The basic meaning behind the infinity tattoo is eternity. However, when you add elements such as love, family, and other designs, this symbol can take on a lot of different meanings like devotion.
Like many other artists, I designed my fair share of infinity tattoos in the first half of the twenty tens. There were so many requests coming through that I just had to discover the story behind this beautiful symbol. I have to say, I learned quite a bit during my research.
In this post, I am going to introduce you to the main infinity tattoo meaning, show you the evolution of this tattoo design and give you plenty of ideas for your own tattoo. Let's begin.
The infinity symbol is actually known as a lemniscate. In Greek, this translates to ribbons while in Latin, it translates to made from ribbons. This is only fitting considering the figure 8 like shape of the infinity sign.
The infinity symbol has been around for a lot longer than people realize. However, it was John Wallis in 1665 who began to use the infinity sign in a mathematical capacity.
As you may be aware, the infinity symbol was originally meant to represent a mathematical and physical concept. As time went on and the infinity symbol became increasingly popular, the infinity sign also became a symbol of spiritual and emotional concepts as well.
Your infinity tattoo meaning could be about the infinite state of the universe. After all, there are more galaxies, stars, and heavenly bodies that humans can even imagine. In this case, your infinity tattoo could be about how vast and unknowable the universe really is.
Your infinity tattoo meaning could also be related to the spiritual. It can be argued that there are so many things that can be infinite. The concept of God, human thought, etc.
In this sense, it is all about unknowable or unquantifiable elements. Therefore, your infinity tattoo meaning could have to do with the fact that you accept that there are many things that you simply can't understand or comprehend.
For some people, this kind of infinity tattoo meaning could be about appreciating their place in the universe. This can be a great reminder for them to not sweat the small stuff as the world is much more larger than anyone realizes.
For others, the infinity tattoo meaning could have to do with just how much there is left to discover. It could be about how life is an adventure and journey and that you can never tire of learning about all that there is out there.
Then, there is the emotional infinity tattoo meaning. This typically has to do with love and relationships. It could be stating that your love for one person or many people is infinite. The infinity symbol could also indicate that a particular relationship is meant to last forever.
Keep in mind that the infinity symbol isn't just for a romantic relationship. The infinity symbol is often used to depict a platonic relationship and even a familial one.
Now, there is a school of thought that the infinity tattoo meaning is linked to that of the ouroboros. This is the sign of the snake eating its own tail. In some cases, the ouroboros is stylized in the sideways figure eight style of the infinity symbol.
This connection isn't too surprising as both of these symbols have similar meanings. The ouroboros is about the never ending cycle of life. As things are created, they are also destroyed and in many instances, this destruction gives way to new life. And so, this cycle is infinite.
An infinity symbol tattoo with hearts alone can be a sign of enduring and endless love. Now, there can be numerous reasons that you choose to only have hearts alongside your infinity tattoo.
It could be because you choose to conceal the true meaning behind your infinity tattoo. Or, it could be that you don't want to narrow the symbolism of your infinity tattoo. Perhaps you believe that all kinds of love - platonic, familial, and romantic - are endless. And, you may believe that they are all equally important.
Here are some of the top infinity tattoo ideas for you to choose from:
This is a great choice if you want a simple infinity tattoo. The wonderful thing is that the infinity tattoo meaning is still strong despite the minimalistic infinity loop design. However, at the same time, this infinity tattoo is about keeping the tattoo meaning private.
If you have a deeper meaning attached to your infinity symbol tattoo, then it is likely that you don't want to explain it to anyone. In this case, a basic infinity tattoo will do the trick.
What I like about this infinity tattoo idea is that it allows you to get a small infinity tattoo. In turn, you can choose to get the infinity symbol in any place that you like - even if you get your infinity tattoo in a more visible area, the simplicity of it doesn't give anything away.
Also, your minimalistic infinity tattoo doesn't have to be boring - you can easily get a really cool infinity tattoo as long as you find the right design.
Here are the infinity tattoo designs that you can consider for your own infinity tattoo:
Image by @tattoo_art_msk via Instagram
Image by @crazy_ink_tattooz_jammu via Instagram
Image by @namastetattoo_ via Instagram
Image by @vishalsawant via Instagram
Image by @hosur_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Image by @tattooist_hei via Instagram
Now, this is a really cool and unique infinity tattoo design. It has been stylized to look like a twisted arrow. Not only is this infinity quite stunning, but it has also has its own meaning.
Arrows are often related to direction. Therefore, an infinity tattoo could indicate that as long as you keep your focus trained on the future, the possibilities are endless.
Image by @55tinta via Instagram
If you are on the lookout for something very different, then consider this tribal infinity tattoo. The design is relatively simple but it is still an unusual twist on the original design.
