Family tattoos are a great way to express your love and commitment. They can be used as a symbol of family heritage or for those who don’t have children yet the hope that one day they will start their own family.
But, when it comes to family tattoos, there are always careful considerations that need to be done in order for them to turn out perfectly.
One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing the wrong design. The reason behind this choice may range depending on what you want but choosing something too complicated will cause problems in the future during your session.
Another thing you should consider is the meaning of your design. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you want but if you overdo it, people will not be able to trace the real meaning behind it. That’s why many experts recommend getting something with a simple design like proper font types and shapes that will bring out the meaning of your tattoo.
In the list below, you will see some of the best family tattoos. They range from simple designs with a meaning to those that are more complicated but still outstanding.
1. Family Tree Tattoo
One of the best ways to celebrate the strong bond you have with your family is through a family tree tattoo. Trees represent life, roots, and growth. This is a beautiful way to show your family’s history starting with the oldest generation at the top working its way down to you and your siblings (or children) at the roots. You can use this design to represent either your immediate or extended family. The kind of tree you choose can also have added meaning. For example, the willow tree is symbolic of nourishment, strength and stability, while the birch tree is symbolic of rebirth, renewal and new beginnings.
2. Family First Tattoo
Family first tattoos are great for those with large or small families. This tattoo usually has the words “Family First” in it, but is always accompanied by a design that ties this sentiment together with one or more members of your family. Some designs include silhouettes, images of unity (such as hands and/or feet), and even pictures of individual family members. Research the meanings behind the images you choose to create an unforgettable piece that will represent your family well.
3. Family Over Everything Tattoo
Family over everything tattoos represent a family’s support and love for each other no matter what. It is best for people who value their families and truly believe that family comes first before anything else. If you believe in people before possessions and relationships before money, then this is the tattoo for you.
4. Matching Family Tattoos
Matching tattoos are a great way to show your kinship with your family. It represents unity and strength. Matching tattoos don’t necessarily have to be identical in design, but they typically look best when placed in the same spot on each family member.
5. Family Symbol Tattoo
If you have a family crest or a clan symbol, it would be a great idea to include it as part of your design. It will also symbolize your family’s history and heritage as well as its future. Family symbols represent traits and values that mean most to a family, such as courage, honesty, or loyalty.
6. Family Tattoos for Men
Fathers are just as important in a family as mothers are. They are both responsible for the well being of their children and spouses. When you tattoo your arm with your family’s name, have each member’s name incorporated into the design to show that every person in this group is equally important.
7. Family Tattoos for Women
Moms are the heart of every family. All moms know this to be true, which is why mom tattoos are so popular these days. Celebrate your family with a beautiful tattoo that honors you as the head of it all, while also showing your love for your children and husband.
8. Infinity Family Tattoo
An infinity symbol is a lovely way of representing your family’s eternal love for one another. This tattoo can be done on any part of the body, and you can customize it by including name(s) or nicknames and heart designs to show how much each member means to the rest.
9. Family Quote Tattoo
A family quote tattoo is a great way of expressing your love for one another. You can choose to have the same or different quotes inked on each individual. It is usually best to use positive quotes because you want to convey how much you cherish your family and inspire them to become better individuals.
10. Family Chest Tattoo
A family chest tattoo is a lovely design for everyone in the family. It can be something that represents your tradition and ancestry or simply a statement of love and commitment to your family. This design can be enhanced by adding symbols of each family member.
11. Family Forever Tattoo
The words “Family Forever” are usually inked in a typical block letter. However, if you would like to have it incorporated with another design, such as the infinity symbol or the sun and moon together, then this can be a nice addition. This is one of the most common family tattoos and represents unity and togetherness among family members.
12. Lion Family Tattoo
This design represents fierce loyalty to family and how each one will do anything to protect a member. It is also a symbol of pride and dignity as well as wisdom. If you have a lion in your family crest, this can be a great way to include it in your design.
13. Elephant Family Tattoo
Elephants are known for their intelligence and strong familial bonds. Emphasizing these qualities in the design will make for a great tattoo idea. You can also add other elements such as flowers to show beauty and grace or other symbols to add deeper meaning, like the tree of life, representing growth and continuity.
14. Wolf Family Tattoo
This tattoo symbolizes family loyalty and strength. The wolf is also a common family crest, and everyone will understand the meaning of your design. Wolves symbolize protection and strength, which is why this design stands for the grace and wisdom every member exhibits.
