120+ Meaningful Tattoo Ideas to Add Significance to Your Ink

There are a lot of meaningful tattoos to get - these include semicolons, flowers, animals, and so much more.

One of my favorite parts of being a tattoo artist is that I get to ink truly meaningful designs onto people. These can be reminders of loved ones, pictures of inspiration, or messages of hope. What's more, I also get to learn a bit more about the world.

Here, I am going to introduce you to the many meaningful tattoo ideas that you can use to find the perfect design for you.

The Best Meaningful Tattoo Designs

Check out these meaning tattoo concepts that span a wide variety of categories:

Meaningful Semicolon Tattoos

If you are looking for small meaningful tattoos, it doesn't get any better than the semicolon tattoo. The semicolon tattoo is related to mental illness and Project Semicolon.

The semicolon is meant to represent that a person chose to continue their sentence - their life - rather than putting an end to it. The semicolon tattoo has been a symbol of people battling a wide variety of mental health issues.

In addition to the semi-colon design, you should also know about the semicolon butterfly tattoo meaning. The butterfly in this design signifies hope for the future - it is what comes after people have decided to seek help for their illness.

Here are the meaningful tattoos that you can get based on this concept:

Meaningful Ampersand Tattoos

The ampersand tattoo is another great option if you are looking for small meaningful tattoos. As you are probably aware, the ampersand is a symbol for the word ‘and’.

Due to this, it is a sign of a connection between two or more people. People will usually get the ampersand tattoo to signify a partnership or a relationship. Although this tattoo design is typically meant to signal a romantic relationship, it can also be used to represent a friendship or any other platonic partnership.

This tattoo design also works well if you want to get a matching tattoo with someone else!

Check out the meaningful tattoos you can get based on this design:

Meaningful Infinity Tattoos

The infinity symbol can also be used to describe a partnership, friendship, or relationship. The infinity tattoo meaning, however, has to do with the infinite strength and staying power of such a connection. It's a way of saying that you will be together forever.

Of course, you can also use this symbol as a way to showcase the infinity of a lot of things - the universe, human creativity, time, and so much more!

These are some gorgeous meaningful tattoos to get for the infinity tattoo symbol:

Meaningful Ensō Tattoos

If you're a fan of Japanese culture, it is likely that you have seen the Ensō symbol before. However, you may be more familiar with it as the Zen circle.

The Zen circle tattoo is a circle that is drawn in one, single movement. It's a way of letting your mind go and seeing what your body can create.

It is also quite a meaningful tattoo - one of its main symbolic meanings is of life - the beginning and the end. Many people also see it as a symbol of the universe and absolute enlightenment. It is also a way of making you see your own reality.

If this is intriguing, here are the meaningful tattoos that you can get based on this concept.

Meaningful Ouroboros Tattoos

The ouroboros symbol has recently become quite popular and this is little wonder when you understand the ouroboros tattoo meaning.

This thought-provoking tattoo is a daily reminder of the circular nature of life - life, death, and rebirth. This means there is no true beginning or end but rather that things continue on as they always have.

Here are some of the beautiful meaningful tattoos for this idea:

Meaningful Line Tattoos

Line tattoos are simple but have a significant meaning for many. These tattoos typically represent loss, heartache, or the bad times.

So, a 2 lines tattoo meaning can relate to two terrible events in your life. It can also signify that you're moving on from these things:

Meaningful Triangle Tattoos

The triangle has always been important in mathematics and numerology - the double triangle tattoo meaning takes this up to another level. It can signify duality, balance, and even spiritualty.

Meaningful Cross Tattoos

Cross tattoos are a common religious symbol - if you are looking for something different, you should check out the 3 cross tattoo meaning. It signifies the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and creates other connections too.

Meaningful Flower Tattoos

You may have noticed that flowers are pretty common as tattoo designs. One of the reasons for this is that each flower has its own meaning attached to it.

Rose Tattoos

There isn't just one meaning for a rose tattoo, there are many! The rose can be used to depict relationships between two people - the color of the rose will tell you the nature of that relationship.

For instance, red is for love and yellow is for friendship.

Roses are often also meant to be symbols of femininity as they are associated with beauty, youth, and grace. If you want to discover the full range of meanings behind this flower, check out this rose tattoo meaning post.

In the meantime, here are some meaningful tattoos that can inspire your own body tattoo:

Lotus Flower Tattoos

The lotus is yet another flower that has a great deal of meaning behind it. This flower is revered in many Asian and even some Middle Eastern countries.

It is typically associated with purity. Despite the fact that the lotus grows in muddy waters, its white leaves always remain clean.

The flower is also associated with mindfulness - it can be used in mandala patterns as a way of focusing your attention.

Here are the meaningful tattoos that you should go through if you are interested in the lotus flower tattoo design:

Orchid Tattoos

The orchid tattoo meaning is deeply feminine - it showcases feminine strength, grace, and fertility.

It can also be a symbol for love as well as rare beauty. Here are the meaningful tattoos that can inspire your own feminine tattoo design:

Hibiscus Flower Tattoos

The hibiscus flower has a special meaning in Polynesian cultures. With more than one deep meaning, it is a symbol of femininity, happiness, love, and lust.

