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While it used to be taboo to get a tattoo, these days a very large percentage of the population has some form of body art. Despite the fact that there are virtually millions of tattoo designs available, from pre-set designs to designs that the owner has illustrated themselves, there are still several designs that continue to remain popular.

1) Maori/tribal tattoos: Tribal tattoo designs are increasingly becoming more and more popular. They could have specific meanings and derive from deep-rooted native designs that go back hundreds of years. However, there are also more modern graphic designs that are created to look like older patterns as well. Maori patterns come from Polynesia and are principally geometric in structure.

2) Religious symbols: A cross can be used to memorialize a lost loved one, or to represent faith in religion. Angels are also popular. Along with the cross, an angel is most often a representative of the wearer’s religious feelings. They can also be used as a form of protection. Like the cross, angels might also be used as a memorial to a family member, friend, or significant other. Likewise, crowns be used in a religious context, or can be worn to signify power and authority.

3) Stars: The star, when used in a tattoo design, usually has meaning attributed to the number of points it has. Possible star designs are the Pentagram, Star of David, and the Nautical Star. Stars can represent light found in darkness, as well as forces of nature.

4) Butterflies: Butterflies are another design that is traditionally used by women. While butterflies were used to symbolize the soul in Greek mythology, they are mostly chosen today for their beauty and femininity.

5) Dragons: Dragons represent the four elements, Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. Coming from the Far East, dragons are neither good nor bad and illustrate the power of the earth itself. Dragon designs may also be worn to demonstrate domination.

6) Words: Using words is still probably one of the most popular things to do within a tattoo design. Single words, such as names, are often used to commemorate a person such as a child or parent. However, simple phrases that are meaningful to the wearer are also used.

7) Flowers: Flowers are definitely one of the most popular designs. There are literally thousands of different types of flower designs, from willowy roses to perky daisies. Flowers can be combined with other designs as well, for a masculine/feminine approach.
Birds: Like flowers, there are a variety of birds that are used in tattoos and each one has a different meaning. A phoenix can represent starting over or rising from the ashes while an eagle might stand for courage and freedom and even be used in a patriotic montage. Wings themselves might be worn to signify independence.

9) Fantasy designs: Unicorns, faeries, gnomes, and mermaids are all popular images found in the fantasy realm. One might wear a fantasy-inspired tattoo if they have an interest in the make-believe world. They can also be used for alternative religions.

10) Hearts: Hearts still remain as one of the most popular designs. They can be used with names in order to show off your feelings for a loved one, or they can stand alone on their own.

Regardless of the fact that designs go in and out of fashion, some subjects never change in popularity. When most people get tattoos, they try to find something that showcases their individuality and says something about their personality. Then again, this isn’t always the case because sometimes you just want something that looks cool.