The Panther Tattoo Meaning and 55+ Roaring Ideas

There are plenty of meanings behind the black panther tattoo - strength, power, leadership, and protection are just a few to begin with.

It is safe to say that I love big cats - their beauty, grace, and ferocity are all so captivating. And, as I travel a fair amount, I have had the opportunity to learn how much significance various cultures place on the black panther. So now when people want to get a panther tattoo, I can tell them just how much power is behind their body art.

In this post I will discuss how the panther tattoo meaning varies based on the culture, popular assumptions, and more.

What's a Black Panther Tattoo Mean?

Before I get into the black panther tattoo meaning, I first want to touch upon what panthers actually are.

Contrary to popular belief, panthers aren't a subspecies of the big cat family. Instead, they are actually dark colored jaguars and leopards. Due to a genetic variation known as melanism, the coat on these cats is black.

Sometimes, the fur is so dark that you can't see the spots underneath. In other cases, though, the spots are visible. Essentially a panther and a black panther are one and the same.

If you have ever wondered:

What does a jaguar tattoo mean, it can be quite close in meaning to the panther tattoo as they are basically the same animal.

Some of the meanings associated with the black panther have to do with the physical traits and abilities of the animals. As a result of their sleek black body, black panthers are able to move quietly through the jungle and the brush. So, the black panther and the panther tattoo are a symbol of beauty and grace.

Of course, you shouldn't be distracted or fooled by the beauty of the black panther. Not only are they excellent hunters, but the black panther is an incredibly strong and powerful animal, able to take on animals much larger than themselves.

In this sense, one of the panther tattoo meanings is strength and power. It can also be a symbol for the life that you want to lead. Instead of waiting for the universe to provide for you, take a page from the panther and take what you want, much like this top predator.

Panthers do have cultural significance as well. For instance, for the eastern tribes of Native Americans, the black panther was considered a great hunter and warrior. In many instances, the animal was portrayed by the leader of his people.

If you see yourself as a leader or this is the path that you envision for yourself in the future, then a panther tattoo is just what you need. This is especially since the other panther tattoo meanings include strength and power - all important components of leadership.

Keep in mind that your panther tattoo doesn't necessarily need to have an aggressive symbol of leadership. If you are someone who is caring, nurturing, and guiding to the people around you, then a panther tattoo would be just as valid for you.

In certain tribes, panthers were used as symbols for protection. They were even believed to have healing powers. Now, some of this because of what an amazing hunter the panther is. However, the black panther is also incredibly territorial as well. As a result, they protect what is theirs.

Therefore, if you feel like you need a positive symbol in your life or you like the feeling of knowing that someone is watching over you, then a panther tattoo could be the right choice for you.

Now, you should be aware that there are some western tribes that see panthers as an evil omen. They are also associated with witchcraft. Of course, you alone get to assign the meaning to your panther tattoo so you get to decide what it means.

The Best Panther Tattoo Designs

Here are the panther tattoos - and their meanings - that you should check out.

Panther Head Tattoos

As you can tell from the title, these panther tattoo ideas only include the panther head.

There are a couple of reasons why you may want to get a panther head tattoo. One reason could be because you would like a smaller tattoo. With this tattoo design, it is a lot easier to fit your ink on smaller parts of your body, including your hand.

If you want a small panther tattoo, this is a tattoo design to consider.

At the same time, the panther head tattoo can have quite a bit of meaning as well. When you choose to only focus on the head, you may want your panther tattoo to focus on the intelligence and shrewdness that the black panther is known for.

Or, you may want the emphasis of your panther tattoo to be on the mesmerizing black panther eyes. After all, these animals can see very well in the dark.

This could translate how you are able to see through the dark patches in life and to see the more positive side of things.

At the same time the black panther eyes can be one of the most intimidating parts of the animal. After all, if you catch a glimpse of those gleaming eyes through the darkness, you are sure to feel a rush of fear.

This could be how you want people to see you - as a shadow in the darkness, a threat when they least expect you.

Crawling Panther Tattoos

You will find that crawling panther tattoo designs are quite popular. This is because the crawling position depicts the grace and power that you associate with the black panther.

So, if these are the traits that you would like your ink to focus on, then a tattoo with the panther crawling is the way to go!

There is also a dark beauty about the crawling panther. You know that when the black panther is in this position that it is stalking its prey, getting ready to pounce. It is the calm just before the chaos.