If the hibiscus tattoo meaning sounds intriguing to you, here are some of the meaningful tattoos that can inspire your own tattoo designs:

Lily of the Valley Tattoos

The lily of the valley is an ancient symbol - as a result, it has many meanings associated with it. It can be a sign of protection and safety. As this flower is associated with springtime, it can be a symbol for new beginnings as well.

If you would like to check out the complete lily of the valley tattoo meaning, then check out the post on it!

Lavender Tattoos

Lavender is typically associated with calmness and peace as it has a calming effect on people and is often used to help instigate sleep.

What you may be a bit more surprised to learn is that the lavender plant is also associated with lust and love! And, so, your lavender tattoo meaning is quite layered and complex.

Here are the meaningful tattoos based on this beautiful design:

Meaningful Plant Tattoos

Plants can be just as meaningful as flowers. If you are looking for meaningful, nature based body art, then check out these detailed designs:

Leaf Tattoos

Leaves are symbols for the different stages of life and you can get specific leaf designs to depict the circle of life. At the same time, the leaf tattoo meaning is associated with beginnings as well as the end.

If you want a creative and meaningful tattoo, you can ask your tattoo artist for a laurel wreath tattoo which is made of many leaves.

Vine Tattoos

Vines are traditionally associated with inter-connectedness - with other people as well as nature. It can also symbolize the intricacies of life.

If you like the ideas behind the vine tattoo meaning, here are the gorgeous and meaningful tattoos for you to consider:

Fern Tattoos

Did you know that the humble fern has actually been around for hundreds of millions of years? So, it is no wonder that the fern tattoo meaning is associated with growth, resilience, and determination.

Here are some meaningful tattoos that bring this concept to life:

Meaningful Pineapple Tattoos

The pineapple tattoo meaning can be a bit more complex than most people realize. Yes, it can be considered a good time fruit that signifies happiness.

At the same time, it can also symbolize a tough exterior.

Here are some meaningful tattoos that will make most of the significance of this tropical fruit:

Meaningful Bird Tattoos

Birds have long been associated with freedom, family, and new beginnings. Here is a breakdown of how each bird species can give you a meaningful tattoo:

Raven Tattoos

There is more than just one raven tattoo meaning - although this bird is associated with wisdom and cunning, there are also people who see ravens as bad omens.

If you are someone who believes that fortune favors the bold, here are the haunting and meaningful tattoos that you should check out for yourself:

Eagle Tattoos

While eagles are revered by cultures all over the world, they are especially significant to Native American culture.

This is because the eagle and the eagle tattoo meaning is associated with strength, bravery, and power.

If you would like your tattoo to make such a powerful statement, then here are the meaningful tattoos that you have to see:

Sparrow Tattoos

Sparrows may be small birds but the sparrow and sparrow tattoo meaning span quite a few concepts.

They are associated with everything from ancient wisdom to family and freedom! Therefore, these birds make for some of the most meaningful tattoos that you can get.

If you agree, here are some designs that you can look at:

Rooster Tattoos

The rooster is a very masculine symbol. As a result, the rooster tattoo meaning is linked to confidence and bravery.

If you are looking for slightly cheeky meaningful tattoos, then you will be pleased to know that the rooster is also related to male sexuality.

Here are some of the meaningful tattoos to get for this idea:

Feather Tattoos

Of course, I can't really talk about meaningful bird tattoos and not talk about the meaning behind the feather tattoo.

The feather tattoo meaning all depends on the type of feather that you choose. For instance, eagles are associated with bravery, peacocks with protection, and so on!

Here are a few ideas to get you started off!

Meaningful Insect Tattoos

You may not think that there is much meaning in insect tattoos but you would be mistaken! Each type of insect has its own significance.

Ladybug Tattoos

These critters may be tiny but they sure do pack a punch when it comes to significance! A ladybug tattoo is linked to fertility, resilience, and even good luck!

This is a great tattoo to get if you would like to invite positive elements into your life. Here are some of the designs to consider:

Black Widow Tattoos

Although you would imagine the black widow tattoo meaning to be something dark and dangerous, there are actually a lot of positive elements attached to this tattoo.

This tattoo represents power, a strong will, and courage when faced with danger. Here are designs to consider:

Scorpion Tattoos

The scorpion tattoo meaning can be good or bad, depending on the culture. Some see the creature as a symbol of death and destruction. Others see it as a healing entity.

Regardless of which side you are on, here are some of the tattoos to checkout:

Spider Web Tattoos

Spider web tattoos haven't always had the best reputation as they were largely found on people who had been to jail.

These tattoos have enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, though, as the spider web tattoo meaning has changed with time. This is because they are now linked to life and mortality.

Also, if you are a fan of Native American stories, the web can actually be a sign of protection.

Here are the top tattoos for this design:

Meaningful Animal and Fish Tattoos

Like other components of the natural world, animals and fish have their own meaning:

Koi Fish Tattoos

Your koi fish tattoo meaning all depends on the number of koi and the type of fish that you depict in your tattoo.

