44 Meaningful Memorial Tattoos To Honor The Memory Of Someone You Love (2024)

Table of Contents
Memorial Tattoo Ideas for Loved Ones Who Passed Away 1. A quote your loved one used to say. 2. A realistic portrait. 3. Their favorite flower. 4. Paw print portrait. 5. Meaningful coordinates. 6. A line work portrait. 7. A feather with their name and dates. 8. Angel wings. 9. A letter in their handwriting. 10. Baby footprints. 11. Line work mother and her baby angel. 12. Their handwriting and fingerprints. 13. A note saying 'until we meet again.' 14. Delicate pet portraits. 15. A minimalist dove. 16. A meaningful note from your loved one. 17. Their handwriting and favorite flower. 18. Their dates intertwined with the infinity symbol. 19. Traditional American style portrait. 20. A memorial circle. 21. Your loved one's name on a heart. 22. Your pet's paw and nose print. 23. Handprints over the heart. 24. Praying hands. 25. Matching memorial tattoos. 26. Roman numeral dates. 27. A music reference. 28. A heartfelt poem. 29. A teddy bear angel. 30. A heart surrounding hands. 31. A portrait of you and your loved one's hands. 32. Their name accompanied by something they love. 33. A large chest piece dedicated to your loved one. 34. Minimalist ladybug and butterfly, symbols of protection and hope. 35. Your loved one's dates in a wave. 36. A sentimental object intertwined with your loved one's handwriting. 37. A cardinal, symbolic of lost loved ones. 38. A paw print embedded in a portrait's design. 39. A watercolor paw print. 40. Your hand and your pet's paw. 41. A pocket watch with a short quote. 42. Traditional cross and eagle. 43. The gates to heaven. 44. A Celtic symbol of unity. FAQs

When you lose someone that really meant a lot to you, the heartbreak and feelings of grief and loss can be hard to handle. It can feel like your heart is shattering and you don't know how you are going to be able to live without them in your life.

But you just can't just check out of life because you don't know how to move on from grief — you have to be able to accept that this person has passed away and that they would want you to keep going.

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The people you love wouldn't want you to hold yourself back because of your grief for them.

You have to honor their memory in a way that is healthy for you — and many people decide to get meaningful tattoos to help them remember the people they've lost.

RELATED:50 Small Tattoos With Big Meanings

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Everyone grieves differently, you just have to respect everyone in their own mourning. Some people cry it out and then tell stories every so often about the loved ones that they miss. Telling stories about the people you've lost can help you remember the good times.

For me, my grandfather — who passed away when I was a child — is still remembered to this day. He was a big collector of dimes and he gave out dimes. It was just his thing. Now, when we need him most, or he is trying to tell us something, we start finding dimes all over the place — and it's weird because we don't really use cash anymore, so how does a dime end up in the laundry, on the bedroom floor, or in the car? Every time I find a dime, it's a reminder that my grandfather is here with me at that moment and is letting me know he is there.

Some people chose to remember their loved ones with memorial tattoos from their handwriting, a realistic portrait tattoo made from a picture, a fingerprint tattoo, and more.

Here are some meaningful tattoos that are dedicated in memory of people's loved ones. Maybe they will inspire your own remembrance tattoo someday.

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Memorial Tattoo Ideas for Loved Ones Who Passed Away

1. A quote your loved one used to say.

44 Meaningful Memorial Tattoos To Honor The Memory Of Someone You Love (1)Photo: Nejron Photo / Shutterstock

2. A realistic portrait.

3. Their favorite flower.

44 Meaningful Memorial Tattoos To Honor The Memory Of Someone You Love (2)Photo: Eduardo Vaccari / Unsplash

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4. Paw print portrait.

5. Meaningful coordinates.

44 Meaningful Memorial Tattoos To Honor The Memory Of Someone You Love (3)Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash

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6. A line work portrait.

