45 Meaningful Memorial Tattoo Ideas To Honor A Loved One — InkMatch (2024)

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When someone we love dies, the pain and sadness can be overwhelming. When thinking about what to do in honor of that person, a memorial tattoo might be just the thing you’re looking for. It is a permanent way to remember your loved one by wearing their name or something significant on your body forever.

We will cover everything you need to know about these meaningful tributes, including what they mean, how you can find the right designs for your loved ones, and more.

What Are Memorial Tattoos?

A memorial tattoo is a form of body art that commemorates someone who has died. It can be used to express grief, but also as an expression of all they meant to you.

When it comes to these commemorative body art designs, you have many options and styles at your disposal. The tattoo may reflect the person’s life or death; both are perfect reasons for getting inked with meaningful images of remembrance likebutterflies(a symbol of transformation and rebirth) andhands(a symbol of prayer).

For those who want to embrace a darker side, there are alsoskull tattoosthat can be used as memorial designs.

It’s important not to forget about the person but find ways to think positively and remember what you had together.

The Best Memorial Tattoos Design Ideas

A tattoo is a great way to remember a loved one who has passed away. Many different designs can be used for memorial tattoos, and each design can have a special meaning for the person who gets it.

Parents Memorial Tattoo Ideas

A parent’s remembrance tattoo is one of the most common memorial tattoos.

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Parents are some of your biggest supporters and their job was to keep you alive on this earth, so it makes sense that they would be forever engraved in your heart.

You may want to get a tattoo in honor of them or you may have lost one parent and wish to pay homage to their memory.

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There are endless options for a parent remembrance tattoo, but most people choose to get something simple and elegant.

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo Ideas

Grandparents are a very important part of our lives, whether they are still around or have passed away.

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45 Meaningful Memorial Tattoo Ideas To Honor A Loved One — InkMatch (13)

A grandparents’ remembrance tattoo is a great way to keep them close by and always remembered. There are many different ways to go about getting this type of tattoo. You could get the names of your grandparents tattooed on you, or maybe a picture of them that is special to you.

Partner Memorial Tattoo Ideas

Tattoos can be a way to honor someone you lost, whether it’s your partner or just a friend. Memorial tattoos are common after the loss of a loved one and often take on some special meaning that is specific to that person.

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Tattoo ideas for memorials include things like names, dates, hands holding hearts with initials inside them or even a simple rose.

Find a Tattoo Artist

Use the search form below to find an artist by their name, location, or style of work.

Use the interactive USA map below to open a new page with all tattoo artists from a certain city or state. Hover on the state to see a hint, do the same with a marker to read the explanation on following steps.

Pet Memorial Tattoo Ideas

Pet memorial tattoos are ever-increasing in popularity. As we know, pets can be considered family members, and losing a pet is often just as hard on the people who care for them as losing a human member of your family would be.

Memorial tattoo ideas for pets include anything from a simple outline of your pet’s breed to an intricate portrait. You can also include symbols that are meaningful to you and your pet, such as a heart or paw prints.

Other Unique Memorial Tattoo Designs

  • Tattoos of butterflies and flowers
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45 Meaningful Memorial Tattoo Ideas To Honor A Loved One — InkMatch (38)

Butterflies symbolize the soul, so this would be a good option for memorializing someone who had passed away or lost their spirit in some way. There are many different types of butterfly tattoos out there: colorful ones that depict strength and courage, black and gray colored butterflies with dream-like qualities, or colorful ones that represent femininity.

Anna Finnerman and Kassaundra Kinney are some of the best in this design.

  • Small footprint tattoos
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45 Meaningful Memorial Tattoo Ideas To Honor A Loved One — InkMatch (40)

Small footprint tattoos with the loved one’s name inside of them are also a great idea for memorializing someone you miss. They’re small enough to not draw too much attention but personal enough to make it obvious who the tattoo is for.

Ray Jimenez’s small tattoo style is the best for memorial tattoos.

  • Anchor tattoos
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45 Meaningful Memorial Tattoo Ideas To Honor A Loved One — InkMatch (42)

Anchor tattoos are often chosen as memorials because anchors keep ships in place and represent stability and safety. They can also be seen as a symbol of hope, which many people find comfort after the loss of a loved one.

  • Handwriting or signature
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45 Meaningful Memorial Tattoo Ideas To Honor A Loved One — InkMatch (44)

This will be a unique and special way to keep them close to your heart always. Just make sure that whoever does the tattoo can replicate the writing perfectly!

Some of the best tattoo artists who specialize in lettering are DahVees and Mary Janed. You can also check out other masters in this style if you are not good with the location or price.

Memorial Tattoo Placements

Where you place a memorial tattoo is just as important as the design itself. You’ll want to consider how visible you want it to be and whether or not you’ll need to cover it up for work or other occasions.

Here are some popular placement ideas:

  • On arm, near the elbow or shoulder;
  • Across chest or back;
  • Near heart;
  • On ankle or foot;
  • On wrist or inside arm near the elbow;
  • On the top or side of the foot.
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Summary

Memorial tattoo ideas are a beautiful way to remember and honor those who have passed away. They can be tailored to fit the individual that they commemorate and can include any design elements that feel important to you.

So if you’re considering a memorial tattoo, take the time to think about what design will best represent your loved one. Be sure to talk to your artist and explain exactly what you want, so they can help bring your vision to life. And most importantly, be sure to cherish the memory of your loved one every time you look at your tattoo!

