meaningful wrist tattoos

Tattoos are becoming widely popular and more socially accepted as time goes on. There are many skilled tattoo artists to get work done from. If you don’t know what kind of wrist tattoo you would like, most tattoo parlors offer books full of art you can choose from or base your tattoo on. Not only do you have to decide what type of tattoo design you would like to have, you also have to decide the location you would like to have the tattoo placed. Wrist tattoos are one possibility. In fact, wrist tattoos are one of the most popular types of tattoos.

Remember, a tattoo is permanent, so once you have it, the wrist tattoo is yours for life, and you better make sure it’s gonna make you smile every time you look at it!

However, if you’re considering going to a tattoo parlor and getting a tattoo on your wrist, you should keep the following in mind:

  • More Pain: You will likely experience pain no matter where you decide to get your tattoo inked. However, wrist tattoos tend to be more painful than other areas of the body. This is because your wrists have skin that is less thick than on other parts of your body. However, the good news is, wrist tattoos are smaller, so it won’t take as long to ink the wrist tattoo. Therefore, the pain can be more intense, but you won’t have to endure it for very long.
  • Longer Healing Process: Wrist tattoos also require a longer healing period. This is because your wrist is exposed more than other places on your body. Healing time for wrist tattoos can be for two or more weeks.
  • May Need More Touch-Up Work: As mentioned above, your wrists are more exposed than any other part of your body. Your wrist tattoo will probably fade a lot faster because it does get more exposure. You probably will have to have touch-up work done on your wrist tattoo sooner than you would if you chose a less exposed part of your body.
  • They Are Easy to Hide: One advantage of having a wrist tattoo is that it is usually pretty easy to hide. You can wear long-sleeved shirts. You can hide it with a watch or a bracelet. If you have a professional job or plan on getting one, getting a wrist tattoo isn’t a bad option, so long as you remember, you may have to hide it.
  • Cost is Reasonable: Because wrist tattoos are a lot smaller than tattoos put on other parts of the body, the cost is a lot lower. The larger and more color your tattoo is, the more you usually have to pay. Wrist tattoos are small and usually don’t have a lot of different colors. One or two colors are usually enough.

Getting a tattoo is a great way to express yourself. Knowing where you want to get a tattoo is just as important as what kind of tattoo you want. The location will dictate what size tattoo you will be able to have. Wrist tattoos are very popular and are worth looking into if you would like to get a smaller, more discrete type of tattoo.

Wrist tattoo designs have become extremely popular probably as a result of various celebrities appearing on stage, in film or at public events with them. The concept wasn’t invented by Hollywood though.

Years ago, sailors used to tattoo the nautical star onto their wrists in the hope that it would keep them safe and help them find their way home from the long voyages. They weren’t the only people who believed that having a picture on their arm would protect them. In the old days, people often believed that having a tattoo would keep them free from illness or disease.

Now, most people have wrist tattoos done because they want to mark a special occasion such as the birth of a child or a certain period in a relationship. They may also want the same one as their favorite actor wore to the Oscars.

It is important not to rush into getting a tattoo as it is a permanent fixture. You may love your current partner but if you have his name tattooed onto your body and later break up, it is expensive and sometimes painful procedure to have it removed. Wrist star tattoos may seem like a great idea when you have had a couple of drinks but it is best to wait until you are sober before acting on your desires.

If you are unsure whether you will still like the design in a year or so, why not have one done in Henna to start with. Henna is not permanent but will last for a while so you will have time to decide whether that particular design is for you or not.

Most people will get the picture put on their inner wrist but you may decide to have it done at the top or have a bracelet effect instead. It really depends on what you are having done. If you want a name or a saying you need to make sure there is room or you will ruin the overall effect.

Also if you decide to use a foreign language make sure you spell the word correctly as you do not want to walk around with an image that says something different. Arabic, Sanskrit, English and Kanji are the most popular languages used for wrist tattoos. Wristband tattoo designs are usually Celtic or barbed wire effects although some people opt for a statement across both arms such as “be true” on one wrist with “to thine own self” on the other.

Small wrist tattoos can be very attractive to the opposite sex. At the very least having an unusual design acts as a starting point for a conversation. Butterfly designs are very popular due to the variety of colors displayed. Flowers and animals are also popular as are flames, a cross or hearts. In fact, there are so many wrist tattoo designs available it is easy to become confused and wonder which one is the right one for you. You should spend some time making your choice and never walk into the tattoo palour without having made up your mind.

What is a Wrist Tattoo

What is a Wrist Tattoo

A wrist tattoo is a tattoo that is placed on the wrist. The design of the wrist tattoo can vary from intricate and complicated to simple and elegant.

Wrist tattoos are usually small in size so they don’t take up a lot of space on your body. The placement of the wrist tattoo also means it can be placed in places where you would not want to put other tattoos such as hands or feet.

Some people get their first wrist tattoo as an act of rebellion and some people get their first one to commemorate a life event like getting married or having a child.

Best Types of Ink for Wrist Tattoos

Best Types of Ink for Tattoos

Tattoos are a form of self-expression, and it’s important to find the best type of ink for your wrist tattoo. This article discusses the different types of tattoo ink and their pros and cons to help you find the perfect ink for your tattoo.

Choosing a type of ink that isn’t compatible with your skin could lead to an infection. The last thing you want is an infection because it will not only be painful but also take a long time to heal.

Some people are not sure what type of ink they should use when they get a wrist tattoo. The good thing is that there are many different types of tattoo inks available for this type of tattoo.

Here are some of the best types of ink to use for a wrist tattoo:

  • Black Ink: Black ink has been around for decades and it will always be one of the most popular colors for tattoos. It is also the easiest color to work with because it does not need any additives to create solid black lines with crisp edges.
  • White Ink: White ink is an excellent choice if you want to add some color into your tattoo designs but still keep them light and airy.
  • Metallic Ink: Metallic inks are the perfect way to make your design really stand out. They’re also great for adding depth to your work by using a gradient effect.

Wrist Tattoos for Girls

Wrist Tattoos for Girls

Every culture in the world, present and past, has used body art to either emphasize beauty, social status or bravery. This includes body piercings, deformation of body parts by implanting materials and, the most common of all, by getting tattoos.

