Home is our safe harbor and our strongest support. These meaningful family tattoos are a symbol the unconditional love.
Tattooing is about self-expression, but it’s also a way to show love and honor a relationship. And that’s why family tattoos are timeless. Family is a harbor that makes us feel safe. It gives us strength and support. And it’s worth celebrating through permanent body art.
It can be risky to get a couple tattoo or a friendship tattoo because people can change. But not family tattoos. The people that get mother-daughter or sibling tattoos don’t often regret it – the bond is tied by blood, and it lasts a lifetime.
When it comes to a good family tattoo, there isn’t one criterion. It can be a photorealistic tattoo, a symbolic tattoo, or a meaningful quote. The best family tattoos are the ones that tell a story. And it’s the story that makes them relatable and personal.
We’ve rounded up a list of meaningful family tattoos, from symbols, portraits to lettering tattoos in this post. Out of these ink in different sizes and styles, you’ll find one that fits your aesthetics and maybe tells your story.
Disclaimer: This tattoo collection is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.
Hearty family tattoos to honor the bond
Initials tattoos
Compared to spelling out the full name, an initial is more abstract and minimalist. Some choose to ink the initials of their first names to honor their individuality. Others prefer the initial of the last name they share.
Either way, initial tattoos can be as small as you want. And you can get one on your wrist, behind the ear, or on your finger.
@anyakalnins49
@featherandmink
Mama and baby koala bears tattoo
@92_noise
Koalas are so adorable and laidback, and it’s hard not to love them. Besides their cuteness, koalas are marsupials that keep their babies in their pouch. And that’s why in some cultures, they are regarded as protectors and nurturers.
Cute family cartoon avatars
@tattoo_haree
Dot tattoos for siblings
Small family picture
@ovenlee.tattoo
Our aesthetics or values may change. But our families will always hold a special place in our heats. That’s why if you want a small, meaningful tattoo that never goes out of time, a family portrait tattoo like this one will be perfect.
Tattooist Ovenlee has created a collection of dainty and sophisticated tattoos. Check out our interview with her to know more about her work.
Family portrait illustration tattoo
@tattooist_namoo
Pets are family, too. That’s why including them in a family tattoo is both sweet and cute.
The definition of family
@tinytattooinc
If you are not a fan of portraits or initials, a meaningful quote tattoo like this will also pay tribute to your family.
The family genes tattoos for new parents
@rubenmezas
Family of three
@tattooer_dogy
Whales tattoo
@xime.lizarazutattoo
Blue whales are the largest mammals on the planet. But despite their size, baby whales are still fragile. A mother whale will keep her calves close to her while swimming. She feeds them milk and protects them just like a human. Those who get whales tattoos are the ones who value family and are grateful for unconditional love.
Family of five
@whysmile.sally
Chinese zodiac family tree tattoo
@hyaku.tattoo
Similar to the western zodiac, everyone has a representing animal according to the Chinese zodiac. There are 12 zodiacs in total, each representing a lunar year. These animals include the dragon, dog, pig, horse, and so on.
For example, 2021 is the year of Ox. The Chinese zodiac of those that are born this lunar year is Ox. That’s why it’s common for Asians to use an animal to represent them, just like in this tattoo.
Year of birth family tattoo
@ladnie.ink
Family vacation bicep tattoo
@berivanis.tatts
Every family has an album full of memories. Flip through the pages, and you may find a special moment that deserves to be permanent.
Abstract outline tattoo that symbolizes motherly love
@angelesinkedu
Triple hearts representing family members
@simya_tattoo
Matching heartbeat tattoos
There’s nothing more emotional than having connected heartbeats on the skin. The first heartbeat of a child changes the lives of parents forever. And these matching tattoos will be a symbol of this beautiful transformation.
@hktattoo_tina
@vintagetattoola
Adorable mom and dad tattoo
@minie._.chan
Minimalist hearts family tattoo
@michaelafoordentattoo
If you are a minimalist, consider choosing a pattern to represent your family members. Take this small tattoo, for example. Every heart is slightly different than others, just like everyone in the family. But their hearts are connected.
