Top Cool Tattoo Meanings

Tattoos are a fun and colorful way to express ourselves. Many people decide to get one as a way to memorialize an important event in their life or just because they think it looks cool. Although their meaning is decided by the individuals who got the ink, tattoos can have a variety of widespread associations, and it’s always interesting to know what others think your tattoo means.

Before you go out to get that, it’s good to look into common meanings and associations to know just what kind of message your tattoo is going to put forth and find the very best way to get your message across; therefore, I have compiled this list!

What Do Animal Tattoos Mean?
Koi fish: A common image in Japanese culture, koi fish have many meanings depending on color and position. A koi going upstream signifies a struggle or an obstacle. A koi going a downstream either means you’ve overcome your struggle or do not yet have the strength or ability to face it. Black: An obstacle has been overcome, or a symbol for the father. Blue: Masculine fertility or symbol for the son. Gold (yellow/orange): Good fortune. Red: Unconditional love, or the symbol for the mother (pink for daughter).

Spider: Symbol of creativity and patience.

Spiderweb: Depending on location and the presence of spiders, it can represent time served in prison, types of crimes committed, or an overall meaning of rebellion.

Dove: Peace and unconditional love.

Swallow: This bird is a symbol of return. It is believed that when a sailor dies, swallows carry the soul back to heaven.

Hummingbird: Love, joy, and happiness.

Raven: Fate’s messenger; also seen as a symbol of luck in Greek mythology.

Bee: Sign of loyalty (as the worker bees are to the queen and hive), hard work, and family.

Scorpion: Control, potency, strength, death, and defensiveness.

Snake: A symbol of power and potency. Most commonly inked in the coiled position, it is said that snakes ward off negative things that might get in your way.

Butterfly: A beautiful symbol of change, butterflies represent a person going through a personal metamorphosis and also seen to symbolize a person’s soul.

Wolf: Depending on culture or religion, wolves are seen as a symbol of protection or of destruction and greed.

Lion: Representing strength, courage, bravery, and protection.

Owl: Wisdom, protection, and spirituality.

Eagle: National bird for many countries, representing power and freedom.

Octopus: Mystery, diversity, and complexity.

Dolphin: Wisdom, luck, and love.

Paw print: Depends on the type of paw: Bear prints represent strength while a dog paw is a symbol of light-heartedness and loyalty.

The Meanings of Various People/Creature Tattoos

Dragon: In Asia, dragons are a symbol of power and longevity. In Europe, they are seen as something to be feared.

Geisha: Mystery, beauty, and feminine power.

Buddha: Spirituality, heightened consciousness, and loyalty.

Medusa: Feminine power and strength.

Samurai: Popular in Japanese culture, these symbolize masculinity, courage, discipline, and strength.

Grim Reaper: Symbol of death.

Phoenix: A Mythological symbol of rebirth.

Unicorn: Purity and chastity.

Angel: Guardians and protectors. Can also memorialize the loss of a loved one.

Devil: Sin, resistance to religion, and rebellion.