In primitive days, the process of getting ink was so painful that it became a ritual that boys had to undertake as their initiation to manhood. Having tattoos printed on your skin took hours using primitive tools made of wood, bone or metal that were repeatedly pounded onto your skin to allow the ink to settle under the surface of the skin. A lot of brave warriors broke a tear when they had their first body art tattooed on them.

Nowadays though, through technological advancement, the process has become less painful and a lot easier. Of course, with this, the ritualistic aspect of it diminished as well although it paved the way to allow more sophisticated artworks printed on the body.

But because getting tats has become easier, less painful and more of an aesthetic feature, more and more people become interested in getting one. Of course, the fact that a lot of celebrities are getting ink done, more and more fans develop an interest in having tattoos themselves.

Even women get body art and most of the time it looks really good on them. They would usually have it done on their ankles or their wrists. Oftentimes, the reason would usually be for aesthetic purposes. The pieces that they have printed on their bodies are cute making them look cooler than they already are.

There is a wide range of designs that they could have done on their wrists. Butterflies, ribbons, ethnic designs, letters, graffiti-style art and others are often seen on girls. These are also often the subject and styles of wrist tattoos of women.

Wrist Tattoos For Women

Wrist Tattoos For Women

Wrist tattoos are a popular tattoo design for women. In this article, we will discuss some of the best wrist tattoo designs for women and also the meaning behind them.

Wrist tattoos are an amazing way to express your creativity. They are easy to hide for work, but still, show off your unique sense of style.

They are also a great way to let the world know that you’re a feminist. Women should be seen and heard in society, and wrist tattoos can help you do that!

One of the most popular designs is the infinity symbol with a heart. This is a great idea if you want to show that you are in love.

Another common design is a simple flower that is often found with two birds next to it. This can represent your family and friends who supported you through thick and thin.

Small Wrist Tattoos For Women

A small wrist tattoo is a perfect choice for women who like their tattoos small and minimalist. No matter what the reason is, the small size of the tattoos allows them to be easily hidden by most clothes and accessories.

The most popular places on the wrist where women get their tattoos are on the inside of their wrists and on their forearms. There are some people who like getting a tattoo in an area that they can cover up with long sleeves, such as on their lower arm just below the elbow or just above the wrist.

Women also sometimes get a tattoo with smaller designs, such as flowers or stars, that can be added onto an existing tattoo if they want to add detail to it without making it too big.

Wrist Tattoos For Men

Wrist Tattoos For Men

Wrist tattoos are becoming more popular among men. Wrist tattoos are one of the few that are not only considered feminine but also masculine. Unlike other tattoos, wrist tattoos can be easily hidden through clothing or they can be shown off for all to see!

They are more common among women, but men are starting to get on board with them too. The designs for wrist tattoos for men range from simple lines to elaborate Celtic knots. The most popular tattoo styles are tribal, skull, cross, anchors, and words.

Wrist tattoos for men are a popular trend for those who want to express their individuality. Recently, men have been wearing wrist tattoos just as much as women have been. It’s no longer a gender-specific practice – many men choose to sport this type of tattoo and they come in all shapes and sizes.

The main idea behind this popular tattoo is that it can be seen from long distances and is not too hidden away like other tattoos might be. This means that the wearer is able to show off their ink with pride to anyone who might see it!

Small Wrist Tattoos For Men

Many people don’t know that there are many different types of small wrist tattoos for men. You can have a small wrist tattoo that has a lot of colors. You can have a small wrist tattoo with a very basic design. It is all up to you and your personal interests when you start looking at the different varieties of designs that are available. There is no wrong way to get a small wrist tattoo, so don’t feel like you have to conform to the expectations of society when it comes to this type of design decision.

Wrist Tattoo Designs

Wrist Tattoo Design Ideas

There’s a huge variety of tattoos to choose from. You can pick any design and make it your own.

Wrist tattoos are often overlooked and underrated in the tattoo world, but they do have a certain charm about them that you can’t find all over your body. They provide a sweet way of showing the world that they matter to you in some way or another and that you want to represent them proudly. This is not limited to lovers through—parents, siblings, children, friends, and even pets may be represented with one on their wrist.

A wrist tattoo is considered as a symbol of inspiration: a reflection of your inner world, your mind, your thoughts, and especially one’s beliefs. We hope that this article on wrist tattoo designs and tips & advice will help you decide which tattoo is right for you. Let’s get started:

Star Tattoos

star tattoo on wrist meaning
  • The Three-pointed Star (Trigram) has a wide base for interpretation and can symbolize everything from ancient, sacred ideas such as the Holy Trinity, or Holy Family, to more secular and modern meanings such as technical development on Earth, Sea, and Air.
  • The Five-pointed Star (Pentagram) is perhaps the most well-known star. The five points may represent the five elements of nature: water, terra, fire, air, and spirit, or in another approach, the five continents of the EarthEarth.
  • Depending on if the pentagram is pointing up or down, it has a very different meaning. Pointing upward is a powerful symbol of protection, independence, and balance, while facing downward may signify the sign of the devil.
  • The Nautical Star is a special kind of five-pointed star. Dating back in history, before modern navigation was developed, sailors were guided in navigation by stars. Because of the great reliance on stars to find their way home, many sailors inked a nautical star on their wrist in the hope of returning home safely.
  • The Six-pointed Star (Hexagram), also known as the Star of David, is another symbolic star design with strong connotations and meanings. It is a basic symbol of Jewish identity and origin and is also known as the Seal of Solomon or the Creator’s Star. In the latter case, the six points represent the six days of the week, and the center corresponds to the Sabbath (Saturday).
  • The Seven-pointed Star (Septagram) is associated with the seven planets of classical astrology and other seven-fold systems, such as the Hindu chakras.
  • The Eight-pointed Star (Octogram) is a symbol of fullness and regeneration.
  • The Nine-pointed Star (Nonogram) symbolizes achievement and stability, even if this is stability is subject to change.

With a wrist tattoo star design, a tiny part of the Universe will always be with you, and your fantasy may soar as high as the stars in the sky. 

So, are you still thinking of getting a star wrist tattoo but can’t find “the one” you are looking for? We have reviewed a lot of the web’s tattoo design collections and can tell that the ones below are by far the best ones. Whether you are looking for star wrist tattoo designs or other styles, these collections will help you find the tattoo you want for the rest of your life.