15. Bear Family Tattoo
The bear, like the lion, is another symbol of strength and is an illustrious part of family crests. It too can be designed as a tattoo with its claws extended, ready to defend against any threat. Or you can choose to make it look more playful as well as ferocious. The choice is up to you.
16. Addams Family Tattoo
Here’s a playful tattoo design that still represents the love of family. The Addams Family is one of the most iconic families in pop culture and shows how love can be quirky and unusual. The design captures the likeness of everyone in the family – from Gomez to Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandmama, Lurch, Mal Beineke, and even Cousin It.
17. Small Family Tattoos
This is another simple way you can show how your family members are like precious gems to you. Many people who opt for a small tattoo choose the star icons instead because stars are associated with hope and optimism, which is great for any kind of situation. This tattoo also looks cute if it features one larger star representing your core family and small ones for the rest of the members.
18. Family Tradition Tattoo
One way of including family tradition in your tattoo design is by depicting the back-to-back hands representing each generation. You can also feature a specific object passed on for generations to show how certain rituals continue, even if you are far apart.
19. Family In Japanese Tattoo
This is another way of representing your family with a writing tattoo. In this case, the Japanese characters mean “family,” representing how you are bound to them no matter what. You can have other symbols included if you want to express other meanings.
20. Tribal Family Tattoo
Tribal tattoos are an excellent way of showing how your family is like a tribe in itself. The tattoo can include the entire family or only parts of it, and you can use other symbols to add meaning, such as arrows that symbolize protection or unity or flowers that represent growth. You can also have elements from other cultures added to the design, such as feathers associated with Native Americans.
21. Family Anchor Tattoo
Anchors symbolize security and stability. It’s also a great way of representing your family who has been there for you no matter what, especially when the seas are rough. The tattoo can be done in any part of the body too, so if you want to put it on an already existing design, you have more freedom with where you can place it.
22. Family Heart Tattoo
The heart is a universal symbol of love, and it makes for a great family tattoo. You can customize your design by placing different images representing each member or include words to show how your bond with them goes beyond the physical form.
23. Family Name Tattoo
This tattoo design is an excellent way of representing your family because the name symbolizes what connects you even if you are far apart. You can choose significant names for yourself, like those belonging to your close relatives or any other person who has had a major impact on your life.
24. Celtic Family Tattoo
Celtic art represents tradition and ancestry, so it’s a great fit for a family too. Celtic designs are often complex and intriguing to look at. You can choose Celtic symbols such as the trees to represent growth, the dreamcatcher for protection, or the wellspring linked to wisdom.
25. Family Portrait Tattoo
If you want a more literal representation of your family’s design, then opt for a portrait. You can have each member included or just part of them and add details explaining who is in your picture.
26. Ohana Family Tattoo
Ohana means family in Hawaiian. Ohana makes for a great tattoo design because it’s a symbol of unity. You can have the word spelled out or just included in your design with different symbols that will help emphasize what family means to you.
27. Family Forearm Tattoo
A family forearm tattoo is a beautiful way to represent your family. It can be placed on the inner or outer forearm. Usually this design works best with the word ‘family’ in the center and decorative elements surrounding it.
28. Important Years Family Tattoo
If you want to show how your family has grown throughout the years, choose important dates representing different milestones in your life. This is a great way of including short but meaningful phrases like “big sister” or “teacher.”
29. Family Hands Tattoo
Hands are a common symbol of the family, so having them included in your tattoo would be perfect if you want to emphasize the role they have played in your life. You can also use hands with other images that will help you express other meanings, such as wings for freedom or an anchor for security.
30. Family Silhouette Tattoo
If you want a more symbolic tattoo design, then go for a silhouette to represent each member of your family or just parts of them. You can include other symbols that will help explain the meaning behind the tattoos, such as stars that signify how big your family has become.
FAQ
Family tattoos are ink designs that represent the wearer’s love for their loved ones. These can be one of several designs, but they mostly revolve around honoring bonds. These tattoos don’t have to be about biological bonds exclusively. After all, blood doesn’t always determine who you can genuinely call ‘family.’
Family tattoos are like any other design that you can add to any body part. But the most common places for family tattoos are the chest, forearm, neck, and ankle. That’s because these placements hold significance to each piece. For example, chest tattoos allow wearers to keep the message close to their hearts.
A good family tattoo is a piece that should be able to show your appreciation for your family. Plus, it should look great while being symbolic. After all, you’re honoring the most important people in your life.
You can always add to it. As your family grows, you can add names of children, grandchildren or spouses into the design.