Whether you’re new to the tattoo game or a seasoned tattoo-getter, you probably agree that a perfectly placed ankle inking can make or break the entire vibe you’re going for. With a small ankle tattoo, you can experiment with different styles, symbols, and elements that amplify the meaning of the tattoo.
And while tattoos are all about individuality, it doesn’t hurt to see what everyone else is doing for some inspiration. After all, ankle tattoos are particularly loved by tattoo artists *and* tattoo getters, and that’s because they’re small, simple, and playfully discreet.
We know what you’re thinking, though – are you going to cry at the tattoo parlor when getting an ankle tattoo? NGL, ankle tattoos can be pretty painful considering that they’re toying with the bony part of your body, but they’re typically done quickly, especially when you go for a simple and small ankle tattoo.
With that out of the way, we’ve prepared a few of our favorite ink inspirations for all of you bare-ankled girls and boys out there. We’re warning you, though – you might end up wanting more than one.
1. A letter ankle tattoo
Whenever you’re itching for ink inspiration, don’t shy away from experimenting with tattoos of letters that mean something to you. Whether you opt for the first letter of your name or the name of your partner, or a letter that represents something special to you, we’re sure you’re going to adore your tattoo.
2. A tiny palm tree tattoo
Small ankle tattoos are perfect for special symbols that represent something you’re passionate about. Get a palm tree tattoo to signify your love of all things summer, for example, or go for the deep-rooted meaning of palm tree tattoos and opt for regeneration, immortality, and victory.
3. A small ankle tattoo of an olive branch
Olive branch tattoos are known to represent peace, prosperity, and progress, and that’s why they’re quite a common tattoo motif among first-timers and seasoned tattoo-getters. Whether you get a small ankle tattoo of an olive branch or go all out with a statement piece around the ankle, we support you.
4. A fierce flower tattoo
Whatever your reason for getting a small ankle tattoo might be, you can’t go wrong with a flower tattoo. Flower tattoos are perfect for people who want a meaningful tattoo that’s elegant and effortless. A flower tattoo typically represents love, beauty, immortality, success, grief, struggle, and life.
5. A matching chain ankle tattoo
What about a matching chain tattoo with your significant other, BFF, or a family member? Chain tattoos typically represent unity, love, and belonging, and they’re a great way to remind you of a shared journey, a mutual passion, or a profound experience.
6. A little lightning bolt tattoo
We’d argue that you can’t go smaller than a small ankle tattoo of a lightning bolt. A lightning bolt tattoo serves as a symbol of a new beginning, a fresh start, or a willingness to embrace change. And, a lightning bolt tattoo represents a protective force watching over you at all times, too.
7. A cute camera tattoo
We could go on and on about camera tattoos, but we’re pretty sure you get the bigger picture. You can get a cute camera tattoo on the ankle when you want to commemorate your passion for photography, your career path, or even your first camera that’s collecting dust somewhere in your apartment.
8. A word ankle tattoo
You can’t go wrong with a word tattoo, whether you’re getting one on the ankle, the wrist, or pretty much anywhere on the body. You might want to get a permanent reminder of a personality trait you’re proud of, a word that represents who you are, or a word that means something to you – for whatever reason.
9. A hand-poked plant tattoo
We can’t forget about hand-poked tattoos that seem to have taken the world by storm over the past few years. When you decide to get a small ankle tattoo, consider going to a stick ‘n poke artist and opting for a tattoo that’s different from anything you’ve ever seen before.
After all, hand-poked tattoos are tattoos made without the use of tattoo machines.
10. A small ankle tattoo a wing
As a tattoo motif, wings are extremely common, and for a good reason, too. A wing tattoo typically stands for the ideals of independence, power, and safety that are pursued by so many. And, we can’t forget about the fact that wing tattoos look elegant, effortless, and chic, too.
11. A fine-line tattoo of an eye
Why not get a tattoo of an eye on the ankle to signify spirituality, wisdom, intuition, and insight? Whether you want to get a meaningful tattoo or a tattoo that’s guaranteed to attract attention and raise a question or two, you can’t go wrong with a small ankle tattoo of an eye.