Butterfly Tattoos

butterfly tattoo on wrist with name

There are a lot of reasons why butterflies are one of the most popular patterns for wrist tattoo designs. The great variety of patterns on their brightly colored wings and their erratic yet graceful flight attracted attention for centuries. These beautiful creatures of nature are spread all over the world. The smallest ones (Pygmy Blue with a wingspan of 1/2 inch = 15 mm) you can find in the southern United States, while the largest ones (Alexandra’s Birdwing, having a wingspan of 11 1/8 inch = 280 mm) in the rain forest of New Guinea. In between, there is an enormous choice with abt. 28.000 species, hardly to be able to follow.

Another reason, perhaps even more important, is the symbolism assigned to them. In many cultures, a butterfly is seen as the personification of a person’s soul, a phenomenon of After-Death Communication, a symbol of metamorphosis and continuous change. Diverse cultures looked upon the butterfly as a symbol of transformation, regeneration, and flight.

Culturally butterflies are beloved motifs in the visual and literary arts. Although not used for wrist tattoo designs, artistic depictions of butterflies are seen in many ancient cultures.

You can find them in the Egyptian hieroglyphics (abt. 3.500 years ago) and in the pottery and feather work of Ancient Mexico (Aztecs, Mayans, and Chichimecs).

The exquisite beauty of butterflies and their poetry-in-motion flight were observed by the Mexicans, and they made them a component of their art on stone and ceramics.

Even one of their goddesses, Itzpapáloti, is associated with a species of butterflies and also one of their famous temples (Butterfly Temple in Teotihuacan).

In Greek mythology, one of the deities, Psyche (i.e., “soul” in Greek), is often characterized as having butterfly wings. It is believed that Psyche’s mortal body was freed from death by Zeus (the supreme deity), and her “immortal soul” could soar and fly as free as a butterfly on leaving its chrysalis.

Lots of animal images were integrated into the traditional Celtic culture too, and one of the most popular ones as a Celtic wrist tattoo design was the butterfly (read more about Celtic Wrist Tattoos).

In tribal tattoo art, while most designs were purely symbolic, some tribal wrist tattoos incorporated human or animal figures as well. 

Millions of wrists have been decorated with gentle butterflies, flames of dragons, etc., in the hope that these creatures’ merits will take hold. (Read more about Tribal Wrist Tattoos)

There are many symbolism associated with the exotic butterfly. In certain cases, they represent the same meaning in different countries: they are regarded as symbols of one’s soul from Japan to the USA, including Europe as well.

  • While in China, two butterflies flying together are a symbol of love, in Japan, they mean a happy marriage.
  • In Mexico, they represent immortality, and their fluttering wings are the symbols of energy.
  • In many religions, people associate the emergence of butterflies with rebirth after death.
  • The butterfly is generally regarded as a symbolic after-death communication sign.
  • Certain nations think butterflies will bring good luck.
  • Native Americans believed, dreams are brought to us in sleep by a butterfly.
  • Their ritual butterfly dance symbolized rebirth, regeneration, and happiness.

There are many motives for loving butterflies, and millions of people do so. Having them as a wrist tattoo, you can ensure to have one of these beautiful and mysterious creatures always with you.

Tribal Wrist Tattoos

tribal wrist tattoos for ladies

If you are thinking of getting a tribal wrist tattoo, the best way to learn more about this special type of tattoo design is by looking at some of the best collections that can be found on the internet today.

By doing research, you may find a tribal tattoo design that not only you are drawn to artistically, but that reflects you and your uniqueness perfectly.

If you don’t feel connected to the tribal wrist tattoos of one particular style, you can take inspiration from several styles and ask your tattoo artist to combine them as your unique wrist tattoo design.

Whether your tribal wrist tattoo design is drawn directly from a specific culture or your tattoo artist helps you create a new tribal-inspired tattoo design, a tribal wrist tattoo is a very special and meaningful wrist tattoo.

  • Tribal wrist tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs of all time and account for almost a third of all wrist tattoo design search requests.
  • The term “tribal” covers an astonishing array of wrist tattoo designs, from the traditional tribal wrist tattoos to the latest graphic designs for one’s wrist, and this is why modern tribal tattoo art doesn’t have to limit itself to ancient or primitive designs.
  • Originally tribal tattoos were employed to identify and group tribes, clans, and families together. The appeal lies in the fact that having tribal art, regardless of the symbol or the country of origin, helps us reinforce our positive feelings about ourselves and allows us to connect to an element of mysterious ancient activity.

Some people use wrist tattoos as symbols of spiritual protection or for healing power over a specific ailment. Tribal wrist tattoos often function as a marriage tattoo as well, serving as a witness to your commitment to another, and it would also allow you to find your spouse in the afterlife. This form of tribal tattoo is still prevalent, and this is why you will often see spouses or life-mates with matching wrist tattoos.

Some tribal wrist tattoos incorporate human or animal figures, while others are purely symbolic. One who chose to tattoo himself with a totem animal was believed to gain the strengths and abilities of the totem animal, and the tattoo also served as a mysterious link between the animal spirit and the bearer of its marks.

Different animals provide different strengths and virtues to their receiver. Today, animal tattoos are wildly popular. Millions of wrists have been decorated with gentle butterfliesflames of dragons, etc., in the hope that these creatures’ merits will take hold.

The fact remains that when it comes to tribal tattooing, it can work for anyone: male or female, young or old. All you need is a little creativity and a great design!

Flower Wrist Tattoos

simple flower wrist tattoos

Flower wrist tattoo designs are really picturesque and represent a lot of symbolism. They convey ideas, feelings, and messages. Their meaning is different, even depending on the color or the number of the same kind. They are colorful, scented, and fragile, perhaps the most beautiful creatures on the planet.

In life, we use flowers for decorations (weddings, birthdays, or other special occasions), but often they are simply gifts, serving as a source of joy for the receiver.

A flower wrist tattoo may serve as a unique decoration as well for any occasion, and thanks to the downloadable wrist tattoo design collections you can find on the internet today, they can be a gift to someone you love and really care about, that one will remember for his or her entire life.

Flowers are spread all over the EarthEarth and are blossoming all over the year. Some of them are growing in spring, others are flourishing during summer, but beautiful blossoms are to be also seen during fall or even winter. 