FAQ

? Who Can Get Memorial Tattoos?

There are no restrictions on who may wear these types of tattoos and they make an excellent way to remember someone special in your life.

⏳ Is There a Certain Time Frame After Someone Has Passed Away That You Can Get a Memorial Tattoo?

There is no specific time frame after which you should get a memorial tattoo. Some people choose to wait until the first anniversary of the person’s death, while others may get one as soon as they feel ready. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual and their personal preferences.

? What Are Some Popular Designs for Memorial Tattoos?

Portraits of the person who has passed away, a design that was important to the deceased such as a favorite sports team or pet, and abstract tattoos with hidden meaning for those close enough to understand.

? Where Can I Find an Artist Ready To Get a Memorial Tattoo?

A great place to look is by asking around at local shops or on specialized sites like Ink-Match, where you can find the perfect artist from your state and at a price that is right for you.

45 Meaningful Memorial Tattoo Ideas To Honor A Loved One — InkMatch (2024)

FAQs

What is a good tattoo to remember someone who passed? ›

Birds are a popular choice for memorial tattoos symbolising freedom, flight and liberation from this life. Across all cultures, many birds from doves, sparrows to eagles are thought of as messengers, representing renewal, eternity and the transition between life and death.

What flower tattoo represents the death of a loved one? ›

Daisies. Generally preferred by women, daisies are beautifully delicate and feminine, so they are the perfect small flower tattoo. Traditionally they have symbolized innocence and purity, which makes them a popular commemorative tattoo for a loved one who has died.

What is the symbol for a lost loved one? ›

The upside-down heart represents a heart in grief—a heavy heart turned upside-down. The diamond shape is a symbol for “hope,” and the scroll is an ancient symbol for “love. To represent our grief, we wear our pin with the heart upside-down.

How do you honor a deceased loved one with a tattoo? ›

But if you're sure you want to go ahead with it, here are just some of the designs out there you could use.
  • Heart. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images. ...
  • Birth and death dates. ...
  • Hummingbird. ...
  • Angel or angel wings. ...
  • Their favorite flower. ...
  • Cross. ...
  • Footprint. ...
  • A special number.
Jan 2, 2019

What is the symbol of death remembrance? ›

Red poppies

Since ancient times, poppies have been placed on tombstones to represent eternal sleep. Poppies also symbolise consolation, remembrance and death, and are the symbol of remembrance for those who fought and died in World War I.

What is the afterlife tattoo symbol? ›

Afterlife tattoos commonly incorporate symbols such as angels, crosses, doves, or wings, which represent peace, guidance, and protection in the afterlife.

What tattoo means "lost a loved one"? ›

Some people remember the death of a loved one by saying "Another angel gained their wings," or "Heaven gained another angel." So it seems fitting to use angel wings as a tattoo design to symbolize loss.

What flower represents loss of a loved one? ›

The lily is the flower most commonly associated with bereavement, specifically when it's white in color.

How do you pick a memorial tattoo? ›

If you're struggling to think of some inspiration, we recommend brainstorming about something that has always stuck with you, a symbolic reminder that represents what they mean to you, or a vivid memory you have of them.

What color represents loss of a loved one? ›

Black. The idea of black as a mourning colour is believed to have emerged during Roman times. The colour has long been associated with death and loss and is still a common mourning colour today. In the Western world, black is often worn to funerals…

What is the symbol of heaven? ›

Circle – The circle represents the symbol of eternity and never-ending existence. It represents the notions of totality and wholeness. It also symbolizes Heaven because of its perfect symmetry and its perfect balance. As an emblem for God, it suggests not only the perfection but the everlasting nature of God.

What is a memorial symbol? ›

wreaths: traditional symbol of commemoration, often shown as laurel leaves, which are a symbol of victory. broken columns: representing lives cut short. funeral shrouds: signifying death and mourning. obelisks: which come from ancient Egyptian sun worship and represent shafts of the sun's rays.

What is the symbol of life after death? ›

Additionally, ankhs were traditionally placed in sarcophagi to ensure life after death. While the ankh is a widely known hieroglyph, its origins are somewhat unclear.

What do you tattoo after a loved one dies? ›

Why do people want memorial tattoos? Some people like the idea of having a permanent reminder of their loved one, while others say keeping a physical connection to them is very comforting. People might have memorial tattoos for a family member, a friend or even to remember a special pet.

What is the symbol of death tattoo? ›

Skulls and Skeletons: Classic symbols of death, skulls, and skeletons are often used in tattoos to remind us of our mortality.

How to choose a memorial tattoo? ›

Remember, it's important to pick something that feels relevant and meaningful to you (and that truly represents your loved one, in your own personal opinion). That way, every time you look at your memorial tattoo, you'll be reminded of happy times with the deceased.

Are memorial tattoos a good idea? ›

Getting a memorial tattoo can be a powerful and meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one, but it's important to take the time to carefully consider your decision before going through with it. Consider the design, placement, artist, timing, and cost before making your final decision.

What tattoo symbolizes reincarnation? ›

Among the clearest symbols of rebirth: (1) The Phoenix—A mythological bird which, after living perhaps 500 years, bursts into flames and dies, and within days arises from its own ashes as newly living. (2) The Sun and the Moon—The sun sets in the evening (death) only to be reborn the following morning (birth).

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