Finding a way to remember someone special can be a beautiful process. A tattoo is such a personal tribute that stays with you forever.
I’ve been so moved by some of the memorial designs out there, so I pulled together 43 emotional ideas that are just incredible.
1. In Loving Memory Tattoo for Mom
Source: @josh.g.tattoo
This next idea is just so versatile and would be perfect for anyone. I’m totally in love with this stunning design, which was inspired by a family’s special holiday destination.
A piece like this is all about celebrating the good times and will always bring back those happy memories. It’s such a personal tribute, and the possibilities are endless because everyone’s favorite spot is completely unique.
2. Memorial Tattoo for Dad
When you’re picking out a design, think about creating something truly personal to your loved one. This one has a fishing theme to honor their dad.
Ink like this is sure to bring back memories of all the times you spent together. And that quote is both so emotional and beautiful.
3. Personalized Angel Wings
Source: @brockmichaltattoos
If you have your heart set on a larger piece of body art, then you absolutely have to see this design. What we have here is a back tattoo that features gorgeous angel wings and a halo.
The wings have also been personalized, and the halo includes dates. This is such a stunning tattoo and an amazing tribute to someone special.
You could, of course, have a smaller version of this concept created if that’s more your style.
4. Memorial Tattoo for Grandma
Source: @bianca_katie_bm_club
Are you a fan of big and bold tattoos? Then this memorial piece is definitely for you. This amazing thigh ink shows off a heart, an angel wing, and a quote.
The entire design ties together so perfectly because the quote says, “half of my heart is in heaven with my angel”. It’s an absolutely beautiful tribute. You could even personalize it with a name and date.
5. Beautiful Angel Wings
Source: @benjammin_ink
Kicking off with another angel wing tattoo. This time, the design has two large wings with a name right in the center.
It is a totally stunning piece of body art and is perfect for anyone who wants a comforting tattoo that conveys someone is now at peace. A design like this one could be placed anywhere on your body.
6. Handwriting Tattoo
Source: @suncreamqueen
After we lose someone, we try to hold onto them and remember everything. A handwriting tattoo can be such a lovely way to achieve this.
It lets you carry a piece of your loved one with you forever and ever. This particular design features a word from a handwritten letter. It’s truly a beautiful memorial tattoo concept.
7. Unique Finger Print Tattoo
Source: @skindeep.tattoo
This next tattoo idea will really keep the memory of the person you lost so alive. Here, we see a heart-shaped tattoo that features the actual fingerprint pattern of the person who has passed on.
These tattoos are super popular for couples, family members, and friends, but I personally think this would be a beautiful way to remember someone special, too.
8. Memorial Tattoo for Mom
If you were a fan of the handwriting idea, then this next design is totally for you. This tattoo is a different style and in a completely different place.
It features a perfect replica of her loved one’s signature that says “Love Mom”. It’s such a simple, emotional, and powerful piece of art. You could have a signature tattooed literally anywhere on the body.
9. My Favorite Hello, Hardest Goodbye
Source: @stoned.mermaid
Our next pick would create such a beautiful tribute to someone you’ve lost. It would be an ideal choice for a friend, partner, or someone you were very close to.
It perfectly sums up how meeting that person was one of the best things, and how incredibly difficult losing them is. You could get a quote like this tattooed anywhere you’d like.
10. Cowboy Boots and Hat
Source: @ebwtattooktitus
This next memorial tattoo is so incredibly unique. The design shows off a pair of cowboy boots and a hat.
This could be the perfect idea if someone special wore these items while they were still here. You can also get inspired by this concept and use different items to represent the person.
So, if the person wore high heels or sneakers every single day, you could use those instead.
11. Memorial Tattoo for Grandpa
Source: @marcovolontieri
Here we have a stunning memorial tattoo for someone’s grandpa. The design features a grandpa and his granddaughter against a sunset.
This tattoo is so heart-warming and emotional; it really shows the love between the two. Something like this is such a unique design that will keep a loved one’s memory alive forever.
12. Traditional Anchor Tattoo
Tattoo designs have changed so much over the years, but you can still get that classic traditional look. Here’s a perfect example.
This tattoo features a bold anchor with “Mom” and “Dad” written on it. A design like this is perfect for someone who wants a unique way to remember their loved ones who have passed.
An anchor tattoo can be designed with any names you’d like.
13. Memorial Tattoo Idea
Source: @rcnj_tattoos
Our first tattoo is an absolutely beautiful piece that features a bird along with a quote. The quote says, “She lived and laughed and loved and left”.
This is a tribute that shows their loved one had a real zest for life. It is a design that remembers all the good times but also acknowledges the incredible loss.
14. ‘Too Beautiful For Earth’ Tattoo
Source: @natwinstanley
The next tattoo we have has such an emotional phrase. It’s a wrist tattoo with a date, a delicate feather, and the quote “Too beautiful for earth”.
Something like this would make a stunning tribute to any special person in your life. It really expresses how loved the person was. You can personalize it with your own date and a unique feather design.