Flowers, as a wrist tattoo, are among the most beloved designs. Mainly women decide to mark themselves with these special symbols, but as you shall see later, there are some flower wrist tattoo design symbols that might be very well worn by men as well.

Flowers were admired already in the ancient era. The Roman Empire had huge rose gardens, and the roses were used for different purposes, from medicine to making perfume.

Lotus has been a part of legends in almost every culture. In Egyptian mythology, the lotus was the flower to be created out of the inert fluid chaos of the world. Sun God emerged out of the petals of lotus as Ra. 

Therefore it is taken in Egypt as a symbol of genesis and revival. It is said that Tutankhamen’s body was covered with blue lotus when its tomb was opened.

In Hindu Mythology, the lotus is the seat of Brahma (the creator), and in China Lotus is a symbol of creation. In Christianity, the White Lily is the equivalent of Lotus.

The Aztecs worshipped sunflowers. They have placed golden sunflower images in their temples, and they were crowning their princesses with sunflowers. This is the national flower of Russia dating back to the historical eras.

It is like a jewel that you can wear day and night. They mean a perfect decoration while they emphasize the wearer’s sexy and feminine character.

Flowers, however, have a silent language, originally developed by the Turks in the 17th century. It was imported by a British lady to England and became very popular there in the 18th and 19th centuries, as it helped the Victorian women to communicate their feelings that the strict propriety of those times did not allow.

This special language then survived even the stormy 20th century and is becoming nowadays more and more popular, partly due to the spread of body decoration as, e.g., wrist tattoos.

Having decided to have a flower tattoo on your wrist? It is better to find out the meaning of the flower you select. Thus you can really express a message that is wanted to be represented.

Here is a short vocabulary of this special language (at least one version of it), and hope you will find the flower mostly matching your soul and character and your desired wrist tattoo design:

  • Almond Flowers: Hope
  • Aster: Symbol of Love
  • Balm: Sympathy
  • Basil: Best wishes
  • Bell Flower: Gratitude
  • Bluebell: Constancy
  • Carnation (white): Innocence, faithfulness
  • Carnation (red): Fascination, admiration
  • Carnation (pink): I’ll never forget you
  • Carnation (striped): Refusal
  • Chrysanthemum: I love you
  • Daffodil: Regard, rebirth
  • Daffodil (several): Happiness
  • Daisy: Innocence
  • Forget-me-not: Remembrance, true love
  • Freesia: Thoughtfulness
  • French Marigold: Jealousy
  • Gardenia: Secret love, ecstasy
  • Gladiolus: Give me a break
  • Hibiscus: Delicate beauty
  • Iris: Friendship, my compliments
  • Iris (white): Purity
  • Jasmine (white): Sensuality
  • Jasmine (yellow): Grace
  • Lavender: Devotion
  • Lilac: First love
  • Lily: Purity, innocence
  • Lily of the valley: The return of happiness
  • Magnolia: Nobility
  • Mimosa: Sensitivity
  • Narcissus: Egotism, self-love
  • Orange Blossom: Marriage and fruitfulness
  • Orchid: Beauty, love
  • Oregano: Joy
  • Primrose: I cannot live without You
  • Rose (white): Friendship, innocence, secrecy
  • Rose (red): Love, passion, prosperity
  • Rose (pink): Appreciation
  • Rose (yellow): Friendship, true love, jealousy
  • Rose (coral): Desire
  • Rose (hibiscus): Beauty
  • Rose (orange): Enthusiasm
  • Rose (Lavander): Enchantment
  • Rose (red & white): Unity
  • Snowdrop: Hope
  • Star of Bethlehem: Purity
  • Sunflower: Adoration
  • Tuberose: Dangerous pleasure
  • Tulip (red): Love, fame
  • Tulip (yellow): Hopeless love
  • Violet (white): Give me a chance
  • Violet (blue): Faithfulness
  • Water Lily: Purity
  • Zinnia: Remembrance

Celtic Tattoos

small celtic tattoos for females and meanings

Celtic wrist tattoo designs and other body art (like tribal wrist tattoos) have become very popular in the past few decades. It seems more and more that the timeless beauty of these designs fits well into the art of tattoos.

Typical Celtic tattoo symbols are mostly done in black and are geometrically complicated and twisted motives. Celtic tattoo designs are mostly a variety of lines in a complex system, represented by crossesknotsanimalshearts, and other figures.

The complexity of Celtic design reflects the complexity of nature. The use of Celtic knots in different symbols with no beginning and no end reflects the endless cycle of life.

Designing an original Celtic symbol demands an advanced understanding of mathematics and geometry. To be able to apply such a wrist tattoo design, a tattooist has to obtain these skills, or else the tattoo he or she creates will be just a bunch of lines and not a perfect geometrical symbol.

Most of the Celtic wrist tattoo symbols derived from the famous Irish Book of Kells and were drawn by Irish monks in the early middle ages. The Celts, inhabitants of Northern Britain and whose history goes way back to the 2nd century BC, glorified the power of life and its creators.

By their way of understanding life, the male and the female values were equal and in harmony for all times, and life itself was the driving power in the universe. Death just played a marginal role; it was just a short intermission in the forever ongoing and always changing cycle of life.

Celtic crosses, knots, animals, hearts, and often a combination of these elements are frequently seen as wrist tattoos. The most commonly used color is certainly black, and these days armband style, (a tattoo that reaches across the wrist 360°) is very popular.

As there are millions of Celtic tattoo designs out there, here is an overview of the various Celtic tattoo designs and their meanings to help you get started on your research if you are looking for a Celtic wrist tattoo.

Celtic Cross Wrist Tattoo

The Celtic Cross is a standard Christian cross, but with intricate knot-work and a circle around the intersection of the two axes. Arguments over the spiritual meaning of the ancient Cross symbol go around eternally, just as the knots and the circle within the Celtic cross wrist tattoos. As an emblematic expression, the circle and the Cross could not be more different.

  • The Cross is a religious and spiritual symbol, while the circle is almost geometrical.
  • The circle stands and always stands for eternity, and from a religious aspect, it symbolizes the endlessness love of God.
  • The Cross relates to the four cardinal directions, or “corners” of the Earth, or perhaps to the 4 elements (Air, Earth, Fire, and Water), while the axes symbolize the coming together of forces such as Heaven and Earth, or holy and human.