12. A mysterious mountain tattoo
“Ain’t no mountain high enough…” We’d say that mountain tattoos are popular and prominent among tattoo enthusiasts because they’re wearable and versatile. Whether you get a small ankle tattoo of a mountain or a bigger, bolder, statement tattoo, you’re going to look like a million dollars.
13. A sun and moon ankle tattoo
A sun and moon tattoo, whether it’s on the ankle or another part of the body, represents a battle of the opposites – life and death, light and dark, warmth, and cold. And, we can’t forget about the fact that a sun and moon tattoo can signify harmony, balance, and the cycle of life, too.
14. A shooting star ankle tattoo
A shooting star tattoo on the ankle looks (and feels!) great! At the end of the day, a shooting star tattoo can be the symbol of your hopes, dreams, and aspirations, and can serve as a daily reminder of what you want to achieve and what you’re capable of achieving.
15. A dainty disco ball ankle tattoo
What do you think of dainty disco ball tattoos? Whether you’re a disco diva or you simply like the way a disco ball looks on your ankle, we’re sure you’re going to get out of the tattoo parlor with a smile on your face. Who wouldn’t?
16. A tiny tiger tattoo
A tiny tiger tattoo might not fit everyone’s aesthetic, but we’re obsessed with the way the tiger accentuates the curvatures of the body. A tiger tattoo, on the other hand, represents strength, courage, and protection, and can be a great way for you to remind yourself of who you are.
17. An ornamental ankle tattoo
What’s great about ornamental tattoos seems to be the fact that you don’t need to worry about the meaning of the tattoo whatsoever. Ornamental tattoos are meant to be purely decorative rather than functional or meaningful, and that’s what makes them a popular motif for an ankle tattoo.
18. A small ankle tattoo of a rose
We already mentioned the fact that flower tattoos are some of the most popular, prominent tattoo motifs for ankle tattoos (and other placements, too!). What’s great about a rose tattoo might be the fact that rose tattoos represent romance and love and can be a way for you to commemorate your relationship.
19. A tiny tulip tattoo
What about a tiny tulip tattoo? Whenever you’re thinking of getting a small ankle tattoo that looks great and feels even better, you might want to opt for a tulip tattoo that’s not going to take too much time, effort, or energy. A tulip tattoo typically symbolizes something new, a new beginning, or a new phase.
20. A geometric ankle tattoo
We can’t get enough of geometric tattoos because they’re perfect for modern minimalists who aren’t fond of realistic, traditional tattoo styles. A geometric tattoo on the ankle can be connected with a sense of clarity, balance, and symmetry, and make you feel really good about yourself.
21. A small ankle tattoo of a puppy-themed heart
We love ankle tattoos, hearts, and puppies, and we’re more than happy to get matching tattoos with you – if you decide to get a tattoo of a fine-line, puppy-themed heart. Whether you want to pay respects to your puppy or simply signify your love of all things puppies, we salute your decision.
22. A mermaid tail ankle tattoo
We’re calling on all the mermaids of the world – whenever you’re struggling to figure out what symbol to get as a part of your small ankle tattoo, opt for a mermaid tail. A mermaid tattoo can carry a million meanings, as well as be an ode to the sea, or an ode to beauty, sensuality, and mystery.
See also: 24 Mermaid Tattoos To Make You Dive Into The World Of Ink
23. A small ankle tattoo of the world
“Ross: You got a tattoo?
Rachel: Yeah, but just a little one. Phoebe got the whole world!“
What more do you want to get out of your apartment, run to the tattoo parlor, and get a small ankle tattoo of the world? Whether you’re a Friends fan or someone who respects and appreciates the planet Earth, you might want to get a tattoo that represents exactly that.
24. A delicate dandelion tattoo
We’re ending the article with a delicate dandelion tattoo! A dandelion tattoo typically represents freedom, progress, prosperity, and the ability to let go of everything that’s dragging you down. After all, a dandelion tattoo might become your wake-up call, too.
