Memorial tattoos are a great way to honor those you love. It's a poignant and deeply meaningful way to show how much they meant to you. So, today we give you 150 memorial tattoo ideas that will serve as a lasting tribute to your loved ones.
Most of these inspirations are a tribute to moms and dads. Losing a parent is never easy, and it can leave a big hole in the heart. But getting a mom and dad memorial tattoo can feel like keeping them permanently close.
Some people choose to get portraits of their mom and dad inked, capturing their looks and expressions so they'll always be with them. Others go for symbols that were meaningful to their parents, such as their favorite flowers, hobbies, or even a handwritten note or signature. It’s all about creating a design that’s deeply special to you.
These tattoos also become a source of comfort during tough times, and may even boost your mental health.
Some even choose to honor their furry friends with animal tattoos. Pets become a part of the family and shower us with affection, loyalty, and love. So, it’s only natural to honor the adorable moments that made our hearts melt. Memorial tattoos for cats and dogs can be personalized. Some choose to get portraits of their cats or dogs inked, capturing their unique personalities and quirks on their skin forever. Others go for symbols that hold special meaning – paw prints, hearts, or even the pet’s name.
These tattoos are not just about grieving. They celebrate the incredible bond we had with our loved ones. They’ll remind you of all the love and happiness they brought into our lives. And you know what? These tattoos can be a part of the healing process too. They may help you find closure and peace.
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What is a Memorial Tattoo?
Memorial tattoos are inked to honor the memory of a deceased loved one or a beloved pet. They are deeply personal and meaningful and serve as a lasting tribute.
These tattoos are more than just ink on the skin. They also carry profound emotional significance. The process of getting a memorial tattoo can be emotional. It may help you grieve, heal, and find closure in your own way. The act of permanently inscribing the memory of the departed on their skin can also be comforting and provide you with a tangible connection to the loved one. It will help you keep their spirit alive and close to your heart.
What to tattoo for someone who passed away?
Memorial tattoos honor the loss of a loved one and are super personal. Each tattoo holds a special meaning that is specific to the memory of your loved one. When choosing tattoo ideas for memorials, consider the special bond you shared with the person.
Here are some ideas for memorial tattoos:
- Dates and Initials: You could tattoo their birth date, the date they passed away, or their initials.
- Portraits: If you want to capture their likeness and preserve their memory, consider a portrait tattoo.
- Quotes or sayings: Select a meaningful quote or saying that resonates with their personality, beliefs, or a phrase they often used.
- Symbols: Did they have a favorite hobby, passion, or symbol that represented them? Incorporate these elements into the tattoo to celebrate what they loved.
- Handwriting or Signature: Consider tattooing their actual handwriting or signature as a unique and personal memorial.
Choose a design that feels meaningful and authentic to you. And when you're ready, find a skilled tattoo artist who can bring your vision to life with care and precision.
Grandparents Memorial Tattoo
Partner Memorial Tattoo
"First tattoo. My bf of 10 years unexpectedly passed away a couple of weeks ago and wanted him permanently on my body. That’s his handwriting from an anniversary card he gave me and the welder is his business logo. I miss him so much."
Which Tattoos Symbolize Remembrance?
A remembrance tattoo can take many forms. These are some common symbols:
- Angel Wings: Angel wings are a popular symbol of protection, guidance, and the belief that the departed is watching over us from above.
- Doves: Doves are symbols of peace and hope.
- Forget-Me-Not Flowers: As the name suggests, forget-me-not flowers symbolize remembrance.
- Candles: They symbolize the light that the person brought into our lives.
- Infinity Symbol: It represents an unending connection and love.
- Heartbeat: This represents an eternal bond.
- Lanterns: Lanterns symbolize guiding light and can represent our cherished memories leading us forward.
Pet Memorial Tattoo
"Got my beautiful girl, Molly tattooed in memory by Austin West at Revival Art Collective in Phoenix, AZ."