Image by @jessicawentzeltattoo via Instagram
There are actually a few different infinity tattoo meanings for this particular design. On the one hand, the double infinity tattoo could indicate endless possibilities. After all, twice the infinity symbols, twice the infinite potential.
If you are someone who is constantly trying to broaden your horizons or improve yourself, then this double infinity tattoo is a great piece of tattoo art for you. It is also a great tattoo idea for someone who believes in trying numerous times until you succeed.
Once again, this double infinity symbol tattoo could be about truly infinite love. It is the meeting of two infinite souls and their hearts and lives entwined with one another. What's great about this tattoo design that it works well for anyone who wants a small infinity tattoo too.
Just remember that this can be a rather complex design due to the double infinity design. Due to this, it is a good idea to go with a skilled and experienced tattoo artist to get the best result possible.
Here are the infinity tattoo designs that you can choose from:
Image by @revenge.abc.7 via Instagram
Image by @adnaanrizvi via Instagram
Image by @themanyao via Instagram
Image by @clubtattoolinq via Instagram
Image by @tattoos_by_jade via Instagram
These kinds of infinity tattoos are fairly popular and it isn't difficult to see why. The infinity symbol accompanied by delicate feathers and birds is beautiful, feminine, and moving all at the same time.
As mentioned, the infinity feather tattoo is often accompanied by birds, although this isn't always the case. An infinity feather tattoo that only contains the infinity symbol and feathers could be a depiction of lightness and independence.
A lone feather or a few feathers can be easily caught up in the wind and drift wherever you want. If you are someone who doesn't believe in making concrete plans and simply going with the flow, then this is definitely the right kind of infinity tattoo for you.
The infinity tattoos with the infinity symbol and feathers and birds can similarly indicate lightness. Feathers are light enough to be carried away and birds have the gift of flight.
To a certain extent, though, these infinity tattoos can also be associated with transformation and freedom. Feathers can be carried in any direction that the wind chooses. The bird, on the other hand, chooses their own path. Not to mention, they can spread their wings and fly at any time.
Here are the beautiful infinity tattoo designs that embody this style idea:
Image by @k_rans_0.5 via Instagram
Image by @inkart_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Image by @geronimotattoo via Instagram
Image by @jotzet.tattoo via Instagram
Image by @clintons_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @yuvraj_axcellotattoo via Instagram
The floral infinity tattoo is largely to do with style rather than substance. This kind of infinity tattoo is popular due to its feminine design. After all, flowers are largely associated with feminine energy and beauty.
However, your floral infinity tattoo doesn't have to only be about the way that it looks. It can also have a great deal of meaning. Flowers are often associated with youth and beauty.
So, to have flowers accompany the infinity symbol could be insight into the never ending cycle of beauty and youth - as it fades in one person, it blossoms and blooms in another.
Here are the infinity tattoos that can help you to determine what your own infinity tattoo design should look like:
Image by @royal_tattoostudio via Instagram
Image by @houseoftattooz via Instagram
Image by @pedroreistattoo92 via Instagram
Image by @mino_tattoo_30 via Instagram
Image by @blue_heaven_tattooz via Instagram
Image by @mamoodzahwa via Instagram
Image by @annasebastiantattoo via Instagram
The meaning behind the family infinity tattoo is pretty clear - it is a celebration of the family members that you hold closest to your heart.
It is also a statement that says that family is forever. This is quite true. After all, friendships and relationships may all have their expiration date. When you share blood or familial bonds with people, though, it is a lot harder to break away from them.
There are a couple of different ways to make this kind of infinity tattoo work. It could be an infinity symbol with the word family embedded into it. Or, you could have the name of each family member printed along the curves of the infinity symbol.
Here are the infinity tattoos you should look through to determine which infinity tattoo design might be just right for you:
Image by @dropink_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @aj_tattooz_ink_zone via Instagram
Image by @cutegirlytattoos via Instagram
Image by @martin_wsor_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @inkedbyadua via Instagram
Image by @bttattoobangkokthailand via Instagram
Image by @screaming4tattoos_ via Instagram
Image by @sandip_uttam via Instagram
This is a pretty cool take on this infinity tattoo design. It simply says mom and sisters - a testament to the most important people in your life. This can also be a much shorter way of incorporating family into your tattoo, instead of including all the names.
Image by @pb07tattoostudio via Instagram
The infinity love tattoo is another popular design. Why shouldn't it be - love is one of the things that keep most people going.
The beautiful thing about the infinity love tattoo, though, is that it is a celebration of love in general. It is a depiction that all love is a beautiful and eternal thing.
Of course, if you want to, you can also stylize your infinity tattoo so that it contains the infinity symbol, love, and another symbol or name that identifies just what kind of love that you are referring to.
If you are going for a more minimalistic look for your infinity tattoo, then a heart is a good substitute for the word. In any case, this infinity tattoo design has a beautiful sentiment behind it.