Family in Chinese characters
@hybridink.helsinki
The best friend and family
Pets are there with us their entire lives. They are not just loyal friends but part of the family too.
Mother and children symbol tattoo
@breybg.ink
Year of birth family tree tattoo
Coordinates of home
@moonchild.tattoo
Family anchor tattoo
@mr.jones_.tattoo
Anchor keeps a boat from drifting away. The meaning of anchor tattoos varies from person to person. It may honor the support of family and friends. If your family are the ones that keep you grounded and give you hope, anchor tattoos will show them your love and thankfulness.
Sunflower tattoo for mom
@tattinge.tattoo
Bond for life
@rompeolas_studio
Adorable giraffe tattoos
@ch_tattoos
Giraffes are gentle animals, and they don’t attack for no reason. When faced with predators, they will fearlessly kick them to secure the baby giraffes. The protective nature of the animal makes them a theme of many family tattoos.
Matching tattoos to celebrate childbirth
@tessaprospertattoo
Mother and baby elephants
Elephants are family animals. The adult elephants will always keep the baby elephants safe. This realism elephant tattoo is so heartwarming and perfect for those who value their family.
@philipppfohl
Minimalist elephant tattoo for family of 4
If you love elephant tattoos but prefer something simpler, this one may be what you are looking for.
@danirg.home
Trinity knot
@antonio.pinheiro.tattoo.design
Initially, the Celtic Trinity knot or Triquetra represents the three phases of a woman: the Mother, Maiden, and Crone. Some people make it a tribute to their mothers.
It takes up a new meaning of “The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit” in more recent times. In a Trinity knot, three ovals interlock with each other, just like family members are closely connected.
Bears tattoos
@lennyresplendent
Recently, a video of a mama bear went viral on the Internet. In the video, she struggled to get her babies to cross the street. She went back and forth to push her babies towards the other side of the road. In the meantime, she tried her best to keep her kids from going back into the traffic. Many parents found this video relatable as they face similar challenges, too.
A mama bear is a protector, just like what the video has shown. She will go above and beyond to keep her newborns safe. If that reminds you of your mom, bear tattoos may be a perfect ink for you.
Emotional quotes tattoos about family
Quote tattoos and one-word tattoos never go out of time. The meaning they carry is pretty straightforward. And it’s hard to go wrong with quote tattoos: you choose a quote that resonates with you and your family, pick the font and placement, and you are good to go. For first-timers or those who can’t make up their mind about the design, quote tattoos may be a good fit.
- Family: where life begins and love never ends.
@boomzodat
- You and me against the world
@lindseylanetattoos
- You keep me safe. You keep me wild.
@twisted_ink_ballito
- She gave me life and a reason to live
@jackquackart
- Family one-word tattoo
@sussietattoo
- Home is where love is.
@chiara.akamon
- No matter what, where and when.
@magssnake.tattoo
- As long as I exist. You’ll never be alone.
@magssnake.tattoo
- Do not go through life. Grow through life.
@tattooist__d
- Family: Person who loves you no matter what you are.
@boomzodat
- If I were to be born again, I would like to be born again as my mother’s daughter.
@5e_tattoo
More quotes for your family tattoos
- When we have each other, we have everything.
- Family is our happy-ever-after.
- The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing.
- Family is a gift that lasts forever.
- Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.
- Family is a life-jacket in a stormy sea of life.
Family photo tattoos to make memories permanent
If you have a pile of family pictures, you may find one or two that brings you back to a particular day.
May it’s holding a child in the arm for the first time, a family day by the beach, or the photo of a graduation ceremony. Here are some of the best family portrait tattoos that make memories permanent.
@ivanruotolo.ink
@5e_tattoo
@melisssa.ink
@saegeemtattoo
@boomzodat
@evild4n
Which of these family tattoos is your favorite?
Do you have a family tattoo? What’s the story behind it? Share in the comments!
