The Most Popular Tattoo Design, Ranked

Choose the tattoo design you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:50
Choosing a tattoo can be a complex decision, as it's something that often remains with you for life. A vote-based ranking system can significantly ease this process by showcasing designs that have captured the interest and admiration of many. Seeing which designs resonate with the wider community helps individuals feel more confident in their tattoo choice. By participating in the voting process, users have a hand in shaping current trends and helping others discover popular choices that might align with their personal aesthetic. This community feedback loop not only keeps the list fresh and relevant but also encourages a broader discussion about what makes a tattoo design truly memorable and impactful.

What Is the Most Popular Tattoo Design?

  1. 1
    78
    votes
    Tribal tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs because of their bold and intricate designs. They are often associated with ancient cultures and have a timeless appeal.
    Tribal tattoos are a popular tattoo style inspired by indigenous cultures around the world, particularly from Polynesia, Maori, and Native American tribes. They are characterized by bold, black designs with intricate geometric patterns and abstract shapes. Tribal tattoos are typically done with black ink and can be both simple and intricate, depending on the design.
    • Style: Geometric and abstract
    • Color: Black ink
    • Inspiration: Polynesian, Maori, Native American tribes
    • Design: Bold and intricate
    • Placement: Can be done on any body part
  2. 2
    42
    votes
    Butterfly tattoos are popular among women because of their delicate and feminine design. They symbolize freedom, transformation, and beauty.
    Butterfly tattoos are a popular tattoo design featuring the image of a butterfly. They are known for their vibrant colors and delicate details, often symbolizing beauty, transformation, and freedom. These tattoos can be found in various sizes, styles, and placements on the body, allowing for personalization and creativity. The creator of the butterfly tattoo design is not attributed to a specific individual, as it is a widely recognized and common design in the tattoo industry.
    • Meaning: Beauty, transformation, freedom
    • Style: Realistic, watercolor, tribal, geometric, minimalist
    • Colors: Vibrant range of colors
    • Size: Various sizes available
    • Placement: Commonly on the back, shoulder, wrist, ankle
  3. 3
    14
    votes
    Cross tattoos are popular among Christians and represent their faith. They are often simple and elegant designs that can be placed anywhere on the body.
    Cross tattoos are designs that depict a religious symbol, the cross, which is associated with Christianity. They are one of the most popular tattoo choices due to their timeless and meaningful nature. The cross symbolizes faith, sacrifice, and can also represent personal beliefs and spirituality.
    • Symbol: Cross
    • Meaning: Faith, sacrifice, spirituality
    • Popularity: One of the most popular tattoo designs
    • Variations: Numerous styles and designs available
    • Placement: Commonly placed on the wrist, forearm, back, or chest
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    Rose tattoos are popular among both men and women because of their beauty and symbolism. They can represent love, passion, and even death.
    Rose tattoos are a popular tattoo design that incorporates the image of a rose flower. This design typically features a realistic or stylized depiction of a rose, and can vary in size and placement on the body. It is a versatile design that can be customized with different colors, styles, and additional elements like thorns, leaves, or butterflies.
    • Symbolism: Rose tattoos symbolize love, beauty, passion, and strength.
    • Colors: Rose tattoos can be done in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, black, and even vibrant shades like purple or blue.
    • Styles: There are different styles of rose tattoos, including traditional, realistic, watercolor, neo-traditional, and minimalistic.
    • Placement: Rose tattoos can be placed on various body parts, such as the forearm, wrist, shoulder, thigh, or back.
    • Size: Rose tattoos can range from small and delicate designs to large and intricate pieces.
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    Dragon tattoos
    Verblendung · Public domain
    Dragon tattoos are popular among both men and women because of their mythical and powerful nature. They can represent strength, courage, and wisdom.
    Dragon tattoos are highly popular tattoo designs that feature powerful and mythical creatures known as dragons. These tattoos often depict dragons in various poses and styles, symbolizing different meanings such as strength, wisdom, and protection. The designs can be intricate and detailed, showcasing the dragon's scales, wings, and fierce expressions.
    • Symbolism: Dragons symbolize power, strength, wisdom, and protection in different cultures.
    • Styles: Dragon tattoos can be done in various artistic styles, including traditional, tribal, realistic, and neo-traditional.
    • Color Palette: Dragon tattoos can be inked in vibrant and bold colors or in black and grey for a more classic look.
    • Placement: Dragon tattoos are commonly inked on the back, chest, arm, or leg, allowing for larger and more detailed designs.
    • Size: Dragon tattoos range from small and intricate designs to large-scale pieces covering a significant portion of the body.
  6. 6
    18
    votes
    Heart tattoos are popular among both men and women and can represent love, passion, and affection. They can be simple or elaborate designs and can be placed anywhere on the body.
    Heart tattoos are a popular design that features a stylized representation of the human heart. They are one of the most commonly chosen tattoo designs worldwide, symbolizing love, affection, and passion. The heart shape can be depicted in various styles, sizes, and colors, allowing for personalization and creativity in each tattoo. The design can be tattooed on different body parts, including the wrist, ankle, chest, and shoulder.
    • Symbolism: Love, affection, passion
    • Style: Varies (traditional, realistic, minimalistic, tribal, etc.)
    • Size: Ranges from small, intricate designs to larger, more elaborate ones
    • Color: Can be black and gray, full color, or any combination
    • Placement: Wrist, ankle, chest, shoulder, etc.
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Anchor tattoos are popular among sailors and represent stability and strength. They can also represent a love of the sea and a desire for adventure.
    Anchor tattoos are a popular tattoo design that typically feature an anchor symbol. The anchor is often depicted with various embellishments and can be designed in different sizes and styles. The meaning behind anchor tattoos varies, but it is commonly associated with stability, strength, and a connection to the sea.
    • Symbol: Anchor
    • Meaning: Stability, strength, connection to the sea
    • Design variations: Various embellishments, sizes, and styles
    • Popular styles: Traditional, blackwork, geometric, realistic, watercolor
    • Placement: Forearm, upper arm, wrist, shoulder, ankle
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Skull tattoos are popular among both men and women and can represent death, mortality, and rebellion. They can be simple or elaborate designs and are often associated with the biker culture.
    Skull tattoos are a popular design choice among tattoo enthusiasts. They typically feature an intricately detailed depiction of a human skull, often combined with other elements such as flowers, snakes, or tribal patterns. The design represents various symbolic meanings, including mortality, strength, and rebellion. Skull tattoos are versatile and can be inked in various sizes and styles, from realistic to more stylized or cartoonish interpretations.
    • Symbolism: Representing mortality, strength, and rebellion
    • Design: Intricately detailed depiction of a human skull with optional additional elements
    • Style: Varies from realistic to stylized or cartoonish
    • Size: Can be inked in various sizes, from small to large
    • Color: Can be done in black and gray or incorporate colorful elements
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Feather tattoos are popular among both men and women and can represent freedom, flight, and spirituality. They can be simple or elaborate designs and can be placed anywhere on the body.
    Feather tattoos are a popular tattoo design that typically features a depiction of one or more feathers. These tattoos can vary in style and size, with each feather being intricately detailed. Feather tattoos often symbolize freedom, spiritual growth, or a connection to nature.
    • Meaning: Symbolizes freedom, spiritual growth, or a connection to nature.
    • Style: Varies depending on personal preference, can range from realistic to more abstract
    • Size: Can range from small and delicate to large and detailed
    • Placement: Commonly found on areas such as the wrist, shoulder, back, or ribs
    • Color: Can be done in black and gray or include vibrant colors
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Infinity tattoos are popular among both men and women and represent the concept of infinite love or eternal life. They can be simple or elaborate designs and often incorporate other symbols or words.
    Infinity tattoos are a popular and timeless design that symbolizes eternity, limitless possibilities, and interconnectedness. The design features a horizontal figure-eight shape (∞) that loops continuously. It can be customized with additional elements such as words, symbols, or other tattoo styles to convey personal meanings or enhance its aesthetic appeal.
    • Symbol: Horizontal figure-eight shape (∞)
    • Meaning: Eternity, limitless possibilities, interconnectedness
    • Customization: Can be personalized with additional elements or styles
    • Placement: Versatile and can be tattooed anywhere on the body
    • Size: Can range from small and delicate to larger, more intricate designs

