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Memorial tattoos are a great way to honor those you love. They’re poignant and deeply meaningful ways to show how much they mean to you. So, today, we give you 150 memorial tattoo ideas that will serve as a lasting tribute to your loved ones.

Most of these inspirations are tributes to family members, including moms and dads. Losing a parent is never easy, and it can leave a big hole in the heart. But getting a mom and dad memorial tattoo can feel like keeping them permanently close.

Some people choose to get portraits of their mom and dad inked, capturing their looks and expressions so they’ll always be with them. Others go for symbols that were meaningful to their parents, such as their favorite flowers, hobbies, or even a handwritten note or signature. It’s all about creating a design that’s deeply special to you.

These tattoos also become a source of comfort during tough times and may even boost your mental health

Some even choose to honor their furry friends with animal tattoos. Pets become a part of the family and shower us with affection, loyalty, and love. So, it’s only natural to honor the adorable moments that made our hearts melt. Memorial tattoos for cats and dogs can be personalized. Some choose to get portraits of their cats or dogs inked, capturing their unique personalities and quirks on their skin forever. Others go for symbols that hold special meaning – paw prints, hearts, or even the pet’s name.

These tattoos are not just about grieving. They celebrate the incredible bond we had with our loved ones. They’ll remind you of all the love and happiness they brought into our lives. And you know what? These tattoos can be a part of the healing process, too. They may help you find closure and peace.

What is a Memorial Tattoo?

Memorial tattoos are inked to honor the memory of a deceased loved one or a beloved pet. They are deeply personal and meaningful and serve as a lasting tribute.

These tattoos are more than just ink on the skin. They also carry profound emotional significance. The process of getting a memorial tattoo can be emotional. It may help you grieve, heal, and find closure in your own way. The act of permanently inscribing the memory of the departed on their skin can also be comforting and provide you with a tangible connection to the loved one. It will help you keep their spirit alive and close to your heart.

#2

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Realistic picture portraits of grandparents forearm tattoo

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What to tattoo for someone who passed away?

Memorial tattoos honor the loss of a loved one and are super personal. Each tattoo holds a special meaning that is specific to the memory of your loved one. When choosing tattoo ideas for memorials, consider the special bond you shared with the person.

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Here are some ideas for memorial tattoos:

  • Dates and Initials: You could tattoo their birth date, the date they passed away, or their initials.
  • Portraits: If you want to capture their likeness and preserve their memory, consider a portrait tattoo.
  • Quotes or sayings: Select a meaningful quote or saying that resonates with their personality, beliefs, or a phrase they often used.
  • Symbols: Did they have a favorite hobby, passion, or symbol that represented them? Incorporate these elements into the tattoo to celebrate what they loved.
  • Handwriting or Signature: Consider tattooing their actual handwriting or signature as a unique and personal memorial.

Choose a design that feels meaningful and authentic to you. And when you're ready, find a skilled tattoo artist who can bring your vision to life with care and precision.

#5

Partner Memorial Tattoo

Boyfriend memorial graphic tattoo with script

"First tattoo. My bf of 10 years unexpectedly passed away a couple of weeks ago and wanted him permanently on my body. That’s his handwriting from an anniversary card he gave me and the welder is his business logo. I miss him so much."

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Which Tattoos Symbolize Remembrance?

A remembrance tattoo can take many forms. These are some common symbols:

  • Angel Wings: Angel wings are a popular symbol of protection, guidance, and the belief that the departed is watching over us from above.
  • Doves: Doves are symbols of peace and hope.
  • Forget-Me-Not Flowers: As the name suggests, forget-me-not flowers symbolize remembrance.
  • Candles: They symbolize the light that the person brought into our lives.
  • Infinity Symbol: It represents an unending connection and love.
  • Heartbeat: This represents an eternal bond.
  • Lanterns: Lanterns symbolize guiding light and can represent our cherished memories leading us forward.
#6

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Picture tattoo of dog's face

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#7

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Colorful realistic dog face and flowers arm tattoo

"Got my beautiful girl, Molly tattooed in memory by Austin West at Revival Art Collective in Phoenix, AZ."

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#8

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Watercolor pet footprint with the name script tattoo

"Got to do this lil memorial piece for Christina's dog."

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#9

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Girl holding a cat and butterfly arm tattoo

"A permanent portrait for the lil one who passed too soon."

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#10

Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

"Little man and Nala."

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#11

Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

two birds on the branch memorial tattoo

"Memorial piece our twin girls we lost. Done by Sydney at Duluth Tattoo, Co."

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#12

Grandad Memorial Tattoo

Picture of grandad and grandchild graphic tattoo

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WindySwede
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's mildly scary without faces, is there a reason for this?