Faithful to the ancient Celtic believes, the Celtic Cross also symbolizes the unity of the opposite spheres: up for Heaven and down for EarthEarth, left for male and right for female; and the circle, the perfectly closed, endless form, underlines this union.

The combination of these two symbols makes the Celtic Cross a simple (regarding its overall design) and a complex wrist tattoo design at the same time.

Since the birth of this symbol, the Cross has been well adopted by Christianity, but that does not mean that its ancient meanings have altogether disappeared.

As a tattoo design, it may have endless meanings and may vary from person to person, but the fact that it is a design that powerfully evokes the spiritual nature of the universe will remain unquestionable. Read more about Cross Wrist Tattoos.

Heart Tattoos

red heart tattoo on wrist

The heart today is generally accepted as the center of feelings. Heart tattoos with names were very popular during the Second World War. They served as a connection to their loved ones that accompanied them on their journeys to far-off places and also served as a constant reminder of what they were fighting for.

Christians believed that the heart was the center of feelings and emotions, particularly the word we call “love” today. In Islam, the heart is seen as the spiritual center of a human being.

Heart tattoo designs have been a popular wrist tattoo choice for many years and are a classic wrist tattoo design style. The original heart tattoo symbol is a universal symbol of the feminine, often used to replace the word “love.” It has also come to symbolize togetherness as in “unity of heart” and love of the romantic type.

It was also believed that because the heart is the first organ to be developed within a mother’s womb, and as it is also the first organ to die when someone passes away, “to love with one’s whole heart” often meant until one’s last, dying breath.

Add the word “MOM” or “DAD” to a heart wrist tattoo, and you have created a wrist tattoo icon.

It was also a common belief that dreams come from the heart. A dream of a heart can stand for happiness or pain, but it can also symbolize dignity or division between two people. Friendship, courage, alliance, romantic bonds, passion, and different emotional expressions are also embodied in this symbol.

While more than likely, the number of all heart symbols are almost uncountable, there are a few heart tattoo designs that stand above in popularity than the rest:

  • A Heart, Pierced with an Arrow: The arrow is a symbol of directed energy, flow, and penetration. When paired with a heart, it represents the not-unpleasant sting of love. Cupid and Eros shoot an arrow into a heart, causing the person to fall passionately in love. It shows that love can be both pleasurable and painful but is as necessary a part of life as the air we breathe.
  • Heart with Dagger: At the same time, it may represent betrayal or also bravery. This was one of the most common tattoos among soldiers.
  • Flowers and Hearts: Hearts and flowers are an understandable combination, both being a symbol of love.
  • Stars and Hearts: A symbol of favorable opportunities
  •  and happiness.
  • The Claddagh Heart: The Claddagh is one of the most meaningful wrist tattoos symbols of all tattoo designs. It originated from Ireland and is about 500 years old. The Claddagh heart is a composition of a heart, a hand on both sides of it, and a crown on the top of the heart. The meaning of this symbol comes from the elements that it contains: hands represent friendship; the heart symbolizes love; and the crown loyalty. Women in Ireland would wear the Claddagh ring on their right hand with the heart facing outward when they were available, then turn the ring inward when they became engaged. A Claddagh heart tattoo on the left wrist means that one is happily married.
  • Heart with Wings: A heart tattoo with wings can have a number of meanings: love “flown away”, or a loved one has passed away, or even that one is a “free spirit”.
  • The Tribal Heart: a heart tattoo containing no names and done in black tribal lines is and was always considered classy and remains a timeless piece of art as a tattoo symbol.
  • Heart-shaped Flag of a Country: A popular choice, which shows a truly great love of a country.
  • The Sacred Heart: The sacred heart is usually symbolized as a flaming heart surrounded by thorns. This is one of the most common religious tattoos, and it means one’s devotion to Jesus Christ. This is a true Christian symbol that stands for the heart of Jesus and his heavenly love for humanity. Those who desire to live in unity with this tattoo icon are most likely going to be purified, inflamed, and transformed by its divine fire.
  • Hands Holding a Heart: This wrist tattoo design represents the love of one’s mother or father.
  • The Golden Heart: This heart tattoo design symbolizes self- or God-consciousness and certain awareness that you are at one with all things.
  • The Celtic Heart: Also called the “love knot tattoo,” the Celtic heart tattoo stands for a soul coming together with harmony.
  • The Heart Lock Tattoo: The heart and lock tattooed together stand for the love that lasts till eternity. One of the most popular ways to show one’s love to his or her partner is by having a matching tattoo: one has the lock, the other one the key tattooed on his or her wrist.
  • The Black Heart: This wrist tattoo design is most commonly used to illustrate the never-lasting, deep pain of grief or morning.
  • The Broken Heart: A wrist tattoo design with several meanings. It symbolizes the loss of a loved, unreturned love, and it also stands for rejected love.
  • The Bleeding Heart: Has the same meaning as broken heart tattoos.

No matter whatever way you look at this wrist tattoo design, the heart is an ancient symbol that has meant many things for centuries to many people. Denying the power, it represents in our lives is just completely irrational. As heart wrist tattoos hold very personal meanings for their owners one by one, they are a timeless piece of art and will never become outdated.

Cross Tattoos

cross tattoos on wrist meaning

The Cross, one of the most ancient and important symbols of human history, is today perhaps one of the most popular wrist tattoo designs in the World.

As a tattoo design, no religious icon or symbol is more universally recognized today than the Latin Cross. Some people get a cross tattoo to express their religious feelings. Others may just like a certain design or just want to give powerful symbolic meaning to their tattoo.

The Cross symbolizes life and immortality, fertility, the union of Heaven and EarthEarth, the sun and the stars. Its four pointers symbolize North, South, West, and East, the four winds, the four basic elements (Air, Earth, Fire, and Water), and the human form itself.

Cross tattoos often function as memorial tattoos, combining the ancient symbol of the Cross with the name and/or date of the one who has passed away.

Memorial tattoos, unfortunately, always become very widespread after certain tragic disasters (like 9/11) or a war (Iraq, World War) as a tribute to someone, but sadly personal losses occur more often, this kind of wrist tattoo gets tattooed on millions of wrists day by day.

Memorial tattoos have always been a very honest way of saying a final farewell to one’s beloved ones, so a memorial cross wrist tattoo is one of the best ways to express grief and even has the strength to replace the role of a gravestone.

