15 Animal tattoo ideas and their powerful meanings

IsabellaIsabella Garm | 03 August 2022

Animals, no matter what species, are beings that teach us great life lessons. Have you ever stopped to observe what a good team ants make? Or the bravery of a lion when defending its pack? Or the love and kindness of dogs towards their owners?

Millions of people know that animals are unique creatures and therefore deserve our respect and love. If you are a girl or woman who is passionate about animals, maybe you should consider paying them tribute by getting a tattoo. Furthermore, knowing the significance behind each one might surprise you.

1. Elephant

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Elephants are large and strong animals, and are associated with power and force. However, at the same time, they are tied to tranquility and peace, since in spite of their large size, they aren’t aggressive.

Elephants are also associated with family, since they are always in a pack. They are loyal and protective. This tattoo has a different meaning in each culture, but everything can be summarized by family, success, good luck and strength.

2. Lion

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Lions are considered a sacred animal and tend to be associated with courage, strength, virtue and leadership. No other animal has inspired fear, respect and reverence all at once, in the way lions have.

If you are a girl with a noble character but a powerful personality, this tattoo is the one for you.

3. Giraffe

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Giraffes are one of the strangest species in the animal world; they are elegant, but at the same time clumsy. They have an imposing size, but are also adorable. They are intuitive thanks to their long neck and perfect vision. They are able to see danger before other species.

If you are a girl with incredible intuition and you like to be unique, a giraffe is the perfect tattoo.

4. Swallow

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Swallows are one of the first animals that humans began tattooing. According to legend, sailors were the first to adopt them as part of a tattoo due to the fact that they brought good luck when traveling by ocean. Additionally, they assured a safe return home.

Swallows travel and then return to their nests. They are loyal animals, and when they find a perfect partner, they mate for life. So, the swallow is a perfect tattoo if you have found true love, or if you are a faithful and loyal to your nest, and family.

5. Cat

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Cats are mysterious, smart animals with big personalities. Their behavior is very hard to predict. They say that when a cat appears in our life unexpectedly, it is to deliver a message of change.

People tend to tattoo cats because of their particular traits, and others do it as a tribute their pets. For whatever reason that you choose to do it, cats make for an incredible tattoo.

6. Owl

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Owls are animals that are associated with magic, mystery and fantasy. They are one of the most enigmatic birds that exist.

Owls are associated with education and wisdom, and so those are good reasons to get one as a tattoo. Not to mention the fact that tattoos of this animal are beautiful and call attention.

7. Dog

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It’s no secret that dogs are a man’s best friend. They are loyal, faithful, loving, kind, happy and noble animals. Additionally, Egyptians considered dogs to be guides when a human passes away.

If you have or have had a dog, surely you know what we are talking about and the best way to pay homage to your pet is by getting a tattoo.

8. Fox

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Foxes are astute and intelligent animals. The travel by night, and that is why they are considered to be a symbol of magic and luck. They have learned to survive thanks to their wit, wisdom and skill, just like humans.

The fox is an animal that inspires us to think outside the box and analyze different perspectives. If that describes you, this tattoo as the best decision you can make.

9. Turtle

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Turtles are associated with patience, peace, wisdom and innocence. Different cultures have adopted them as a spiritual symbol. They are seen as rational, diligent and patient animals because of the fable: “The tortoise and the hare”.

If you are a person who likes to fight for your dreams step by step, that perseveres until you achieve what you want, then you should consider getting a turtle tattoo.

10. Fish

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Fish are found in water, an element that is considered by many to be a representation of our subconscious mind and emotions. Given that, these water animals are seen as expressions of our mental state.

In some cultures, the fish is considered a symbol of creation, transformation, fertility and abundance.

11. Rabbit

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Rabbits represent multiple symbols. For the most part, they are associated with abundance, fertility and desire.

In addition, rabbits are associated with spring, and so having a tattoo of this animal is a celebration of life.

12. Deer

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Deer are animals that have long enchanted humans because of their incredible beauty, gracefulness, power and velocity.

Tattoos of this animal are considered a symbol of good luck, virtue and passion. In addition, they also symbolize light, purity, revitalization, creation and spirituality.

13. Wolf

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The wolf is an animal that calls attention due to its beauty, strength and lifestyle. For all of these reasons, it is one of the most tattooed animals.

A wolf tattoo represents different symbols according to the culture, but it is attributed to power and protection. Additionally, the wolf is considered a spirit guide.

14. Bear

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Bears are very special animals that symbolize multiple things depending upon the culture, but above all it depends on the species of bear.

En general estos animales se relacionan con la naturaleza. También con la protección y por la manera en que las madres cuidan a sus crías. Si eres una chica con hijos, tal vez el tatuaje que más se adecue a ti, es el de un oso.

In general, these animals are associated with nature. They are also tied to protection because of the way that the mothers care for their young. If you are a woman with children, perhaps a bear would be the best tattoo for you.

15. Hummingbird

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Due to the colorful feathers and delicateness of this animal, it is associated with natural beauty, innocence and love.

A hummingbird tattoo is associated with the capacity for change, flexibility and the ability to choose different paths in life.