7. A feather with their name and dates.

8. Angel wings.

9. A letter in their handwriting.

10. Baby footprints.

11. Line work mother and her baby angel.

12. Their handwriting and fingerprints.

13. A note saying 'until we meet again.'

14. Delicate pet portraits.

15. A minimalist dove.

16. A meaningful note from your loved one.

17. Their handwriting and favorite flower.

18. Their dates intertwined with the infinity symbol.

19. Traditional American style portrait.

20. A memorial circle.

21. Your loved one's name on a heart.

22. Your pet's paw and nose print.

23. Handprints over the heart.

24. Praying hands.

25. Matching memorial tattoos.

RELATED:50 Tattoo Ideas For Women Looking For Big Or Small Meaningful Designs

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26. Roman numeral dates.

27. A music reference.

28. A heartfelt poem.

29. A teddy bear angel.

30. A heart surrounding hands.

31. A portrait of you and your loved one's hands.

32. Their name accompanied by something they love.

33. A large chest piece dedicated to your loved one.

34. Minimalist ladybug and butterfly, symbols of protection and hope.

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35. Your loved one's dates in a wave.

36. A sentimental object intertwined with your loved one's handwriting.

37. A cardinal, symbolic of lost loved ones.

38. A paw print embedded in a portrait's design.

39. A watercolor paw print.

40. Your hand and your pet's paw.

41. A pocket watch with a short quote.

42. Traditional cross and eagle.

43. The gates to heaven.

44. A Celtic symbol of unity.

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Emily Francos is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture and relationships.

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44 Meaningful Memorial Tattoos To Honor The Memory Of Someone You Love (2024)

FAQs

What tattoo to get to remember a loved one? ›

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 is the symbol of a lost loved one? ›

Many people believe that seeing a cardinal is a sign that a deceased loved one is nearby. There's a popular saying, “When a cardinal appears, an angel is near.” These bright red birds can bring a sense of comfort and connection, as if the person who passed is sending a message that they're still with us in spirit.

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 it called when you get a tattoo in memory of someone? ›

If you have recently lost a loved one and want to do something special to preserve their memory, then getting a memorial tattoo is a good idea.

What symbolizes the remembrance of a loved one? ›

Pink carnations send thoughts of remembrance. The chrysanthemum, or mum, makes a wonderful choice when mourning with a family that has ties to Europe or Asia. China, Korea and Japan use white chrysanthemums to symbolize grief.

What tattoo means eternal love? ›

Infinity sign with two finger gesture.Symbol of eternal love, friendship.Two hands show infinity sign.

What tattoo means you 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 is the most powerful love symbol? ›

#1: The heart

As far back as ancient Greek mythology, the god Cupid was said to shoot arrows that pierce people's hearts with love. In many cultures throughout history, the heart has been a symbol of powerful emotions and continues to be seen in art, literature, and popular culture today.

What are signs from a loved one who passed away? ›

Other, more personal signs from loved ones who have passed include the following:
  • Finding notes and letters written while they were alive in unexpected places.
  • Seeing their favorite number or an important date such as their birthday repeatedly in various forms while you're going about your daily life.

Where do you put a remembrance tattoo? ›

Placement and Care of Your Memorial Tattoo

Some people prefer to get their tattoos on visible areas of their body, such as the wrist or forearm, while others prefer more discreet areas like the shoulder or ankle. When choosing a placement, consider your personal style and the type of work you do.

What tattoo means everlasting love? ›

Infinity Symbol Tattoo

Infinity tattoos mean eternal emotions, making it an apt wedding tattoo design. A matching infinity tattoo symbolizes never-ending love.

What flower tattoo means remembrance? ›

9. Poppy: Often associated with sleep, peace, and remembrance. It's also a symbol of imagination and luxury.

Is it safe to put human ashes in tattoo ink? ›

A: Very safe. The cremated ashes were burned at temperatures over 1,750 degrees Fahrenheit. This virtually eliminates the chance of infection, though the exact sterility of cremated ashes have not been extensively studied.

What is the symbol for someone who passed away? ›

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.

Is it okay to get a memorial tattoo? ›

Memorial tattoos can be an impactful way to honour a loved one. Whether they loved tattoos themselves, had an iconic hobby or personality trait, or you simply want to have a constant reminder of them on hand (or foot, or back, or arm) at all times, there's a fitting tattoo for every circ*mstance.

What tattoo symbolizes forever love? ›

As such, matching infinity tattoos are perfect for depicting eternal love. The symbol is an apt metaphor for how love is limitless, has no boundaries, and will continue forever.

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