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Leaf Tattoo Meaning With 50+ Tattoo Images for Inspiration

by Sherri Owens

Leaf tattoos are one of the most requested tattoos by older adults. It is done to represent the stages of life one has to go through and how you can overcome anything if you persevere. It is also done as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.

There are more than a million leaf tattoo ideas you can get done due to the versatility of leaves. My favorite is the single maple leaf tattoo which represents balance, love, and longevity.

From popular leaf tattoo designs to rare leaves like that of the calathea plant, here are 53 leaf tattoo ideas to recreate.

All About Leaf Tattoos

Rebirth and New beginnings

Leaves wither with changing seasons and new leaves sprout from the dried trees when the conditions are much more favorable. This is one of the reasons why leaf tattoos are done as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. People who get leaf tattoos as a symbol of rebirth are those who have gone through a hard time in life but were able to overcome it all and even came out stronger.

Different Stages of Life

In spring, most trees start to grow new leaves. In summer, the leaves get big and fully grown. During fall, the leaves start to get dark with several yellow spots found on the leaf. At the end of fall, the leaves become yellow, orange, or red and this represents the decaying and dying leaves. The circle of life that leaves undergo is associated with the different stages of our lives from birth till when we become senile. This is why some people get leaf tattoos to serve as a reminder that life is not permanent. It also serves to remind them to live life to the fullest because withering is assured with time.

Death/end of an Era

Leaves generally wither and die in the fall. This is related to life by some people and they get the single-leaf tattoos to serve as a reminder to them that some days, they will be no more. Life continues even after a leaf dies, this thought related to leaves helps people to stay humble because just like leaves if one dies, life goes on.

Leaf Tattoo Designs With Their Meanings

1. Leaf Wrap Tattoo

Very dark tattoos have a way of standing out and making a statement. This dark leaf tattoo is a relatively simple forearm tattoo with simple lines and dots attached to the vine. Leaf tattoos attached to their vines are known to represent growth and progress.

Leaf Forearm Wrap Tattoo

Image by @molly.stark.art via Instagram

2. Fine Line Valentine Leaf Tattoo

A minimalistic leaf tattoo design to recreate if you prefer simple designs. You can add more colors or get yours done using colorful lines to make the design pop.

Fine Line Valentine Leaf Tattoo

Image by @leptitateliervendee via Instagram

3. Simple Chinese Ink Leaf Tattoo Design

Chinese ink tattoos are becoming popular due to their unique appearance. I suggest getting yours bigger to make it stand out better.

Small Chinese Ink Leaf Tattoo

Image by @tattooist_kam4 via Instagram

4. Dark and Faint Leaves Tattoo

The faint leaves drawn here works well to compliment the darker shaded leaves. Dark and faint leaves are said to represent peace and purity.

Dark and Faint Leaves Tattoo

Image by @awall_art_ via Instagram

5. Thin Bay Leaf Tattoo

The symbolic meaning of bay is healing and care. Here, a very thin bay leaf tattoo is done to spread from the shoulder to the arm region. This is a classy tattoo design to have on, but you can add other elements like butterflies or flowers to make the tattoo stand out.

Thin Bay Leaf Shoulder Wrap Tattoo

Image by @g__tattooer and aucklandtattoo via Instagram

6. Dogwood Leaf Tattoo

Dogwood tattoo represents faith and hope. This is a nice tattoo idea to keep you going when you feel lost or face challenges.

Dogwood Leaf Tattoo

Image by @baeckha_ via Instagram

7. Leaf With Branches to the Sunlight

A creative tattoo that features a simple leaf extending up to the sunlight. You can get this done to serve as a reminder of how far you'd like to go in life.

Leaf Tattoo With Branches and Sun

Image by @mimosas.malerei via Instagram

8. Oak Tree and Oak Leaf Tattoo

Oak trees have an ancient symbolic meaning attached to them. The oak leaf and tree are said to represent perseverance and courage.

Oak Tree and Leaf Botanical Tattoo

Image by @bentlace via Instagram

9. Small Leaf Design

Simple leaf tattoos with no extra beautification factors are said to represent wisdom and growth.

Tiny Leaf Branch Tattoo

Image by @squarepegyoga via Instagram

10. Mixed Floral Leaf Tattoo

Leaf tattoos are popular happiness tattoos to get done. You can get creative with your tattoo by mixing other happiness tattoos symbol to your tattoo as done here with the lines and dots to make the meaning very obvious.

Mixed Floral Leaf Tattoo

Image by @ratqueenink via Instagram

11. Traditional Leaf Tattoo

The trio of nature leaves represents your strong connection with the earth and earthly energy.

Trio of Nature Leaves Chest Tattoo

Image by @corrieforeman via Instagram

12. Pretty Broad Leaf Tattoo

The size of this tattoo makes it stand out. Unsurprisingly, a broad thigh tattoo gives you that magical feel to help boost your confidence.