15. Baseball Memorial Tattoo
Source: @dale_studio85tattoo
So many memorial tattoos have a design that represents the person who has passed away. The next tattoo idea is a great one for those who were big sports fans.
This design is inspired by how the person and their father both loved baseball. It also has their name right in the middle.
A tattoo like this pays tribute to all the fun times we share with people in our lives. You can recreate this or use any sports ball you’d like.
16. Family Photo Tattoo
Source: @elaine.tattoo
Photos are one of the absolute best ways to remember someone. You can be reminded of all the special days and memories that you shared together.
This next design was created using a photograph. As you can clearly see, the tattoo is like an artistic take on the original photo.
This is a very personal and unique way to remember someone special. You can use any photo for a tattoo like this one.
17. Memorial Bird
Source: @spurlocks_emporium
Maybe you would prefer a less obvious memorial tattoo, without any dates and names. If that’s the case, this could be absolutely perfect for you.
Here we have a back tattoo that features a beautiful, detailed bird. Just by looking at this, you wouldn’t know it was a memorial tattoo, so it’s perfect for those who want to remember someone quietly without the whole world knowing.
You can recreate this or choose a bird that the person loved in life.
18. We Only Part to Meet Again
Source: @ciaraoharaxo
The thought of meeting our loved ones again provides so much comfort in times of loss and grief. That is exactly why a tattoo like this is a perfect choice for a memorial piece.
It’s a truly comforting phrase that will help you get through a hard time. You could have a design like this one placed anywhere on your body.
19. Memorial Thigh Tattoo
Source: @4gvntattooartist_
Memories are so precious, and this next tattoo expresses that perfectly. It features a stunning tree with the quote, “When a loved one becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure”.
This is such a beautiful quote and will serve as a reminder of all the good times you and your loved one have shared together.
20. Beautiful Quote and Butterflies
Source: @deedeeramage
The next tattoo features another absolutely beautiful quote. This is a thigh tattoo that says, “Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day”.
A quote like this can bring great comfort when you have lost someone you care about deeply.
The butterflies also have a special meaning because in some cultures it is believed that a butterfly carries the souls of those we have loved and lost to heaven.
So, all in all, this is a very powerful and meaningful piece of body art.
21. Always in My Mind
Source: @lucenzo.ink
A quote is always a lovely memorial idea. This tattoo says, “Always in my mind, forever in my heart”.
The quote is a beautiful way to express that you will always remember the joy and love that someone brought into your life. It is a stunning tribute, for sure. The birds are also a beautiful touch to the design.
22. I’ll Be Missing You
Next up, we have a beautiful arm tattoo complete with roses and a phrase. The phrase reads, “I’ll be missing you, until the day we meet again.”
This is another design that is sure to provide comfort during the hard days of grief. You could have a design like this on other places on your body, too. Make it personal by choosing your own fonts and rose styles.
23. Memorial Quote
Source: @pinznneedlez_tattoo_cork
The idea of a loved one watching over you can bring so much comfort in times of loss. If this is something you like the idea of, you should consider a tattoo like this one.
It says, “As long as you’re in the sky to protect me, there is no one on earth that can break me”. This is a very emotional set of words. You could also personalize it with a name.
24. Memorial Quote Tattoo
Source: @unique_tats_ig
Moving on, we have this stunning feather, birds, and quote tattoo. The feather suits the wings quote so perfectly.
It is a very emotional but beautiful piece that would be a perfect tribute to any lost loved one. You could have any feather design you’d like to make it unique to you.
25. Grandad Tattoo with Birds and a Quote
Source: @rothwell_tattoo_studio_
The next tattoo is just so beautiful. This design features a quote that says, “If love could have saved you, you’d of lived forever”. There are also birds, a box, and the name “grandad” with two dates.
This is a very personal and meaningful design. You can have a tattoo like this created that represents someone you love by maybe adding different animals that they loved during their life.
26. Memorial Book Tattoo Idea
Source: @joanndilley
Here we have a tattoo that features a really beautiful phrase. It reads, “The chapters may have ended, but the pages still remain.”
Something like this makes for a great memory tattoo. It would also be a great choice if you or your loved one enjoyed reading books. You could even just get the quote by itself.
27. My Father, My Hero
Source: @mattied55
A simple memorial tattoo like this one would make for such a beautiful tribute. It features just the words “My Father, My Hero” along with the dates.
The font used is absolutely gorgeous and the design is a sweet reminder of the great man he was. This one celebrates the person’s life from beginning to end.
28. Elegant Memorial Tattoo
Next up, we have a very elegant and simple design. The tattoo features a name and date that is written in a stunning font. You can have any name you’d like for this.
Keep it simple and clean, or you can add other designs like birds and butterflies. Either way, it is a gorgeous way to remember a friend or loved one.
29. Initial with Angel Wings and a Feather
Source: @alfred_tatts
If you have been looking for a small and beautiful memorial tattoo, then this one could be perfect for you.