Memorial Tattoo On The Hand
"Little man and Nala."
Memorial Tattoo On The Hand
"Memorial piece our twin girls we lost. Done by Sydney at Duluth Tattoo, Co."
Grandad Memorial Tattoo
Grandparents Memorial Tattoo
"My Grandma and Grandpa - by Eli Wood at Lombard Street Tattoo in Portland!"
Cat Memorial Tattoo
"Memorial for my cat, Link. Done by Kelly Severtson at Insight Studios, Chicago, IL."
Pet Memorial Tattoo
"First tattoo, mid century modern style dog memorial by Will Schallert at Adornment in Palm Springs, CA."
Grandparents Memorial Tattoo
"One the most beautiful tributes I've ever tattooed. Grandparents love."
Memorial Tattoo On The Back
"This sentimental fishing pole dedicated to the client’s grandpa was created by at patrick_dunaway18."
Memorial Tattoo On The Hand
"A memorial piece for their Hawaiian shirt wearing, plastic chair sitting, storm watchin dad."
A Memory To My Late Father Tattoo
"A memory to my late father by Sergey Pakholiuk at Dark Matter, Lebanon."
Memorial Grandpa Tattoo
"Always next to you. The grandpa who loved fishing was done few years back and added his mother who loved playing guitar next to him. Thanks a lot for your trust and letting me do this meaningful one again, Julian!"
Parents Memorial Tattoo
"Gaming memories with my late dad by Whipshade at Catapult Tattoo in Stockholm, Sweden."
Dad Memorial Tattoo
"My new Simpsons tattoo for my late father by Abby Rose at Pogue Mahone Tattoo in Red Bank, NJ."
Parents Memorial Tattoo
"My parent’s signatures. By Peter at Funhouse in Vancouver, BC, Canada."
Dad Memorial Tattoo
"A father holds his daughter's hand for a short while, but he holds her heart forever."
Jack Russell Terrier Memorial Tattoo
"Memorial Jack Russell Terrier by Matt Truiano from No Idols in NYC."
Pet Memorial Tattoo
"My memorial to my best girl. Adam Aguas at High Class studio in Des Plaines IL."
Memorial Tattoo For A Lost Friend
"Memorial tattoo for a lost friend. D’mon Meuli, California Gold Tattoo, Los Angeles."
Memorial Tattoo On The Back
"Memorial tattoo by Brandilyn Dunning at Blackmint Collective in OKC."
Parents Memorial Tattoo
"My parents on the night they eloped. Done today by Tamara King at Skintricate Tattoo in Mississauga, ON. (Fun fact, today is my parents 33rd wedding anniversary)."
Dad Memorial Tattoo
"Portrait of my Dad done by Juilien at First Place Tattoos in Hackettstown, NJ."
Mom Memorial Tattoo
"Some of my recent works [Budapest, Hungary, Genesis Tattoo, Tamás Ömböli]."
Parents Memorial Tattoos
"My parents' wedding photo. Done by Chewy at Wyld Chyld in Merrick, NY."
Grandma Memorial Tattoo
"My giving tree tattoo in memory of my grandma (with me instead of the boy) by Kaley at Legacy Tattoo in London, Ontario."
Pet Memorial Forearm Tattoo
"In memory of the best boy that ever lived! Done by aubry at empyrean in sandy springs, GA!"
Mom Memorial Tattoo
"A tattoo for my late mom, done by Ian at Steel n Ink in Collingwood, ON."
Parents Memorial Tattoo
"Minimalistic Portrait of my parents with their signatures. Done at Red River Tattoo Company in Irvine, KY by Rebekkah Ratliff."
Grandparents Memorial Tattoo
"My grandparents first date 54 years ago done by Charis at 15th St. tattoo Edmond, OK."
Pet Memorial Tattoo
"My partners Paw. Not a day goes by without missing you my friend. Till we meet again."