If you are someone who employs such tactics, then this crawling panther tattoo is the way to go. It is also an appropriate tattoo for anyone who believes in laying to the ground so that people don't take notice of you until right before you are ready to make your move!

There is also something rather sensuous about a crawling panther. So, if you would like your panther tattoo to be about your sexuality or how you choose to portray yourself as a sensual individual, then this can be an excellent panther tattoo for you.

Realistic Panther Tattoos

These panther tattoo designs are some of my favorite. As the name says, the realistic panther tattoo is all about getting a design that is identical to the panthers that you see in photograph.

These panther tattoos are ideal if you want your tattoo to have symbolic meanings associated with the physical traits and capabilities of the panther. So, if you want your panther tattoo to be all about the raw strength, power, and grace of the panther, then this is the tattoo you should get.

Keep in mind that it is no easy feat to ink a realistic panther tattoo. From intricate details to coloring and shading, there is a lot to get right. Due to this, it is best to work with a skilled tattoo artist who can get you the kind of results that you are hoping for.

Traditional Panther Tattoos

If you have ever looked at examples of animal tattoos, you will find that many of them are done in a particular, classic style. These animal tattoos may boast bold black lines and bright colors - well, they are traditional tattoos.

Then, what are traditional tattoos? This refers to an older style of tattooing that was popularized by a tattoo artist known as Sailor Jerry. Traditional tattoos are incredibly striking to look and have that vintage look that makes them a timeless staple.

Therefore, if you are looking for traditional panther tattoo designs, then you are in luck! There are plenty of these panther tattoos to choose from.

To see if a traditional panther tattoo is what is right for you, check out these designs:

Neo Traditional Panther Tattoos

If you want your panther tattoo to be a bit more updated, then consider the neo-traditional panther tattoo.

The neo-traditional style is quite similar to the traditional panther tattoo design. There are subtle differences, though. For one thing, the neo-traditional style uses a wide variety of color as well as more muted colors for most animal tattoos. What's more, there is a greater variation in the thickness of the black lines.

While traditional panther tattoos are fairly common, neo-traditional ones aren't as well known. So, you should make sure to work with tattoo artists who know what they are doing.

Tribal Panther Tattoos

Unlike the traditional designs, the tribal design doesn't have a set definition to it. Rather, these tattoos are made up of curled, curved, and spiked dark lines.

You will often find that these tattoos may borrow from indigenous Polynesian designs as well. However, as there is such a loose definition here, you have the ability to come up with your own creative design.

Still, you are going to need some inspiration to get started. Here are the tribal panther tattoo ideas that you can consider for your own ink:

Panther and Flowers Tattoos

This is a rather interesting tattoo idea. On the one hand, black panthers and flowers do appear to go hand in hand. After all, panthers live in the jungle and flowers can be the ultimate symbol for nature.

At the same time, the panther and flowers can create a rather contrasting picture. After all, flowers represent delicacy, while panthers are all about raw power. That being said, this can make for a rather meaningful piece of body art.

After all, few people embody just a single trait or characteristic. Instead, most people are incredibly complex individuals. And, you may see yourself as having both gentle and fierce elements to you.

In this case, this kind of tattoo would be the perfect concept for you.

Panther and Dagger Tattoos

These are two elements that are quite similar to one another. After all, they are both beautiful and deadly.

In many panther tattoos, you will find that the dagger is usually piercing the panther, oftentimes in the head. This could indicate a wounded or broken part of you - a wild portion that no longer roams free.

On the other hand, in this kind of tattoo, the dagger could indicate that you are controlling or getting rid of something that is dangerous inside of you.

Panther and Snake Tattoos

This is a pretty interesting concept. Historically, snakes have been portrayed as evil, conniving, etc. Panthers, on the other hand, tend to be positive totems.

Therefore, the portrayal of both panthers and snakes in a tattoo could be the fight of good vs. evil. Or, it could be that certain negative forces in your life are threatening to overtake the good ones.

Pink Panther Tattoos

Of course, I couldn't end this list without mention the pink panther. He was an important of many people's childhood. He is a great combination of humor, curiosity, and just the right level of mischief.

Here are some of the pink panther tattoo concepts to consider:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Does a Tiger Tattoo Mean?

A tiger tattoo represents strength, wisdom, prosperity, and good luck.

2. What Does Tiger and Panther Tattoo Mean?

These two animals are often depicted circling or fighting one another which could indicate an internal turmoil or conflict.

These are all the meanings you need regarding your panther tattoo. Now you can decide just which design makes the most sense to you.