Black and Grey Large Size Leaves Thigh Tattoo

Image by @sarah.maria.tattoos via Instagram

13. Leaf Tattoo With Label

This is a creative arm tattoo design that features a leaf in a box with some labels.

Twin Leaf with Lettering Arm Tattoo

Image by @majorie.tattoo via Instagram

14. Neck Leaf Tattoo

Fan of neck tattoos? Here is a lovely leaf tattoo to recreate.

Leaves Neck Wrap Tattoo

Image by @monsan_tattoo_and_artandchhindwara_monsan__tattoo via Instagram

15. Colorful Death Dogwood Leaf Tattoo

The varying colors used in this death dogwood tattoo pair perfectly together.

Colorful Death Dogwood Leaf Tattoo

Image by @dani.c.tattoo via Instagram

16. Maple Single Leaf Tattoo With Lines

A single-leaf tattoo of maple is an ancient heraldic symbol that is said to represent courage and healing.

Single Maple Leaf Tattoo

Image by @memor.inks via Instagram

17. Cute Fern Tattoo

Ferns are complex tattoos that represent the complexity of the life cycle.

Fern Tattoo Behind the Neck

Image by @phoebetattoos via Instagram

18. Tarot Card and Leaves Tattoo

You'll need an experienced tattoo artist to recreate this design of a tarot card hosting several leaves.

Tarot Card and Leaves Tattoo

Image by @c.knight_tattoo via Instagram

19. Leg Plant Tattoo

The slightly crooked leaves of this tattoo represent how you should keep going despite the storms you might encounter in life.

Curly Plant Leg Tattoo

Image by @skyxfyre via Instagram

20. Old and Growing Dandelion Tattoo

The dark black ink used to bring this tattoo to life is simply amazing.

Black and Grey Dandelion Thigh Tattoo

Image by @ratqueenink via Instagram

21. Cute Flower Tattoo

You should get this done if spring is your best season, since one look at this tattoo and you're reminded of spring.

Greyscale Flower and Leaves Arm Tattoo

Image by @aldoshyna_t via Instagram

22. Extended Thigh Tattoo

Thigh tattoos always look sensual and eye-catching. Not a fan of thigh tattoos? You can switch the placements and get this done on any part of your body.

Black Leaves Thigh Tattoo

Image by @nsmactattoos via Instagram

23. Leafy Vine Leaf Tattoos

Leaf tattoos look really great on the shoulder. What do you think?

Leafy Vine Leaf Tattoo

Image by @tattoo.ate.9 via Instagram

24. Fine Lined Pencil Shading Tattoo

This is a classy leaf tattoo that will do well to complement your wide-backed clothes.

Fine Lined Pencil Shading Leaf Back Tattoo

Image by @aviosa_tattoo via Instagram

25. Collarbone Leaf Tattoos

Regardless of the placement, your leaf tattoo will turn out to look extra cool and stunning.

Collarbone Leaf Tattoo

Image by @rockinktattoolounge via Instagram

26. Huge Leaf Tattoo Designs

The green colorful look of this tattoo gives it a realistic appearance.

Green Colored Large Leaf Thigh Tattoo

Image by @almondbee__ via Instagram

27. Mountain and Leaf Tattoo

The creativity displayed by the tattoo artist is just out of this world.

Mountain and Floral Leaf Tattoo

Image by @lucyvalentinatattoo via Instagram

28. Attractive Leaf Tattoo

Another image proving less is more. You can get this done in different colors or add other symbols of your choice to express your personality.

Grey Leaf Tattoo on Shoulder to Chest

Image by @tattoo_hasti__ via Instagram

29. Large Tattoo Design of Ferns

Large fern tattoos are said to represent strength and endurance. It can be done as a reminder of the challenges you've overcome and how they gave you strength.

Black Large Fern Tattoo Design

Image by @madame._.medusa via Instagram

30. Leaf and Petal Bracelet Tattoo

Another twist to the bracelet leaf tattoo with added petals to beautify the image.

Leaf and Petal Bracelet Tattoo

Image by @selintufekcink via Instagram

31. Intertwining Leaf Tattoo

The meaning attached to this intertwining faint and dark tattoo is change and progress.

Intertwining Leaf Arm Tattoo

Image by @vanya.ink via Instagram

32. Dark Palm Leaf Tattoo

Palm leaves have a unique look and are sometimes said to represent mystery and healing.

Dark Palm Leaf Forearm Tattoo

Image by @zerokid_tattoo via Instagram

33. Encroaching Leaf Tattoo

This leaf tattoo is drawn growing towards the heart of the wearer. It symbolizes strength and willingness to love.

Encroaching Leaf Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @yunsu_tt via Instagram

34. Forearm Leaf Tattoos

All tattoo enthusiasts know how cool forearm tattoo designs are. The leaves tattoo done here is a versatile one that will look good on men and women. If you would like to add a feminine touch to it, you can add colors to make the tattoo look vibrant.

