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Fern Tattoo Meaning With 60 Gorgeous Tattoo Images for Inspiration

by Sherri Owens

Whenever you spot a leaf tattoo that is simple yet eye-catching, chances are, it is a fern tattoo. The fern tattoo represents resilience, growth, and determination.

In my opinion, the colorful and realistic fern tattoos are the best you can get (I know tons of people who would beg to differ on this though). They look super cool and are the best fern tattoo option to go for if you are a nature lover. The fern tattoo is a versatile tattoo that looks great on men and women and can be done on just about any area of the body.

So, if you want to get a fern leaf tattoo that will look both awesome and meaningful, get inspired by these 60 stunning fern tattoo designs. Before we get into that, let's take a brief look at the fern tattoo meaning.

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What Does a Fern Tattoo Represent?

The meaning of the fern tattoo stems from the resilient history of the fern plant.

Fern plants originated about 360 million years ago. From that period till date, there have been several events of mass extinction but the fern plant survived all that and is still thriving. This is why the fern tattoo is a go-to for most people who are going through tough times.

Despite its early origin, the fern plant has maintained its simple nature to date. These plants are not complex nor do they have flowers. For this reason, a fern tattoo can be a symbol of simplicity, maturity, and knowledge.

Ferns are known boosters of the immune system, which is why fern leaves were used as medicine for centuries. Fern leaves are made into ointments to heal skin diseases. A traditional healer may use the fern tattoo as a symbol of their job but you can get a fern tattoo as a symbol of health and wealth.

Some people get the fern tattoo after a heartbreaking experience like the loss of a loved one to help with healing and moving on. A fern tattoo is also a great choice of tattoo to cover up scars sustained while serving in the military or in an accident.

Most fern species are found in tropical climates. Their leaves are used for cooling off when temperatures exceed the bearable minimum. Here, a fern leaf tattoo is considered a symbol of relaxation and peace of mind.

Beautiful Fern Tattoo Ideas

Arm Fern Tattoo

A fern tattoo looks good when tattooed on the arm. A fern leaf tattoo design can be placed horizontally so that it wraps around the arm or vertically so that the fern leaves spread out.

Here are some of the popular tattoo designs of fern leaves that will make you the center of attention.

Every fern tattoo in this collection is done in black ink. They are well-detailed and simple, making them a good choice for men and women.

Dark Grey Fern Shoulder Tattoo Piece

Image by @sabrinabialektattoo via Instagram

Green Fern Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @magdalenasky via Instagram

Greyscale Fern Arm Tattoo Piece

Image by @psychara_art via Instagram

Fern Arm Tattoo Piece

Image by @axelletattoo via Instagram

Forearm Fern Tattoo

If you're looking for a realistic fern leaf tattoo idea to complement your beautiful skin, the fern forearm tattoo may be just what you're looking for.

In this collection, you can pick a suitable green fern tattoo for its realistic look or get one in black ink if you love black tattoo work.

Black Fern, Mushroom and Sunflower Forearm Tattoo

Image by @ediebea and cosmic.love.tattoo via Instagram

Green and Yellow Fern Forearm Tattoo

Image by @una.orchid.tattoo via Instagram

Black Fern Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbyina via Instagram

Fern with Moon and Berries Forearm Tattoo

Image by @krissydiane_tattoos via Instagram

Green Fern Forearm Tattoo Piece

Image by @myszata_tattoo via Instagram

Chest Fern Tattoo

A fern leaf tattoo looks stunning when done as a chest tattoo. If you want to take your fern leaf tattoo to a whole new level, get the green fern tattoo done in this region. When the colorful fern leaf tattoo is done, it has a unique appearance that will keep compliments rolling in.

Some of these chest tattoo designs have fern leaves combined with other lifeforms and objects like moths and crescent moons to give them a spiritual meaning.