Since the cross symbol was used all over the world for thousands of years, it is not big a surprise that it took on many different meanings within different cultures and has many different shapes and meanings these days

We collected the following cross wrist tattoo designs to help your wrist tattoo research: the Latin Cross, the Celtic Cross, the Maltese Cross, the Greek Cross, the Southern Cross, the Anchor Cross, the Indian Cross, and combinations of the Cross with other designs.

Latin Cross Wrist Tattoos

Latin Cross, also known as Roman or Christian Cross, is by far the most popular one. The Christian faith thinks of the Cross as a symbol that represents the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and also Jesus’s victory over the dead. And as the Christian religion doesn’t have a rule against tattoos, it is very popular among believers to show their devotion to God in such a way. It is interesting to know that this universally recognizable symbol of Christianity was not adopted as such until 300 AD.

If we just do a little research on the basic Latin Cross symbol, we will find that there is a huge variation of symbols and images, and this way, a tremendous number of wrist tattoo designs.

The origin of the basic Cross, the one that actually is The Latin Cross, comes from the Latin expression of “crux ordinaria.” Since ancient history, the vertical line always represents the divine, while the horizontal line represents the world.

The intersection itself represents the union of the two axes. Latin Cross wrist tattoos are generally quite small and are usually done in black ink. The most popular parts of the body for such a tattoo are the wrists, hands, and arms.

Other types of Latin Cross wrist tattoo designs are:

  • The Crucifix, an image that also shows Jesus himself on the Cross.
  • Combining a crown of thorns and/or nails with the Cross or the Crucifix is a popular way to express Jesus’s sacrifice.

Maltese Cross Wrist Tattoo

The Maltese Cross, a symbol of an ancient group of Christian warriors (the “Ordre des Hospitaliers”), has 4 V-shaped arms and 8 points that stand for: Faithfulness, Piousness, Integrity, Courage, Glory, Disdain of death, Helpfulness, Respect for the church.

Greek Cross Wrist Tattoos

The Greek Cross originated from Ancient Greece about three thousand years ago. Instead, it represents the four directions of the EarthEarth, the spread of the gospel, and the four platonic elements.

It was also popular in pre and post-Christian Celtic art. (Read more about Celtic Wrist Tattoos.) It is known today as one of the most recognized symbols of the World: the Red Cross. As this cross design is equal in all four arms, this sign became the symbol of everyone being equal from all aspects of human rights.

Southern Cross Wrist Tattoo

The Southern Cross, also known as the Crux, is the smallest of the 88 modern constellations, mostly visible in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Southern Cross is somewhat kite-shaped, and its uniqueness comes from the that it has a fifth point, compared to the regular cross symbols with their four points. The five points are actually five stars, where the fifth star is the Crucis itself. (Read more about Star Wrist Tattoos.)

You can find this symbol on several national flags as well, like the flags of Australia, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa. The term Southern Cross can also refer to the blue saltire as used in various flags of the Confederate States of America in the American Civil War.

Anchor Cross Wrist Tattoos

Another popular cross symbol is the Anchor Cross, also known as the Sailor’s Cross, which is a popular design for people facing hard times. The word “anchor” in Greek is “ankura,” and the phrase “en kurio” means “in the Lord.” The anchor is a lifesaver; for centuries, it came to symbolize hope. As it can prevent a ship from crashing into rocks, it is believed that it can also save spiritual lives when tattooed on one’s wrist. The nautical image of an anchor also gives the idea of “navigation through life.”

Indian Cross Wrist Tattoos

As one of the oldest cross symbols, the Indian Cross originates from about four thousand years ago. It was the symbol of auspiciousness, and it was seen as the “wheel of the World,” symbolizing an ever-changing World around the unchanging God-centre. It was also used in other parts of the World: the Near and the Far East, North America, and Europe. In more recent history, the reverse of this symbol, also known as the Swastika, was used to represent Nazi Germany under Hitler.

Combining a cross wrist tattoo with different symbols

Very often, cross tattoos don’t stand alone but are combined with other tattoo designs. As all tattoo symbols have their own history and meaning, by combining your cross wrist tattoo with another design, one can add personal meaning to his or her cross wrist tattoo design and make it a unique piece of tattoo art.

Below you will find the most popular tattoo designs that can be easily added to a cross wrist tattoo:

  • Butterflies
  • Hearts
  • The sun, the moon, and stars
  • Tribal tattoos
  • Flowers
  • Flames
  • Other symbols: When a country’s flag is placed behind the Cross as a background, it adds patriotic meaning to one’s wrist tattoo. It is quite often to see various sentences or just a few words (usually from the Bible) displayed with the Cross. Angel wings, daggers, praying hands, and rosary beads are a very popular choice as a combination with cross wrist tattoos as well.

The impressive number of variations of cross tattoo designs, and simply the emblematic power of the Cross as a symbol, ensures that by choosing a cross as your first (or next) wrist tattoo, you have found a tattoo design that’s power has been around since the ancient histories and will remain until the end of time.

Flame Tattoos

flame tattoo on wrist meaning

Fire and flame tattoos are flame-like designs that run across the arm and are very popular tattoo designs nowadays, commonly used as wrist tattoos.

Flames or fire on one’s arm may represent change, transformation, a true passion for something, or maybe a symbol of light and knowledge combined and serve as a warning to the owner.

Flames, a burning image, often have a religious connotation and symbolism. As the flames and smoke of fire reached towards the sky, it was believed to carry the wishes of the faithful to the heavens.

A wrist tattoo of an object that is burned by a fire and becomes flames is believed to help grant its bearer his or her prayers and wishes if one lives life faithfully.

A flame tattoo is absolutely an admired type of skin art, especially as a wrist tattoo nowadays. It is almost certain that you know you have met someone who wears a flame tattoo.

This kind of tattoo is commonly inked on the wrist area and moving up all the way to the forearm, or just burns around the wrist as an armband. Flame wrist tattoos serve as very good eye-catchers. It is almost impossible not to notice a flame wrist tattoo on one’s arm.

A flame wrist tattoo is one of the best ways to make sure you will catch the attention of the people surrounding you.

Fire, an element with such a unique destructive power, has the ability to destroy almost everything in its way. This has made it both feared and respected. At the same time, while a flame may destroy almost anything, we wouldn’t be able to survive without it as it also has the power to provide us with heat and light.

