos like this, be aware that there is no meaning attached to them.

Keep in mind that tribal and Native American cultures don't have any connections. Due to this, a tribal eagle tattoo design simply refers to a style of tattooing rather than a cultural element.

Aztec Eagle Tattoos

The Aztec eagle tattoo meaning is quite an interesting one. As with many cultures, the eagle tattoo is used to depict warriors and bravery. However, in Aztec culture, the meaning can go a bit deeper than that.

The eagle is so important because war and warriors were revered by the Aztecs. The spoils of war were used to appease the Gods and bring food and success to the homelands.

In this sense, the eagle tattoo meaning is quite profound. The eagle represents something fundamental, something everything else depends on.

There are three main ways to get this type of eagle tattoo.

First, there is the Aztec eagle engraving. This eagle was discovered on stones near settlements and may have been engraved on shields as well.

Then, there is the Aztec eagle symbol. They may have been used as a form of shorthand to depict the eagle.

Finally, there is the tribal re-imagining of what the Aztec eagle may have looked like.

As you can see, there are a number of different eagle tattoo ideas to choose from.

If you want your eagle tattoo to be more authentic to the historic or cultural elements of Aztec society, you need to check out historical texts. This will be a great way to honor the original artwork and stay true to the meaning of the eagle tattoo.

German Eagle Tattoos

As I've already mentioned, you're walking a thin line when getting a German eagle tattoo. Technically, as long as the swastika isn't drawn along with the German eagle, it isn't a hate symbol.

That being said, the traditional German eagle tattoo can still be unsettling to some. If you are outside of Germany, it is likely that this symbol will only be associated with Nazis.

Therefore, think twice before getting this eagle tattoo.

Patriotic Eagle Tattoos

So, what does it mean to get a patriotic eagle tattoos? Well, this is usually related to the United States.

Along with your eagle tattoo, you can also get the American flag, sayings associated with the American constitution, and any other symbols you can think of.

If you're a member of the military or have a loved one in the armed forces, you can use military icons alongside the eagle to show your support for the troops.

Eagle and Snake Tattoos

It is likely that you have seen an eagle and snake tattoo and wondered about it. There is no denying that this eagle tattoo is incredibly cool but is there a specific meaning behind it?

Well, it turns out that there are two snake and eagle tattoo meanings here.

The first one involves the Aztec people. It was prophesied that they would know where to build their city when they saw an eagle eating a snake, sitting atop a lake.

As such, this symbolic eagle tattoo design can have its own meaning for you. This snake and eagle tattoo could be a representation of a home or a promised land you have discovered. This eagle tattoo design could also depict a goal you have accomplished.

The other meaning of the snake and eagle tattoo is more widely known and acknowledged. Here, the snake and eagle depict two opposing forces.

Typically, the eagle represents force for good while the snake represents evil. However, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, the snake in the eagle and snake tattoo isn't a necessarily a bad omen. It simply could be a force opposing the eagle.

The snake and eagle tattoo meaning could refer to two internal forces in conflict within you. If you portray the eagle as winning in your eagle tattoo, it is a sign that you want the good in you to win.

This eagle tattoo design could also show how good and evil are constantly locked in battle. It could be a reminder that there are always dark forces around you and that it is your job to ensure that the good prevails.

Eagle Eye Tattoos

If you're looking for unusual eagle tattoo ideas, you may want to get an eagle eye tattoo. This eagle tattoo design has quite a lot of meaning.

The Native Americans placed a lot of emphasis on the eagle eye. This is because the eagle has the ability to see a great distance away, even when soaring high above.

Due to this, the eagle tattoo could be a symbol of you ability to see ahead. If you are known for your planning, foresight, and the ability to predict events, this can be a great tattoo idea for you.

Eagle Feather Tattoos

Last, but not least, you have the eagle feather tattoo. I have already gone into detail about the significance of this eagle tattoo but let me just summarize it again.

The eagle feather is important to Native American culture as it is one of the few parts of the bird that can be owned by people.

Eagle feathers are symbols of bravery, good luck, and good fortune. Only people who displayed public acts of courage or bravery were allowed to wear the feathers.

These were also waved over anyone who had proven their bravery. When waved over a crowd, the feather is meant to disperse good luck and prosperity.

In short, this eagle tattoo is incredibly meaningful. It is a good idea to research the precise meaning behind of eagle tattoo so you can see why it is such a key eagle tattoo design.

Are Eagle Tattoos Popular?

Yes, eagle tattoos are incredibly popular. This is partly to do with the fact that the eagle tattoo is cool to look at. What's more, with so many eagle tattoo designs to choose from, the options are endless, especially since they can be customized to suit your style perfectly.

The eagle tattoos also carry a lot of meaning. In fact, an eagle tattoo design is significant in almost every culture imaginable.

It goes beyond culture with the eagle tattoo design, though. Due to its nature and abilities, the eagle is seen as an incredible creature that is strong, powerful, can soar to great heights, and is an impressive predator.

Due to this, an eagle tattoo design automatically carries all these meanings with it.

Now that know the significance of each eagle tattoo design, all you need to do is determine which one is right for you. Luckily, you can find the best eagle tattoo designs right here.