#13

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Picture of grandma and grandpa graphic tattoo

"My Grandma and Grandpa - by Eli Wood at Lombard Street Tattoo in Portland!"

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#14

Cat Memorial Tattoo

Realistic picture portrait of a cat in a golden vintage frame forearm tattoo

"Memorial for my cat, Link. Done by Kelly Severtson at Insight Studios, Chicago, IL."

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#15

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Siamese cat with flowers and moon forearm tattoo

"Siamese Kitty for Anna, in memory of her own cat."

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#16

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Mid century modern style colorful dog face tattoo

"First tattoo, mid century modern style dog memorial by Will Schallert at Adornment in Palm Springs, CA."

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#17

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Pet footprint and colored flowers tattoo

"A very sweet memorial tattoo for a sweet kitten."

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#18

Dad Memorial Tattoo

Dad and daughter fishing graphic memorial arm tattoo

"In loving memories with her dad for Alexis."

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#19

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Colorful picture of grandparents graphic forearm tattoo

"One the most beautiful tributes I've ever tattooed. Grandparents love."

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#20

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Realistic dog face with blue flowers tattoo on the hand

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#22

Memorial Tattoo On The Back

Memorial Tattoo On The Back

"This sentimental fishing pole dedicated to the client’s grandpa was created by at patrick_dunaway18."

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#23

Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

shirt on the chair arm memorial tattoo

"A memorial piece for their Hawaiian shirt wearing, plastic chair sitting, storm watchin dad."

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#24

Dog Memorial Tattoo

white and red dog memorial tattoo

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#25

A Memory To My Late Father Tattoo

black whale memorial tattoo

"A memory to my late father by Sergey Pakholiuk at Dark Matter, Lebanon."

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#26

Memorial Grandpa Tattoo

one person fishing another playing guitar memorial tattoo

"Always next to you. The grandpa who loved fishing was done few years back and added his mother who loved playing guitar next to him. Thanks a lot for your trust and letting me do this meaningful one again, Julian!"

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#27

Parents Memorial Tattoo

Gaming dad and son memorial tattoo

"Gaming memories with my late dad by Whipshade at Catapult Tattoo in Stockholm, Sweden."

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#28

Wedding Photos Of Parents Tattoo

Wedding photo of parents arm tattoo

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#29

Dad Memorial Tattoo

Homer Simpson and Abraham Simpson hugging tattoo

"My new Simpsons tattoo for my late father by Abby Rose at Pogue Mahone Tattoo in Red Bank, NJ."

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#30

Parents Memorial Tattoo

Parents signatures script tattoo

"My parent’s signatures. By Peter at Funhouse in Vancouver, BC, Canada."

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#31

Dad Memorial Tattoo

Father and daughter walking graphic forearm tattoo

"A father holds his daughter's hand for a short while, but he holds her heart forever."

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#32

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Grandparents memorial forearm tattoo referencing to animation movie 'Up'

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#33

Jack Russell Terrier Memorial Tattoo

Colorful realistic Jack Russell Terrier memorial arm tattoo

"Memorial Jack Russell Terrier by Matt Truiano from No Idols in NYC."

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#34

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Picture of a dog sitting with a girl graphic memorial tattoo

"My memorial to my best girl. Adam Aguas at High Class studio in Des Plaines IL."

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#35

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Dog and flowers memorial forearm tattoo

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#36

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Realistic dog face forearm tattoo

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#37

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Realistic cat face with the name script arm tattoo

"A memorial piece for a beloved cat, Jackie."

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#38

Handwriting Or Signature Memorial Tattoo

Letter from dad handwriting script forearm memorial tattoo

"Letter from dad."

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#39

Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

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#40

Memorial Tattoo For A Lost Friend

lighthouse with cactuses memorial tattoo

"Memorial tattoo for a lost friend. D’mon Meuli, California Gold Tattoo, Los Angeles."

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Anthony hawk
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know how old this post is but....I'm sorry for your loss and hope you are doing okay.

#41

Parents Memorial Tattoo

Picture of parents kissing arm tattoo

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#42

Mother Memorial Tattoo

Portrait of mother memorial arm tattoo

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#43

Tattoo In Memory Of Grandparents

Picture of grandparents graphic forearm tattoo

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#44

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Graphic portraits of grandparents arm tattoo

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#45

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Grandparents graphic forearm tattoo

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#46

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo On The Back

Graphic grandparents memorial back tattoo

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#47

Grandparents Memorial Wrist Tattoo

Grandparents walking with granddaughter and the 'ciao amore' script wrist tattoo

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#48

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Picture of grandparents and granddaughter graphic arm tattoo

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#49

Grandparents Memorial Forearm Tattoo

Cute animated grandparents and granddaughter forearm tattoo

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#50

Grandparents Memorial Tattoos On The Legs

Grandparents graphic portraits with flowers leg tattoos

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#51

Butterfly And Flowers Memorial Tattoo

Floral butterfly shoulder tattoo

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#52

Handwriting Memorial Tattoo

Handwriting script mom memorial forearm tattoo

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#53

Handwriting Or Signature Memorial Tattoo

Handwriting script mom memorial arm tattoo

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#54

Roman Numerals Memorial Tattoo

roman numerals on arm memorial tattoo

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#55

Memorial Tattoo On The Back

two children smiling in the photo memorial tattoo

"Memorial tattoo by Brandilyn Dunning at Blackmint Collective in OKC."

