115 Neck Tattoos for Men: No Need to Pop Your Collar With These Designs

From flowers to skulls and crowns, there are many designs to choose from if you want a neck tattoo.

I'm not going to lie - tattooing the neck isn't an easy task, but I relish the challenge. This is why I like to stay on top of the latest and most popular designs - to make sure I can pull them off when needed.

In this post, I will show you all the neck tattoos for men you can get and provide the meanings for each one.

The Best Neck Tattoos for Men

Here are some of the top neck tattoo ideas for men that you should check out:

Rose Neck Tattoos

It's quite likely that you have seen more than one rose tattoo on a man's neck. So, why is such a feminine symbol such a popular choice for men?

Well, for one thing, rose tattoos symbolize passion and romance. So, if these are qualities that you have, a rose neck tattoo is the perfect way to showcase this side of you.

At the same time, a rose neck tattoo is also associated with nobility. If you come from an old family or simply hold yourself to a higher standard, a rose neck tattoo can symbolize this.

A rose neck tattoo can also be a great way to show that you have hidden depths. After all, the rose is a beautiful, sometimes delicate looking flower. If you aren't careful, though, you can prick yourself on the thorns that surround the flower.

This can show that behind your calm demeanor, there is something darker within that shouldn't be provoked.

A rose tattoo can also be a sign that you put up walls between yourself and others. People will have to work hard if they want to get past those thorns of yours.

Here are some rose neck tattoo ideas that you can draw inspiration from:

Flower Neck Tattoos

While roses are pretty popular, flowers, in general, are rising in popularity for men.

For one thing, a flower makes a rather beautiful and artistic neck tattoo. So, if you are all about the aesthetic then a floral neck tattoo is definitely the way to go.

At the same time, a floral neck tattoo can showcase the balance that you aim to bring about in your life. Sure, you are strong and tough but there is also a softer, sweeter, and even artistic side to you.

A floral tattoo can also be a great way to show off your love or commitment to a loved one, especially a female partner or relative. Getting a neck tattoo of their favorite flower can be a way to carry their love or their spirit with you wherever you go.

Here are some of the floral neck tattoo ideas that you can check out:

Spider Neck Tattoos

A spider neck tattoo is a pretty classic choice. A few years ago, this kind of neck tattoo would have been a fairly aggressive signal.

After all, most people are afraid of spiders and spiders are associated with fear, poison, and even death. Even today, you can use your neck tattoo to keep people at a distance.

However, what many people don't realize is that a spider is a good omen. So, by getting this kind of neck tattoo, you can actually be inviting good vibes into your life.

For instance, due to their ability to weave webs, spiders are related to patience, artistry, and balance. They are also all about building connections. In olden days, spiders were actually associated with money and fortune.

Due to the duality of this neck tattoo concept, there are lots of things that you can do with this kind of neck tattoo.

If you want, you can go the more traditional route and opt for a scary or gothic neck tattoo. Or, you can opt for something a little lighter. Perhaps go for a friendlier looking spider or choose a realistic portrait. The options are endless.

Here are some neck tattoo ideas to get started:

Moth Neck Tattoos

A moth neck tattoo has a similar meaning to that of a butterfly. This neck tattoo has to do with transformation and renewal.

So, if you feel like you have been going through any kind of changes in your life or are trying to make a transformation, this is exactly the kind of neck tattoo that you should consider.

There is also the fact that moths have a tendency to find and move towards the light whenever they can. This can be a great reminder to you.

Getting a moth neck tattoo can remind you to always seek out the light, even during the darkest of times.

What I like about this kind of neck tattoo is that despite the positive meaning of the moth that most people see it as a rather dark neck tattoo. So, in a way, you can get the best of both worlds.

A moth neck tattoo also works if you have a particular weakness or dependence in your life. If there is something or someone that you are continuously drawn to despite it being bad for you, then you are like a moth to a flame.

