From Cute To Chic, 22 Small Meaningful Tattoos For Females

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Getting a tattoo might not be for everyone, and understandably – not everyone wants to get something permanently etched on them. With that out of the way, though, plenty of people prefer to opt for something tiny, pretty, and dainty when getting tattooed. Small meaningful tattoos for females?

While plenty of people go for big, bold, and beautiful tattoos that reflect Japanese high-intensity designs or traditional symbols and styles, some of the most meaningful tattoos are small and simple.

Whether that’s an outline of a birth flower on the ankle, a couple of dots on the fingers that represent different battles you’ve fought (and won!), or a subtle handwritten word behind the ear that reminds you of your late grandparents, small tattoos are true works of art.

Where to look for tiny tattoo inspiration? We’ve scoured the dark depths of Instagram tattoo artists and selected a few of our favorite small meaningful tattoos for females to get you started. Plus, we’ve found inspiration on *where* to get the tattoos, from clavicles to your earlobes. 

What are you waiting for? Check us out down below!

1. A tiny tattoo of wings on the collarbone

When you’re on the hunt for small meaningful tattoos for females, chances are you’re going to stumble upon a tiny tattoo of wings – whether on the collarbone, the neck, or even the fingers. Wings are one of the most common tattoo symbols and they represent power, strength, and safety.

2. A tattoo of a word that means something to you

You’re a lover, not a fighter, right? You might be on the hunt for small meaningful tattoos that represent who you are and that’s why you need to consider getting a handwritten word tattoo. Whether you opt for the word “lover” or something completely different, you’re guaranteed to be happy with your choice.

3. A small and simple tattoo of your Zodiac sign

Getting a Zodiac tattoo might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s OK. When you’re trying to decide on a tattoo that’s going to represent who you are and what you’re capable of, you might want to get a tattoo of your Zodiac sign. What better way to honor your spiritual side, right?

4. A four-leaf clover tattoo on the shoulder

A tattoo of a four-leaf clover represents good fortune and that’s why you might be thinking of getting something similar tattooed somewhere on your body. We’re obsessed with shoulder tattoos, but you’re free to pick whichever placement speaks to you the most. With a little luck, you’re going to love it!

5. An olive branch tattoo on the wrist

A tattoo of an olive branch represents peace and prosperity. Whether you’re going through a tough time or trying to make peace with someone you’re fighting with, you might want to get an olive branch tattoo somewhere on your body. We suggest a wrist tattoo – look how adorable an olive can be!

6. A tattoo of your birth year on the foot

Sometimes you need a reminder that you’re the main character, you’re good enough, and you’re capable of doing tough things. With a tattoo of your birth year, you might be reminded of everything you’ve achieved throughout your life – as well as everything you’re going to achieve.

7. A crescent moon tattoo on the shoulder

A crescent moon tattoo can mean a million diferent things, but most tattoo enthusiasts agree that a crescent moon represents freedom, energy, and fertility. A moon can represent feminine power, too, and that’s why you might want to consider getting one when you’re struggling with your self-worth.

8. A butterfly tattoo on the wrist

A butterfly tattoo might be pretty basic and boring, but that’s not to say that the curious fluttering creature can’t be one of the best small meaningful tattoos for females you’ve ever seen. After all, butterflies represent freedom, transformation, and personal growth.

9. A bird tattoo on the back

While we’re on the topic of freedom, we might as well mention the ever-so-popular bird tattoo. With a bird tattoo on the back, you can send a message to the rest of the world that you’re willing to fly high, get rid of everything that’s holding you back, and live a spiritually free and happy life.

10. A bee tattoo behind the ear

Getting a tattoo of a bee might not be your way of letting your family know you appreciate them – but there’s a first time for everything. Bee tattoos typically represent teamwork, loyalty, love, and family, and they’re a common symbol to get when you’re getting matching tattoos with your parents or siblings.

11. An angel number tattoo on the forearm

We can’t forget about everyone’s favorite numbers, right? While you’re free to get a tattoo of whichever number means something to you, we strongly urge you to consider getting an angel number tattoo – especially if that’s something you’re into. What about an angel number on the forearm?

12. A line-art tattoo of you and your SO

What better way to channel the small meaningful tattoos for females we’ve been talking about than to get a line-art tattoo of you and your SO? Whether you opt to get a tattoo of a photograph of the two of you smooshing or a portrait of your SO somewhere on your body, we’re sure you’re going to love it.

13. A line-art tattoo of your four-legged friend

A line-art tattoo can be a great way for you to get a permanent reminder of how much you adore your four-legged friend, too. Bring a picture of your dog to a line-art tattoo artist and check whether that’s something they’re willing to do – we’re rooting for you and your precious pet.

14. A tattoo of paw prints on the foot

What’s more meaningful than a tattoo that’s an obvious ode to your pet? Whether you get a tattoo of paw prints on your foot or a tattoo of your four-legged friend’s snout on your chest, you’re guaranteed to be the talk of the town. “When are you getting married” might be the question that pops up the most.

15. A tattoo of your puppy’s (or kitty’s) ears

We’re going to talk your ears off with tiny tattoos that show off your precious pets, but you’re the one on the hunt for small meaningful tattoos for women. What’s more meaningful than that? We’re obsessed with the thought of getting a puppy’s ears tattooed somewhere on the body – how about you?

16. A tiny heart tattoo on the ribcage

Oh, you’re searching for a small tattoo? We suggest opting for a tiny heart tattoo on the ribcage, under the breasts, or somewhere close to the heart. A heart tattoo, as you might already know, represents affection, passion, commitment, and all things love – what’s not to love about that?

See also: 24 Baby Memorial Tattoos: Emotional Ways To Mark Your Loss

17. A matching heart tattoo on the fingers

Considering that hearts are one of the best tattoo symbols out there, you might want to get a matching heart tattoo with your partner, your parents, or even your BFF. While you’re free to opt for whichever placement works for you, we’re quite enamored with finger tattoos. What do you think?

18. A dainty and delicate tattoo of a shell

Whether you spend most of the time on the beach or you’re someone who prefers sunshine over everything else, you might want to get a seashell tattoo. Seashell tattoos represent affection, marriage, and a union of two people which means you might get a seashell tattoo as an ode to your husband, too.

19. A horseshoe tattoo on the wrist

We don’t even need to explain why you need a horseshoe tattoo ASAP, right? With a horseshoe tattoo on the wrist, you’re going to be reminded of your good fortune every single day and every step of the way. Whether you’re happy or sad, you’re going to look at your tattoo and smile.

20. A dinosaur tattoo on the back of the arm

We’re not kidding – we believe that a dinosaur tattoo can represent strength, power, and the fact that you’re not willing to let go of your childhood. Whether you’re trying to celebrate everything you’ve achieved or remind yourself of where you are right now, get a dinosaur tattoo.

21. A tattoo of a phrase that means something to you

Words, phrases, quotes, and song lyrics are always a great way to get a tattoo of something meaningful to you. Don’t worry about sounding cheesy or being accused of getting a basic, boring tattoo – you’re allowed to do whatever you want to do with your body.

22. A tattoo of a letter that represents something

We’re ending the article with a perfect way for you to celebrate yourself or someone who matters to you. Get a tattoo of a letter that represents something – the first letter of your name, the first letter of your partner’s name, or even the first letter of the word that can get you through anything. Go on!