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#56

Memorial Family Tattoo

red heart with word family memorial tattoo

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#57

Parents Memorial Tattoo

Parents picture graphic memorial tattoo

"My parents on the night they eloped. Done today by Tamara King at Skintricate Tattoo in Mississauga, ON. (Fun fact, today is my parents 33rd wedding anniversary)."

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#58

Dad Memorial Tattoo

Graphic picture of dad ribs tattoo

"Portrait of my Dad done by Juilien at First Place Tattoos in Hackettstown, NJ."

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#59

Parents Memorial Tattoo

Family graphic arm tattoo with script

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#60

Memorial Tattoo On The Hand

Girl with heart shaped balloon and word 'daddy' forearm tattoo

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#61

Mom Memorial Tattoo

Heart with the word 'mom' in it memorial tattoo

"Some of my recent works [Budapest, Hungary, Genesis Tattoo, Tamás Ömböli]."

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#62

Dad Memorial Tattoo

Graphic picture of dad tattoo

"My Dad and Me - Jarred Boland at Sailors Devil, Bendigo, Australia."

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#63

Parents Memorial Tattoos

Parents wedding photo graphic memorial arm tattoo

"My parents' wedding photo. Done by Chewy at Wyld Chyld in Merrick, NY."

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#64

Memorial Tattoo On The Forearm

Pinky promise graphic forearm tattoo

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#65

Memorial Tattoo On The Forearm

Parents graphic forearm tattoo

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#66

Memorial Tattoo On The Arm

Parents picture graphic arm tattoo

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#67

Family Memorial Tattoo

Picture of family graphic arm tattoo

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#68

Grandma Memorial Tattoo

Giving tree grandma memorial forearm tattoo

"My giving tree tattoo in memory of my grandma (with me instead of the boy) by Kaley at Legacy Tattoo in London, Ontario."

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#69

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo On The Arm

Floral grandparents memorial tattoo with the words 'oma' and 'opa'

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#70

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo On The Forearm

Grandparents and grandson graphic forearm tattoo

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#71

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Small graphic grandparents heads forearm tattoo

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#72

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Grandparents graphic tattoo

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#73

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Realistic grandparents walking with grandson arm tattoo

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#74

Pet Memorial Forearm Tattoo

Graphic dog face memorial forearm tattoo

"In memory of the best boy that ever lived! Done by aubry at empyrean in sandy springs, GA!"

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#75

Memorial Tattoo Of Butterfly And Flowers

Memorial tattoo with Roman numerals date, flowers and butterfly

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#76

Anchor Memorial Tattoo

Watercolor anchor and script memorial tattoo

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#77

Handwriting Or Signature Memorial Tattoo

Handwriting script memorial forearm tattoo

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#78

Memorial Tattoos On The Legs

red hearts with words mom and dad memorial tattoo

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#79

Frog Memorial Tattoo

frog made by red ink memorial tattoo

"Frog memorial by Cassie at Atlanta Ink. R.I.P. Leonard, 2015-2021."

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#80

Mom Memorial Tattoo

Floral memorial arm tattoo

"A tattoo for my late mom, done by Ian at Steel n Ink in Collingwood, ON."

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#81

Parents Memorial Tattoo

Parents picture graphic arm tattoo with their names

"Minimalistic Portrait of my parents with their signatures. Done at Red River Tattoo Company in Irvine, KY by Rebekkah Ratliff."

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#82

Grandparents Memorial Tattoo

Picture of young grandparents and a polaroid graphic tattoo

"My grandparents first date 54 years ago done by Charis at 15th St. tattoo Edmond, OK."

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#83

Pet Memorial Tattoo

Pet footprint leg tattoo

"My partners Paw. Not a day goes by without missing you my friend. Till we meet again."

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#84

Anchor Memorial Tattoo

Compass and anchor memorial forearm tattoo

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#85

Anchor Memorial Tattoo On The Leg

Colorful anchor memorial leg tattoo

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#86

Memorial Tattoo On The Arm

two flowers with words memorial tattoo

"Dainty things."

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