Black and Grey Fern Chest Tattoo

Image by @kaya_piixs via Instagram

Fern and Moth Chest Tattoo Piece

Image by @needle.mistress via Instagram

Fern and Floral Chest Tattoo

Image by @tattooastrid via Instagram

Black Work Fern and Third Eye Chest Tattoo Piece

Image by @histeriahekate via Instagram

Fern and Beetle Chest Tattoo Piece

Image by @atome22_tattoo_piercing via Instagram

Back Fern Tattoo

When a fern tattoo is done on the back of the body, it tends to be intricate and bold. A back fern tattoo is symbolic of determination and self-love but its larger design makes it look unique when compared to ferns of other categories.

Black Fern Plant Back Tattoo

Image by @ebtattoos via Instagram

Fern and Floral Back Tattoo with a Fox

Image by @lapetite_encrenoire via Instagram

Fern Ornamental Back Tattoo

Image by @megankellyart via Instagram

Fern Plant, Flowers with Butterflies and Bee Back Tattoo

Image by @cc_tattoos via Instagram

Black and Grey Fern Back Tattoo Piece

Image by @studiolumostattoo via Instagram

Stomach Fern Tattoo

If you're looking for a fern tattoo that will radiate your wit and sharp mind, pick a fern tattoo from this collection.

A stomach fern tattoo is symbolic of beauty and feminine strength. Fern tattoos on the stomach are usually done in dark inks but you can use green ink to create a more realistic green fern tattoo.

Black Fern Plant Stomach Tattoo Piece

Image by @picsola via Instagram

Black and Grey Fern Stomach Tattoo Piece

Image by @nadelgewaechs via Instagram

Fern and Moth Tattoo Piece

Image by @tattoo_collabo via Instagram

Black and Grey Fern Tattoo on the Stomach

Image by @inkedskunk via Instagram

Grey Fern Plant Tattoo Piece

Image by @puenktchenweise via Instagram

Shoulder Fern Tattoo

Every fern tattoo in this collection is done in black ink except for one which features green fern of varying sizes. Most of them are done on just a shoulder, but you can get yours on both shoulders for symmetry.

Black Ink Fern Tattoo Piece

Image by @kat_tattooer via Instagram

Simple Fern Plant and Line Tattoo Piece

Image by @krisontwerpt via Instagram

Colored Fox Tattoo and Black Ink Fern Tattoo

Image by @julesboho.tattoo via Instagram

Wrap Around Shoulder Ferns Tattoo

Image by @pasteldevilstudio via Instagram

Wild Flowers Bouquet Tattoo Piece

Image by @melbtattoos via Instagram

Hip Fern Leaf Tattoo

Want to keep the stares coming while you bask in the sunlight this summer? Then I suggest going for the green fern tattoo on your hips. The broad form of the ferns will pull in stares and have you basking in compliments.

My favorite hip fern tattoo is the green fern tattoo which looks cool and realistic. However, you can go for the black fern if that's what floats your boat.

Grey Flowers and Fern Leaves Tattoo Piece

Image by @yulright_tattoo via Instagram

Mushroom and Fern Leaves with Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @jess_clark_tattoos via Instagram

Fern Leaves with Bird Skull Tattoo Piece

Image by @jamezkan via Instagram

Fern Leaves and Snail Tattoo Piece

Image by @aries.inkz via Instagram

Greyscale Flowers and Leaves Tattoo Piece

Image by @land.of.sky via Instagram

Thigh Fern Tattoo Meanings

Thigh fern tattoos are usually picked by women. They represent resilience, personal transformation, and growth.

Most people choose realistic fern tattoo designs on their thighs because they make the skin look great. Green fern tattoos are the easiest way of achieving realistic ferns, so I suggest adding colors to your art if you want it to look real.