Missing your favorite tattoo design?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular tattoo design

  1. Style
    Different tattoo styles are popular among different groups of people. For instance, traditional, realistic, and watercolor are some of the popular styles among tattoo enthusiasts.
  2. Meaning
    The meaning behind a tattoo design can greatly influence its popularity. Popular tattoo designs typically have strong and relatable meanings.
  3. Trendiness
    Trends often influence what people choose to get tattooed on their body. For example, in recent years, constellation tattoos have become very popular.
  4. Timelessness
    Popular tattoo designs should not be faded or outdated within a short period of time. Tattoos that have stood the test of time or have a timeless appeal are more likely to be popular.
  5. Size
    Different tattoo designs look better in different sizes. Smaller designs may be more popular among people who want a discreet tattoo, while larger designs may be popular among those looking for a more dramatic statement.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular tattoo design. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or design is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2428 views
  • 226 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each design once every 24 hours. The rank of each design is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular tattoo design

Tattoos have been a form of self-expression for centuries, with designs ranging from traditional tribal markings to more modern and intricate designs. In recent years, tattoos have become more mainstream and accepted, leading to an explosion in popularity and a wide variety of designs to choose from. From minimalist designs to full-color sleeves, the options are endless. But what is the most popular tattoo design? This is a question that has been asked time and time again, and the answer may surprise you. Read on to discover the most popular tattoo designs and the meaning behind them.

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