Flames symbolized as plain fires, torches, candles, etc., represent hope, light, and knowledge. Flame tattoos can be colored or can take just one single color, usually black or orange. Blue is also a usual color in such tattoo designs, and some people use red. The newest trend is using colors that almost have nothing to do with fire or flames, like pink, light green, or even white.

The main reason why people decide to ink themselves with a flame wrist tattoo is because of the symbol’s exquisite beauty. More and more people think of flame tattoo designs as an exclusive and truly fabulous modern art, and the truth is that it is and always will be.

While in the past, flame tattoos were most likely seen on the arms and wrists of rock stars, nowadays, anyone may feel like tattooing his or her wrist or arm with this unique symbol, regardless of the musical influence, age, sex, etc.

The fact that shows how powerful and meaningful wrist tattoo symbol the fire is not just that it is one of the four principal elements along with Earth, Water, and Wind, but is as well one of the five Chinese elements (read more about Chinese Wrist Tattoos), and in Hinduism fire is also one of the five sacred elements.

The importance of fire in Judaism is also significant: during holidays, candles are lit to guide people, to separate Shabbat from the rest of the week, and to remember beloved ones who already have passed away.

In Christianity, fire is a symbol of the Holy Ghost and is also often used in images describing Hell. God made his presence known to Moses in the symbol of a Burning Bush.

In Greek mythology, the use of fire was a privilege of the Gods until Prometheus stole it from them and gave it to mortals to use it. In mythology, the Phoenix is consumed in flames and is reincarnated out of its own ashes. The flames are a symbol of rebirth and also represent the cycle of life.

If you are planning to get a flame wrist tattoo, you should strive to find and get the best design out there. First, consider the size of the flame tattoo you would like to have.

Do you want it to cover your whole arm from the wrist, or do would you prefer a small one that would just serve as a small but very noticeable decoration on your wrist? Either one you choose, make sure you will be happy with it.

The tattoo will probably stay on as long as you live, so make sure you consider this question with care and be sure to take the time to research before you get yourself inked.

Chinese Wrist Tattoos

chinese tattoos for females

Chinese tattoos have become very popular in the last couple of years, and they will remain a well-liked wrist tattoo design in the future for sure. Chinese characters are eye-catching little pieces of art. Because of their origin, they are kept to be mysterious, which makes them very suitable for a wrist tattoo design.

If you are thinking about getting a Chinese wrist tattoo, you may want to consider the three types of this exotic design: the Chinese characters with a certain meaning, Chinese Zodiac signs, and the Yin Yang symbol.

Chinese Character Wrist Tattoos

The most popular Chinese wrist tattoo designs are the Chinese characters themselves. The art and symbols of the traditional Chinese culture are very suitable to become a tattoo symbol and to be worn on one’s body as a message with true meaning. The elegant, ancient lines of the Chinese character symbols perfectly fit the art of tattooing.

If you are thinking about getting Chinese writing as a wrist tattoo, it is very important that you:

  • make sure you choose your source from a reliable collection (Like the ones that the Wrist-Tattoo team collected for you at the bottom of the page.);
  • Also, make sure that the tattoo artist you select has had experience with Chinese character’s tattoos and can render the characters the right way. (Otherwise, reproductions of the Chinese characters may be incorrect, and with a little misspelling, your message can turn into something completely different than your original thoughts).

Above -in the slideshow -there are a few great examples of popular Chinese symbols that are often inked on one’s wrist as a tattoo.

Chinese Zodiac Wrist Tattoos

Another popular way of getting tattooed in Chinese style is by getting one of the Chinese Zodiac signs as a wrist tattoo design. The 12 animals represented in the Chinese Zodiac are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

Since ancient times these signs had a certain fortune-telling power and derived from the principle characteristics of the system: the Zodiac, the five elements of Chinese thought, calendrical cycles based on astronomy, and ancient Chinese religion. The Chinese Zodiac sign wrist tattoo designs and their meaning:

  • The Tiger ( 寅 ) is to be associated with good fortune, power, and royalty and is viewed with both fear and respect. Their protection and wisdom are sought after.
  • The Rabbit ( 卯 ), according to traditional Chinese astrology, is said to be quiet, reserved, retrospective, thoughtful, and most important, very lucky.
  • The Snake ( 己 ), and this way the person born in the year of the snake, is perhaps the wisest and most enigmatic of all.
  • The Monkey ( 申 ) is associated with adultery, justice, and emotionally with sorrow. Monkey people are very good at problem-solving, and they are very clever. The monkey also has a good chance of becoming famous or well-known.
  • The Rooster ( 酉 ) people are very observant, and at the same time, they like to be noticed and flattered. All Roosters are extremely conscious about clothing and appearance, and they make great hosts and adore entertaining.
  • The Dog ( 戊 ) types are honest, intelligent, and straightforward. They will take on any responsibility that is given to them, and you can be sure that they will do their job well, or at least strive to do the best they are able to.

Yin Yang Wrist Tattoos

A third way of getting tattooed in Chinese style is by getting a Yin Yang symbol on one’s wrist. Yin Yang tattoo art is extremely popular these days, and it’s easy to see why: the symbol is simple yet dramatic and can easily be combined or incorporated in other wrist tattoo designs.

The meaning of a Yin Yang wrist tattoo comes from the meaning of the symbol itself: Yin and Yang are the two contrary elements of the universe that form a union together. Another way to put it is by thinking about the unity of opposites.

  • Yin: the black part, female, passive, night, water, and EarthEarth.
  • Yang: the white part, male, active, day, fire, and air.

Yin and Yang only exist in relation to each other when everything has 2 aspects. This is symbolized by the black dot in the white part and the white dot in the black part of the symbol.

Many couples decide to bond themselves with a Yin Yang wrist tattoo for life: While the female wears the Yin, and the male wears the Yang, alone they are meaningless, but together (when the two wrists align), they embody unity, balance, and harmony.

The good thing about the Yin Yang symbol is that it can be rendered in almost any size, where even a smaller wrist tattoo can also be very tasteful while still making a strong statement.

Finding the Right Artist for Your Tattoo Design

how to choose your tattoo artist
Photo: i_am_mora

Getting a tattoo is an emotional decision. You have to be committed to it for life, so you need to make sure that you get the best artist for your design. That being said, there are certain qualities that make one artist stand out more than another.