Here are the infinity tattoo ideas that can inspire your own body art:
Image by @sammansbridge via Instagram
Image by @inksclusive via Instagram
Image by @mandatorichaos via Instagram
Image by @brushes.and.ink via Instagram
Image by @aline_maboksink via Instagram
Image by @angeltattoostudiogoa via Instagram
Image by @inkpulse_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @arshinkzone_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @angel.ink_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @mutants_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Image by @alien_ink_trichy via Instagram
I absolutely love this infinity tattoo. It is such a great example of how there are different kinds of love in the world but they have equal value. Just ask anyone with a fur baby and they will let you know that their pet is an important member of their family.
Image by @lauralatempa via Instagram
The faith infinity tattoo can be depicted a few different ways. You can have the word faith embedded in the infinity symbols or you can have an infinity cross tattoo. This is where a small cross takes the place of the word. Or, you can use both symbols in your infinity tattoo if you would like.
These kind of infinity symbol tattoos have an incredible amount of meaning too them. It is a way of saying that your faith is everlasting. At the same time, the winding pattern of the infinity symbol can have another sentiment here - although your faith may be tested or it wavers on occasion, you always regain it somehow.
Your faith-based infinity tattoo doesn't always have to be religious. The infinity symbol and the word faith in your tattoo can be rather generic. It can refer to faith in one's self, your journey, your goals, or even loved ones.
So, this is an infinity tattoo that anyone can get.
Here are infinity tattoos that you can look through to gain inspiration for your own body art:
Image by @kristenrafajko via Instagram
Image by @tattoozrk via Instagram
Image by @tattoosbyvikram via Instagram
Image by @ambergram_chicago via Instagram
Image by @ootd_l0ve via Instagram
Image by @face_book_tattoo via Instagram
An infinity anchor tattoo can have quite a bit of meaning. It includes an infinity symbol with an anchor along the curved edges.
Contrary to what you may believe these types of infinity tattoos aren't only meant for sailors or those with nautical hobbies.
Rather, the anchor infinity tattoo is a sign of stability. The anchor usually refers to someone or something that acts as an anchor in your life and continues to do so. They hold you in place and keep you sane even when the world about you is chaotic.
Of course, this kind of anchor infinity tattoo could refer to you being your own anchor. Sometimes, you can't depend on anyone but yourself. However, this infinity tattoo can act as a reminder that you are perfectly capable of keeping your eyes on the horizons and looking ahead to calmer times.
Sometimes, people can use an anchor in infinity tattoo designs to signify Hold Fast. This is something that sailors used to get tattooed on their knuckles - it was a reminder to hold fast onto the ropes during storms.
These days, an infinity anchor tattoo is simply a reminder to stand your ground or to keep going through troubled times. After all, the storm doesn't last and you simply have to hold out until calmer seas arrive.
Here are the infinity tattoos that you can get based on this tattoo design:
Image by @queendark_ink via Instagram
Image by @lush_tattoo_club via Instagram
Image by @myhenna.de via Instagram
Image by @maritattoos via Instagram
Image by @whatsupyoursleevetattoo via Instagram
Image by @mokshtattoochennai via Instagram
Sometimes, it isn't just names that are important - dates are pretty significant too. This could be the day that you got married, the birthdays of your children, or the day that you lost a loved one.
Using those dates with your infinity tattoo is such a great idea. This is because it is a sign of how you will always remember these incredibly important dates.
Luckily for you, these dates can easily be incorporated into the infinity symbol tattoos. Here are some ideas that you can check out:
Image by @kingsmantattoos via Instagram
Image by @tattooluke_official via Instagram
Image by @art_club_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @becky_tats via Instagram
Image by @josmoontattoo via Instagram
Image by @theredparlourtattoo via Instagram
Image by @miss_lucypop via Instagram
Is there a phrase that you feel defines your life? Or, is there something that you tell yourself often to cheer yourself up or power on? Maybe you have a saying that was passed down to you from a loved one.
In any case, adding this quote, words, or phrase to your infinity tattoo is an excellent way to remind yourself of it. When you are having a difficult day or going through tough times, you can look at your infinity tattoo and gain strength from it.
Image by @rohitattoos via Instagram
Image by @monsan_tattoo_and_art via Instagram
Image by @anchoredinktattoo via Instagram
Image by @dragontattoogallary via Instagram
Image by @firstplacetattoos via Instagram
Image by @artistic_aura via Instagram
Image by @theabhisheklife via Instagram
Image by @aruntiwari5335 via Instagram
Image by @alanchiam83 via Instagram
The first thing I want to clear up is that it isn't just girls who get infinity tattoos - men do as well. That being said, this kind of tattoo is more common among women. This probably has to do with the more delicate and feminine design.
As you can see, there are multiple meanings behind this tattoo, all dictated by the other design elements. Now that you know all the different variations of this tattoo, all that you have to do is pick one.