Fern Leaves Thigh Tattoo

Image by @noiiaberlin via Instagram

Black Fern Leaves Thigh Tattoo Piece

Image by @tattoosby.tessa via Instagram

Green Fern Leaves Thigh Tattoo

Image by @marta_vinni_tattoo and black_forest_tattoostudio via Instagram

Black and Grey Flowers, Butterfly, Mushroom with Fern Leaves Tattoo

Image by @abigaelstattoos via Instagram

Wolf and Botanical Thigh Tattoo Piece

Image by @lyndashipley via Instagram

Black Work Fern Thigh Tattoo Piece

Image by @madame._.medusa via Instagram

Leg Fern Tattoo

The length of the leg provides a good platform for an extensive fern tattoo. When a fern tattoo is done on the leg, it tends to grab attention. People can truly appreciate the intricate work that goes into them.

You can get a fern tattoo done with people you love in the hopes that your relationship survives life's ups and downs just like the fern leaf.

Fern Leaves and Butterfly Leg Tattoo

Image by @concreteforty via Instagram

Black and White Fern and Plants Leg Tattoo

Image by @abseitstattoo via Instagram

Fern Leaves and Bug Tattoo on Legs

Image by @hnr_tattoo via Instagram

Zombie Cat and Fern Tattoo Piece

Image by @marta_vinni_tattoo via Instagram

Black and Grey Fern Calf Tattoo

Image by @garbage.face via Instagram

Hand And Wrist Fern Tattoo

Hand and wrist fern tattoo designs are proof that small is sometimes better, thanks to how stunning they look.

The hand fern tattoo is perfect to get with family, friends, or loved ones. They are simple, stunning, and great for marking memorable moments in your life.

Every fern leaf tattoo in this collection has a cute design that you can't help but fall in love with.

Tiny Fern Finger Tattoo

Image by @klauducha.art via Instagram

Grey Fern Leaves Hand Tattoo

Image by @sarahpeteh via Instagram

Black Plants Tattoo for Hands

Image by @lh.tattoo via Instagram

Bold Black Fern Leaves Hand Tattoo

Image by @amber_tattoo_riga via Instagram

Black and Grey Fern Leaves Finger Tattoo

Image by @maiaws.creates via Instagram

Face and Neck Fern Tattoo

You may not be a fan of face tattoos but this collection contains striking tattoos that will make you have a change of heart.

Although the face fern leaf tattoo design in this collection looks great, they are for more daring individuals. A nice substitute are fern tattoos on the neck or a fern leaf tattoo just below the ear.

Simple Fern Leaves Tattoo Behind the Ear

Image by @woodrowtattoo via Instagram

Bold Black Fern Leaves Face Tattoo Piece

Image by @isszxy_ink via Instagram

Black Fern Leaves Neck Tattoo

Image by @theartoflisabond via Instagram

Fern and Feather Neck Tattoo Piece

Image by @mrsjanatattooartist via Instagram

Mini Fern Leaf Tattoo Piece

Image by @under_pressure_tattoo via Instagram

Unique Fern Tattoo Images

Most tattoos in this collection are intricate in design while some are done on unusual parts of the body.

This fern leaf tattoo is gorgeous, to say the least. The fern leaf extends throughout the pinna of the ear delicately.

Freehand Fern Leaves Ear Tattoo

Image by @sabyminaart via Instagram

A fern leaf tattoo with cute birds. This has to be one of the cutest neck tattoos I've seen in a while.

Fern Leaf Tattoo with Cute Birds

Image by @mary.renart via Instagram

Fern leaf tattoo with crescent moon and moth. This looks amazing.

Fern Leaf Back Tattoo with Crescent Moon and Moth

Image by @breckmarquette via Instagram

This fern leaf tattoo is simply breathtaking. A deer is depicted sitting in a garden with fern leaves scattered around.

Tattoo of a Deer is Sitting in a Garden with Fern Leaves

Image by @emersonroachtattoos via Instagram

An unusual and gorgeous traditional back fern leaf tattoo.

Traditional Back Fern Leaf Tattoo

Image by @piotrszot via Instagram

Fern leaf tattoo designs are simple but stunning. They look great when done in black but green fern tattoo designs look even better. Seen a tattoo design you love? Great! All that's left is to fix an appointment and get your gorgeous fern tattoo.

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