If you want your tattoo design to come out looking clean and cohesive, then it is best if the artist has experience in creating tattoos of all shapes and sizes. A good artist will always make sure that their clients are happy with the end result before they leave their studio.

When it comes to getting inked, there are many factors to consider. Tattoo design is the most important part of the process and you want to make sure you find the right artist for your specific tattoo design.

The most important thing when choosing an artist is seeing their work in person. That way, you know what kind of style they have and can correctly gauge if their style matches yours. It’s also good to see if they’re booked up because that means they’re in demand which is a good sign that they’re skilled at what they do.

Find out more about different artists by asking friends who have tattoos if they know any good ones, looking online forums, or even just googling them and reading reviews online.

Top Reasons Why People Get Tattoos

top reasons to get a tattoo

Finding the right tattoo design for your wrist can be a difficult task, but it doesn’t have to be. Most people run into this problem because they haven’t fully thought out the underlying reasons why they want permanent ink on their wrists in the first place. A good place for you to start is to learn why other people get tattoos.

Want to know some of the top reasons why people get tattoos?

The Truth About Tattoo Parlors

Walking into the tattoo parlor without knowing what tattoo you want is never a good idea.

Why may you ask?

Well, let us reveal to you a dirty little secret about tattoo parlors: they have limited tattoo design collections.

No, really… which means if you walk into a parlor without a tattoo design printed on a piece of paper and ready in your hand, most probably you’re going to walk out of the parlor with a tattoo that you weren’t completely sold on.

We don’t believe you should spill any ink on your body until you are at least 150% certain and convinced of the tattoo design. Why?

Here’s dirty little secret #2:

According to the American Society of Dermatological Surgeryover 50% of people who get tattoos regret the design they chose. And let’s see… what was the average laser removal procedure cost the last time we checked? Oh, yea, anywhere from $2500 – $20k+.

Wrist tattoos are one of the best ways to express yourself, and because you only have limited space on your wrist, choosing a poor design will limit your self-expression.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to encourage people to take serious time deciding on the design (at least two months before walking into the parlor), it’s not uncommon to witness people in tattoo parlors unprepared and indecisive on the design they are about to ink onto their bodies.

To help you avoid finding yourself in such situations, below, we’ve collected and summarized key features of some of the top online tattoo design databases and online tattoo communities.

Some require a one-time membership fee, others cost to download, but we believe they are worth every penny because these resources give you access to thousands of tattoo designs, tattoo tips and aids you in your search for that perfect tattoo design.

If you are serious about getting a tattoo, then take a moment to consider this for a moment: if you could spend a few dozen dollars today to save you from tomorrow’s regret that’s potentially worth thousands of dollars, wouldn’t you do it?

Don’t tell us that we didn’t warn you about the reality of tattoo design regrets, and we only say this because we care about your beautiful epidermis.

Our website is dedicated to helping you make not simply just the right, but perfect choice, and let’s face it, sometimes the perfection costs.

We hope you look into these resources so that you can find that perfect tattoo.

Best Websites for Tattoo Design Ideas

best tattoo artist websites

TattooMeNow

  • 5,000+ printable tattoo designs
  • You can combine two or more tattoos to create unique designs
  • Search 10,000+ studios in 38 countries to find a tattoo studio in your area
  • Read written reviews and watch educational tattoo videos
  • Interact with other members & artists
  • Get answers to your questions
  • Ratings & reviews of people’s tattoos

Click here to check out TattooMeNow

InkBox

  • Large selection of Award Winning Tattoo Designs
  • They guarantee to have more designs to choose from than any tattoo parlor
  • Continuously growing database
  • Categorized designs to make it easy to find what you are looking for
  • Tattoo Parlor Locator

Click here to check out InkBox

TattooFever

  • 10,000 + high quality printable tattoo designs
  • Informative eBook:
    • Introduction
    • Preparing Yourself and the Client to Tattoo
    • The Tools You Need
    • Creating and Applying Tattoo Stencils
    • How To Use The Tattoo Machine
    • Outlining
    • How to Properly Use The Needles
    • Shadowing and Shading
    • Tattoo Inks
    • Preparing Yourself
    • Setting up your Own Tattoo Shop
    • Getting Organized
    • A Brief on Business Plans
    • Working with Tattoo Practice Skins
  • Designs from angels to dragons, to tribal, to symbols, and many more

Click here to check out TattooFever

InkHunter

  • over 6,000 of the best high-quality printable tattoo designs
  • more than 30 categories
  • combine more than one tattoo design and create your own totally original tattoos
  • two months 100% money-back guarantee

Click here to check out InkHunter

So don’t forget: First, do your online research, find the tattoo of your dreams and download it. This way, you don’t have to limit yourself to the number of tattoo designs at a tattoo parlor, and you have plenty of time to find your tattoo. When you are done with the hard part (research), all you have to do is print the downloaded tattoo, take it to a tattooist and let him (or her) do the job.

Another great way to find the tattoo you are looking for is by browsing through hundreds of tattoos and tattoo designs of various genres and themes at some of the best and biggest tattoo galleries available online.

So, Where Do You Find Your Perfect Wrist Tattoo Design?

inspirational wrist tattoos

You can browse the internet, look in magazines, even go to your tattoo parlor and choose a design from their limited catalogs. The problem is that if out of those choices you cannot find that perfect design, the one that you instantly know is right for you, then you are going to settle for something that you do not really want on your wrist for the rest of your life, and that would be unfortunate.

I wish you success in finding your perfect wrist tattoo design!

Remember it is better to take your time, even if it takes you weeks or months, to find that design because the tattoo is for life and it would bring you lots of enjoyment if you have a tattoo that you really really like!

If you don’t find what you are looking for above, there are still thousands of unique tattoo designs to choose from at some of the best and biggest tattoo galleries available online. Check out our Tips and Advice post for more information.

Conclusion:

Tattoos have always been a way for people to express themselves, and there are a number of tattoos that can be very personal and meaningful.

The meaning of a tattoo is something that should never be taken lightly, as it will stay with you for the rest of your life.

In conclusion, I would like to say that a wrist tattoo can make a bold statement. All it takes is a little creativity and the right design.

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