This design features an elegant initial with angel wings and a delicate halo. It is a stunning way to remember someone special.
You can try a similar design to this or you can have the person’s full name, but that will be a much bigger tattoo.
30. Coordinates Tattoo
Source: @tattoobyrd84
The next tattoo we’re looking at features coordinates of a father and daughter’s favorite place. A design like this is such a beautiful way to remember someone special.
If you were thinking about getting a tattoo like this, you could get the coordinates placed anywhere on your body with any picture you’d like.
31. Memorial Tattoo for a Child
Source: @nounoutattooartiste
There are no words that are powerful enough for the loss of a child. If you have lost a child and you want to remember them and mark their passing, you might consider a tattoo like this.
It is a totally stunning design that shows the incredible love between a parent and their child.
32. Memorial Tattoo for Son
Source: @laos_ink_slinger
If you’re on the hunt for a tribute for a son, then you should consider an elephant design like this one.
Losing a child is the worst thing a parent could go through, but with a tattoo like this you can have a beautiful reminder of them always.
The balloon could have a different color, too; you can always personalize it to make it your own.
33. Memorial Design for a Child
Source: @angelinamengel
Here is a stunning piece of art for a child’s memorial. This arm design features a child in shaded black and white ink with delicate watercolors and butterflies.
It is a very emotional design that would make an amazing tribute for your loved one. You could customize the colors and design to make it personal to you.
34. Memorial Tattoo with Flowers and Dates
Source: @emmajrage
Searching for a pretty and bright tattoo? If so, this could be perfect. Here we have two beautiful flowers in different colors. There is also a date near each flower.
This is such a lovely way to remember two people because there are two dates. There is also a small paw print at the edge of one petal, which could also represent a pet.
This is a unique design that can be created to suit you and who you want to remember.
35. Memorial Angel Tattoo Design
Next, we have more of a traditional memorial tattoo. This one features a stunning angel with the date right underneath.
A tattoo like this is a beautiful way to pay tribute to someone because it can show that the person is now at peace. You can recreate this or you can add the name as well as the date.
36. Memorial Rose Tattoo
Source: @cre8tiv202406
Do you prefer traditional tattoos? Then this one could be for you. This beautiful old-school rose, bird, and scroll features the words “fly on home”.
It is a gorgeous piece of ink that could be customized to suit your memorial. You could have any quote you want put on the scroll. A design like this would look great on anyone.
37. Dog Memorial Tattoo
Source: @ross_is_my_boo
The loss of a pet can be truly heart-breaking, as our pets are one of the family, too. If you have lost your four-legged friend, you might consider a tribute tattoo.
This one features a paw print and heart design with a lovely quote. You could redesign this in so many ways to suit your personal style.
38. Floral Grandpa Tattoo
Source: @bloomfield_tattoo_gallery
Next up, we have a tattoo to remember a Grandpa. The design features wilted flowers with the word “Grandpa” written above.
It is a beautiful tattoo that expresses the sadness we all feel when we lose someone so special. You can recreate this tattoo or use any type of flower you’d like. The name and font above can also be changed.
39. Single Rose and Roman Numerals
Source: @erikatattooo
The next tattoo is so stylish and gorgeous. This design features a single black ink rose with roman numerals underneath.
The numerals are a beautiful way to have the date because it makes the tattoo so unique and personal; not everyone will know what it means.
You can recreate something like this or choose a different flower. You can also add a pop of color.
40. Small Memorial Tattoo for Dad
Source: @joannamroman
Next, we have a simple and stunning design. This tattoo features the word “Dad” in a very elegant font. At the end of the last letter, there is also a beautiful flying bird.
This is a gorgeous memorial tattoo and it can be recreated with any name you’d like. A tattoo like this can also be placed anywhere on the body because the design can be made bigger or smaller to suit the area.
41. Personalized Floral Butterfly
Source: @meggfordtattoo
If you love the butterfly tattoos, then you need to check out this next idea. Here we have a memorial butterfly.
The butterfly is normal on one side, and the other wing has a beautiful flower design. There is also a name below the butterfly and it has stunning jewelry charms dangling from it, too.
This is a very pretty and elegant idea. You can recreate this with any name and you can also use any flowers you want for the butterfly wing.
42. Pretty Rose and Dates
Source: @tattoosbyeloise
Earlier in the post, we featured a rose and date design. If you loved that idea, then you may like this one, too.
Here we have another single black ink rose, but this one has the date the person was born and the date they passed. It is a very pretty tattoo.
You can create a similar tattoo to this or you can add some color and maybe even the name.
43. Stunning Lake Inspired Tattoo
Source: @lordenstein_art
This next tattoo is one of our absolute favorites because it features all the things that the people loved in their life.
The tattoo was created in memory of grandparents who loved nature, the lake, gardening, and cats. All of these things have been used to create a stunning lake scene.
You could create such a unique and personal tattoo by using this as inspiration. Think about their favorite places, animals, and more.
We hope you have found a beautiful design for a memorial tattoo.