Moths also tend to come out at nighttime which is why they work well for a night owl. There are also some superstitions that moths guide your dreams and your consciousness. So, if you aim to reach a higher level of thought, then this neck tattoo can be a good symbol for you.

Now, before you get this neck tattoo, be aware that moths can be associated with death, decay, and loss.

So, if you want to depict these elements in your life, a neck tattoo can be a good way to go.

Check out these neck tattoo ideas that can send you on the right path:

Owl Neck Tattoos

One of the main reasons that I love an owl neck tattoo is because it creates such a cool image. In general, owls are majestic and beautiful birds so they do make for a stunning tattoo.

However, they seem to come alive as a full neck tattoo. There's something about seeing those intelligent and predatory eyes gazing down on you.

Of course, you don't just have to get an owl tattoo because of the aesthetics. You can also get this kind of neck tattoo because it has a lot of meaning.

Owls are associated with wisdom. If you love to seek knowledge or learn more about the world, this is the perfect neck tattoo for you.

At the same time, owls are some of the greatest predators, hunting at night and swooping down on prey from high. If you are athletic or enjoy the chase, you should absolutely consider getting this front neck tattoo.

When you get an owl neck tattoo, you can choose to simply get an owl. This can work for half or full neck tattoos - you decide just how much space the wingspan of the owl takes up.

You can also decide to get a forest or similar image as a backdrop to your owl neck tattoo. This can look really cool.

Check out these owl neck tattoo ideas:

Eagle Neck Tattoos

You might associate eagle neck tattoos with patriotism. To a certain extent, you would be right. As the national bird of the USA, many people get eagles as a symbol of pride.

However, there are different reasons to get this kind of neck tattoo. You can even attach your own meaning to it.

First, it's a really cool concept. Eagles are fierce and majestic and make a powerful statement. Just make sure to figure out if you want a golden eagle or a bald eagle before you take the design in to your tattoo artist.

They are also symbols of courage and bravery. They are incredible hunters and are considered one of the most powerful bird species around.

If you see these traits in yourself or want to showcase these characteristics more, this idea will work as a neck tattoo.

Eagles are also associated with freedom. They soar incredibly high and can fly wherever they want.

If you see yourself as a free soul, constantly on the move, or if you always feel like you would just like to pick up and fly away, this is the neck tattoo to consider.

Here are the neck tattoo ideas that may be just right for you:

Swallow Neck Tattoos

Before I dive into the swallow tattoo, I just want to remind you that swallows and sparrows can look quite similar. Due to this, they are easily mistaken for each other all the time, especially in tattoo form.

So, before you go to your tattoo artist, make sure you know which design you want to get. On the upside, swallows and sparrows have similar meanings so it isn't that bad if you get one or the other bird as a neck tattoo.

Due to the swallow's migratory patterns, this bird tends to make its reappearance at the start of spring. So, whenever you see a swallow, it's signaling the end of winter. Because of this, a swallow is associated with new beginnings and positive change.

As swallows fly in groups and live calmly among one another, this kind of neck tattoo is also a symbol of community. If you find comfort in your family and friends or in creating safe environments, this is definitely the neck tattoo for you.

One of the great things about this kind of concept is that it can work well if you are looking for small neck tattoos. You can get a simple neck tattoo on the side of your neck, making it a more minimalistic option for you.

Here are the neck tattoo ideas that may appeal to you:

Wolf Neck Tattoos

The wolf tattoo has always been a popular choice and it's a great tattoo to get on your neck as well.

The main thing to like about the wolf neck tattoo is that it's really cool to look at. This neck tattoo is wild and gentle all at the same time. Also, when done in a realistic way, it makes a majestic neck tattoo.

Wolves are pack creatures and are incredibly protective of the members of their pack. The behavior of wolves has shown that pack leaders make sure that the very young, the very old, and the sick are taken care of.

If family is important to you and if you see yourself as the protector of people in your immediate community, this is the kind of neck tattoo you need to get.