Black and Grey Leaves Forearm Tattoo

Image by @seolin_tattoos via Instagram

35. Simple Lines Leaf Tattoo

This perfect line tattoo is a classic that will have you appearing subtle yet attention-grabbing.

Simple Line Leaves Tattoo

Image by @oatmilktattoo via Instagram

36. Leaf Tattoos With Sparkles

You can incorporate symbols like celestial drawings or sparkles into your leaf tattoo to take the beauty up a notch.

Green Leaves with Sparks Tattoo

Image by @ch.tattoo.ahn via Instagram

37. Leaf with Fluid Line Faces

The faces blend seamlessly with the leaves drawn in this tattoo.

Leaf Tattoo with Fluid Line Faces

Image by @takeme2atlantis via Instagram

38. Vibrant Leaf Tattoo Ideas

This hyper-realistic tattoo features a maple leaf falling from a tree in the autumn season. The autumn leaves are done in a beautiful way with some optical illusion of lights around the maple leaf.

Colored Maple Leaf Arm Tattoo

Image by @shooby_tattoo via Instagram

39. Geometric Maple Leaf Tattoo

A simple maple tattoo with bold lines and sharp angles. This is a design loved by many men since it is said to exude masculinity.

Geometric Maple Leaf Tattoo

Image by @darcastudio via Instagram

40. Single Maple Leaf Tattoo

A Maple leaf is a specific leaf that speaks thousands. When drawn in autumn colors, they are said to represent the last phase of the cycle of life, where they die and are reborn.

Water colored Single Maple Leaf Tattoo

Image by @aygultattoo via Instagram

41. Simple Line Work Leaf Tattoo

Another simple leaf tattoo for people that prefer minimalistic and simple tattoo designs.

Simple Line Work Leaf Wrist Tattoo

Image by @art.by.emmieee via Instagram

42. Branch and Leaf Tattoo on Rib Cage

This is a lovely tattoo on the rib cage for nature lovers. Want to make things way cooler? add images of butterflies or any other tattoo that reflects nature.

Branch and Leaf Tattoo on Rib Cage

Image by @hnr_tattoo via Instagram

43. Faint Hummingbird and Leaf Tattoo

Nature's greatest pollinators(hummingbirds) are added to this lovely leaf tattoo and I haven't seen anything more gorgeous.

Faint Hummingbird and Leaf Tattoo

Image by @dudutattooist via Instagram

44. Black and Grey Maple Leaf Tattoo

The maple leaf tattoo here looks a lot like ivy and is done with the stippling technique (use of small dots to form patterns, images, shapes, and shading). This is a versatile tattoo technique that looks great on men and women.

Black and Grey Maple Leaf Tattoo

Image by @kelseytattooss via Instagram

45. Knee Leaf Tattoo Designs

There's literally no part of your body where you can't get a leaf tattoo done.

Cross Leaves Knee Tattoo

Image by @dpetattoolounge via Instagram

46. Blue Plant Tattoo Designs

Most leaves are green, but there's no rule against getting a plant tattoo in your favorite color. Take this blue plant tattoo for instance.

Blue Plant Forearm Tattoo

Image by @yoy__tattoo via Instagram

47. Detailed Fern Leaf Tattoo

Most religious people get fern leaf tattoos as a symbol of honesty and truth.

Detailed Fern Leaf Tattoo

Image by @alina.tattoo.ink and studioholloway via Instagram

48. Withered Leaf Tattoo

Long slender withering leaves tattoo, a perfect design for autumn season lovers.

Withered Leaf Forearm Tattoo

Image by @tattooist_myoa via Instagram

49. Monstera Leaf Tattoo

In ancient times, monstera leaves were seen as a symbol of need and ambition. This meaning was gotten from how monstera leaves divide with the slightest dehydration.

Monstera Leaf Tattoo

Image by @samanthadeirtattoo via Instagram

50. Sagittarius Leaf Tattoo

The perfect leaf tattoo design for Sagittarius.

Sagittarius Leaf Arm Tattoo

Image by @noul_tattoo via Instagram

51. Long Back Leaf Tattoo

I love how the leaves of this tattoo extend throughout the expense of the back.

Long Leaf Back Tattoo

Image by @almondbee__ via Instagram

52. Blue Vine and Leaves Tattoo

Blue leaf tattoos look otherworldly and have a magical feel. You can get yours done in your favorite color to express your own personality.

Blue Vine Leaves Tattoo

Image by @jakitatu via Instagram

53. Pink and Green Leaf Tattoo

The soft pastel mix of green and pink of this tattoo design is enough to help you relax after a stressful day.

Pink and Green Leaf Tattoo

Image by @yoy__tattoo via Instagram

Leaf tattoos are one of those tattoo designs that look good on both men and women. Leaves represent happiness, courage, and endurance. There are numerous choices when it comes to selecting a leaf tattoo. So pick your favorite and have fun recreating it.

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