These fish can signify perseverance, success, masculinity, and even balance. Here are some of these designs based on these meanings:

Shark Tattoos

Despite their scary reputation, the shark tattoo meaning isn't as clear cut as you might think. Sharks are symbols of fear and domination, true. At the same time, they are also seen as guardians and protectors!

Here are the tattoos that convey any meaning that you desire:

Fox Tattoos

It shouldn't be surprising to learn that one fox tattoo meaning is cunning and intelligence! At the same time, the fox is also associated with prosperity and success - there is quite a bit to learn about this design!

Here are some of the tattoos to get you started!

Panther Tattoos

Just the image of a panther is so powerful - this majestic beast has been revered by ancient cultures for millennia. So, it is fitting that the panther tattoo meaning is related to strength, leadership, and protection.

Meaningful Dragon Tattoos

A lot of the dragon tattoo designs that you see are based on pop culture. However, if you want an authentic tattoo with a real dragon tattoo meaning, then you have come to the right place.

The meaning of dragon tattoos all depends on the origin of the designs. Chinese and Japanese dragons are considered symbols of intelligence and are seen as messengers of the gods.

Western dragons, on the other hand, are associated with evil and danger.

Check out these stunning designs!

Meaningful Crescent Moon Tattoos

The moon has a strong association to women and femininity. And, so, the crescent moon tattoo meaning represents the phases in a woman's life as they experience womanhood.

This is a great tattoo design if you want to feel more connected with your feminine energy. Here are the lovely tattoos to help you do just this!

Meaningful Cultural Tattoos

Here are some culture based tattoos with meanings:

Evil Eye Tattoos

A popular symbol, the evil eye tattoo meaning is related to protection, but this design has a much deeper history to it. Make sure to learn all about it before you get these tattoos:

Anubis Tattoos

Anubis may be the Egyptian god of death and the underworld but the real Anubis tattoo meaning has to do with protection and power. Learn all about it!

Trident Tattoos

The trident has many cultural associations. From Poseidon to Shiva, this symbol can be found everywhere. Discover the true trident tattoo meaning and the top designs:

Meaningful Warrior Tattoos

If you would like to depict the warrior inside of you or your steadfast warrior spirit, then here are some design that you can check out:

Viking Tattoos

If you want to feel close to your Nordic roots or tap into the warrior spirit, then a Viking symbol is a great way to go. These symbols are ancient and hold a great deal of power.

Some represent the Norse gods of old - warriors carried tokens of Thor and other might gods as they went along their journeys to strange and new lands.

Others carried Nordic symbols that spoke of protection as they went to battle. In other instances, the Viking carried symbols to help them remind them of their homeland.

Here are the tattoos that can bring these symbols to life!

Spartan Tattoos

If you are a history or movie buff, it is likely that you have heard of the Spartans. A small army took on some of the most powerful forces in the world. The Spartans were also known for their brutal fighting style and tactics.

So, if you feel like the Spartan tattoo meaning is right for you, here are some of the designs that you should check out:

Meaningful Heart Tattoos

If you are looking for small meaningful tattoos, then you can't go wrong with a heart tattoo. This tattoo can depict your love for important people in your family - it can also show the world that you lead with your heart and not your head.

Want something a little different than the traditional heart design? Then you may want to consider a heartbeat tattoo instead. This can be a depiction of how you choose to love.

Queen of Hearts Tattoos

If you would like to do something truly unusual, check out the queen of hearts tattoo meaning - it can be a great option for someone who is a rule of their own heart as well as others!

Meaningful Anchor Tattoos

The anchor tattoo can be a nautical symbol used by sailors. However, it has a great deal of meaning to the average person as well.

The anchor tattoo meaning can also be a symbol of the person or thing that helps you to stay grounded in troubled waters.

Here are the tattoos that you can get:

Nautical Star Tattoos

It shouldn't be too surprising to learn that one nautical star tattoo meaning is related to guidance - after all, it does look like a compass.

This symbol has other meanings to discover too!

Paper Plane Tattoos

The paper airplane tattoo meaning has to do with nostalgia and childhood. It can also signal travel, freedom, and lots more!

Spade Tattoos

With its high ranking in a deck of cards and its use as a weapon, your spade tattoo meaning is related to power, protection, and can also be a sign of a military career.

Here are some tattoos to get you started!

Barbed Wire Tattoos

The barbed wire tattoo meaning is quite scattered. On the one hand, it can be related to religious beliefs. And, on the other end, it can signify a form of incarceration!

Here are some tattoos that you can look at:

Lightning Bolt Tattoos

As lightning is pure power unleashed by Mother Nature, it is easy to see why the lightning bolt tattoo meaning has to do with strength, potential, and a whole lot more!

8 Ball Tattoo Meaning

An 8 ball may not be able to tell you your future but the 8 ball tattoo meaning is related to destiny, luck, and even a little bit of trouble!

There you go - so many tattoos with beautiful meanings to choose from! You can now determine which meaning has the most impact on you and get the tattoo design that goes along with it. Good luck in making your decision!