Some people see wolves as being solitary creatures, but this isn't the case. In some instances, where a wolf may break away from the pack to start their own community.

If you're someone who enjoys being by themselves or if you feel like it's time for you to move on, this may be a neck tattoo that you want to get.

There is also something untamed and wild about a wolf for all of their gentleness towards their family. So, if you want to depict that wild side that you may have, this is the neck tattoo you should get.

Due to the versatility of the design concept, you can get a small tattoo or a half or full neck tattoo. It is all about choosing the design that works best for you.

Here are some of the neck tattoo ideas to get you started on your journey:

Animal Skull Neck Tattoos

If you have ever seen an animal skull tattoo, you may have thought it was pretty cool. You may have also wondered what is up with that. I mean, aren't animal skulls a bit morbid?

Well, this isn't actually the case. Animal skulls are more about the circle of life. This neck tattoo simply means that you understand the cycle of life and death.

At the same time, it is also a symbol that life doesn't end with death. With every end, there is also a new beginning.

Remember, this kind of tattoo can be designed in a number of ways. While this is typically a front neck tattoo, it works just as well as a back neck tattoo. Also, you can include other elements such as flowers, butterflies, birds, and move to take this tattoo to the next level.

Skull Neck Tattoos

If animal skulls aren't your thing, a human skull neck tattoo may appeal to you a bit more. Once again, this is both a beautiful and haunting tattoo concept.

Skulls can relate to death, sure but it can also be about stripping bear. It can be about showing the bone under skin deep beauty or simply laying yourself bear. As such, it can be a symbol of truth as well.

Once of the reasons that I like skulls as a half or full neck tattoo is because there is so much creative license to be tapped into. From gothic to cheerful, there are a lot of ways you can pull of this concept.

Religious Neck Tattoos

Religious tattoos are pretty common but surprisingly enough, the neck is one of the most popular places for tattoos for men.

This is a highly visible area so if you want people to know that are a religious person or that you take your faith seriously, then a religious neck tattoo is definitely the way to go.

Also, as neck tattoos hurt quite a bit, getting this ink can either be a form of penance or dedication to your faith.

A religious neck tattoo based on the Christian faith is the most common option, but you can also find tattoo designs based on Hinduism, Buddhism, and even Judaism.

Angel Wings Neck Tattoos

This is another oldie but goodie. Wings look so cool as a tattoo and they work equally as well as a front or a back neck tattoo.

You can choose to simply get the wings alone or to include other elements as well. These can range from religious to meaningful or simply ones that result in a cool artistic effect.

Traditional Neck Tattoos

This is a classic or vintage tattooing style - it dates several decades, back to when tattoos in America were just starting to get popular. These are categorized by bold black outlines and bold colors too.

If you want an old school style or a neck tattoo that will seem timeless, these are the designs to go for:

Geometric Neck Tattoos

On the other hand, these would be considered a new school style of tattooing. While this kind of tattoo is made up of intricate designs, it has a rather minimalistic feel to it.

Some people also refer to these as mandala tattoos but those follow a specific pattern. The geometric designs are repetitive but don't have real meaning.

This is another concept that will work just as well as a front or back neck tattoo.

Tribal Neck Tattoos

Tribal tattoos are an umbrella term for various tattoos. This term is technically used to describe indigenous tattoos such as Maori or Polynesian.

However, people will also get thick black ink lines with a slight curve on the neck area and refer to these as tribal as well.

Script Neck Tattoos

These refer to any tattoos you get on the neck area that are done in any kind of script. So, you can get a name, a phrase, Roman numerals, anything that you want.

All you have to do is to decide on the font and size.

Crown Neck Tattoos

The meaning behind these neck tattoos are pretty clear. It could also simply be a reminder to treat yourself like the royalty that you are.

Also, stylistically, these are pretty cool tattoos.

These are the neck tattoos for men that you can get. Now that you know all the options, finding the right one is going to be a breeze.