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Top 67 Tribute Tattoos for Dad 2022 Inspiration Guide

A lotus flower is a common symbol in eastern religions, but it’s also popular amongst all religions. A lotus is a flower that grows in water.

19 Meaningful Grief Tattoo Ideas to Remember a Loved One

When we lose someone we love, it’s hard to come to terms with never being able to see them again, be with them, or hear their voice. Having a permanent, present reminder of their memory can bring a lot of peace after a loss, and this is why grief tattoos are so popular.

Jump ahead to these sections:

How Can Getting a Tattoo Help with Grief?
Symbol Ideas for a Grief Tattoo
Short Quotes for a Grief Tattoo
Other Grief Tattoo Design Ideas

A grief tattoo is a type of tattoo that’s intended to honor someone’s legacy. Whether you’re capturing a favorite memory, quote, or name, this is something you hold close for the rest of your life. It’s even possible to create tattoos with cremation ashes .

As more and more young people get tattoos and they become more socially acceptable, these types of memorial tattoos are on the rise. Not only is this a public way to show grief, but it’s a way to express yourself. In this guide, we’ll share some of the most meaningful grief tattoo ideas to remember a loved one.

How Can Getting a Tattoo Help with Grief?

Why are tattoos such a powerful form of remembrance? First, the popularity of tattoos is rapidly rising. Amongst adults aged 18-69, a reported 42% of adults have at least one tattoo. Nowadays, many adults are open and excited about tattoos, and this means they’re more accessible.

Grief is different for everyone. Finding your own journey through grief is part of the healing process, and many find comfort through tattoos and memorial art. Here’s how tattoos can help with grief:

Control: When you experience grief, it can feel like you’re losing control. Getting a tattoo is a way to control this feeling and harness these emotions of loss into a single act.

Sharing: It’s not always easy to share your grief or talk about it openly. By getting a visible tattoo, you open a discussion for others about your loved one.

Tribute: Because there are almost no limits to what you can tattoo, you can honor someone in a unique way. Whether you use a memorial tattoo quote or a special symbol, this is a unique way to honor someone’s legacy.

Part of us: Most importantly, a tattoo becomes a part of you. Because this lives quite literally under your skin, it’s a part of your own story that you carry with you.

While a memorial tattoo isn’t for everyone, it can be a meaningful form of legacy. Discovering what tattoos have significance to you and how you’d like to express your grief is all part of the personal process of healing.

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Symbol Ideas for a Grief Tattoo

If you’re considering a grief tattoo, exploring common symbols is a great way to find inspiration. These symbol ideas below offer more than meets the eye, making a great option for honoring a specific type of loss.

1. Cross or religious symbol

A cross or other religious symbol is a common way to show your religion. For those who lost someone of a specific faith, evoking this symbolism is a way to honor their beliefs. Many people feel comfort through religion, so this is an easy choice.

2. Lotus flower

A lotus flower is a common symbol in eastern religions, but it’s also popular amongst all religions. A lotus is a flower that grows in water.

It’s adapted to suit a number of environments, growing peacefully in streams, rivers, and ponds. Throughout history, this flower became the symbol of enlightenment and peace, the perfect reminder of comfort after a loss.

3. Tree of life

Though Gaelic-Celtic in origin, the tree of life tattoo represents the world we live in. Our world is a connected, spiritual place. The tree of life shows our connectedness to nature, eternity, and wisdom, highlighting that death is just a natural part of life.

4. Yin and yang

Related to Taoism and Confucianism, yin and yang are all about opposites. One side cannot exist without the other. Just as day can’t exist without night, happiness can’t exist without sadness. This complementary duo reminds us that there is always balance and peace to be found.

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5. Infinity

The infinity symbol is a common grief tattoo. This sign represents togetherness and eternity, mostly used to honor a love that will never end. Though you might have experienced loss, your love is endless and unyielding.

6. Angel wings

A common miscarriage tattoo , angel wings or angel tattoos are a way to express the return of a loved one’s soul to heaven. Though they’re no longer here, their soul is at peace. Having the reminder that a loved one is watching them from above is a way to find peace.

Short Quotes for a Grief Tattoo

Another common grief tattoo is to share your favorite quote. Perfect for a memorial wrist tattoo , these quotes honor your relationship, loss, and memory with each word.

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7. ‘Always on my mind.’

When you lose someone, their memory is always with you. Even if you’re not actively experiencing grief, their memory is still held close in your thoughts. This quote makes it clear that they will never be forgotten.

8. ‘In my heart.’

Having the reminder that someone’s memory stays alive in your heart forever is a source of peace. Though they might no longer be on this Earth, they are alive forever in your heart. This makes them a part of your story.

9. ‘Angel by my side.’

Those we love never leave us. They linger at our sides, watching over us for the rest of our days. Envisioning them as an angel by your side is a form of comfort and peace.

10. ‘Let it be.’

Like the Beatles’ song, “Let it be” is a reminder to honor each and every day. Life is a gift, and it’s important to use your loss as a reason to live life to the fullest. “Let it be” is a way to honor their legacy through your own actions.

11. ‘You’re with me wherever I go.’

After a loss, you’re never really alone. Your loved ones remain with you in your thoughts and memories. This reminder quote is a powerful way to keep them close no matter where life takes you.

12. ‘The hardest goodbye.’

Saying goodbye is never easy. It’s OK to admit that these losses are hard. Saying this specifically can be its own form of comfort, reminding you that your “goodbye” is never over. It’s in each and every day.

Other Grief Tattoo Design Ideas

Lastly, if none of the above ideas fit your loss or wishes, consider these alternative ideas below. Finding your perfect grief tattoo is about discovering what relates the most to you.

13. Footprint

A small tattoo idea is a footprint. This is used most often for newborns or infants who are gone from the Earth too soon. The grieving parent benefits from having their beloved child’s mark on them for the rest of their days.

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14. Pawprint

Similar to a footprint, a pawprint is used to honor a pet. Ideal as a cat or dog memorial tattoo , each pet leaves its own mark on our lives. Keep your cherished friend with you for the rest of your time with this memorial idea.

15. Flower

There’s an entire language to flowers. By capturing the right bloom, you say something that’s hard to put into words. Whether you choose their favorite flower, a bright red rose, or a sunflower rising towards the sun, this is a touching tribute.

16. Important date

If you’re not interested in a quote tattoo, a similar idea is to choose an important date. This could be their birthdate, anniversary, death date, or anything that has meaning to you. Though subtle, this is a way to hold their memory close.

17. Heartbeat

A heartbeat is a symbol of life, but it can also be a symbol of loss. When combined with a loved one’s name or another important symbol, this EKG visual is a reminder that life is fleeting but powerful.

18. Handwriting

If you’re lucky enough to have a bit of a loved one’s handwriting, such as from a card or letter, this makes a unique memorial tattoo. Capturing their words in their own handwriting means a part of them becomes a part of you forever. Our penmanship is a unique way we express ourselves, so this is a one-of-a-kind memento.

19. Moon and stars

Lastly, a moon and stars encourage us to think further. When we look up at the night sky, it’s only natural to feel wonder and awe. Remembering that our loved ones are a part of that greater legacy can be a source of peace. We are, after all, made of stardust.

Honor Their Legacy with a Tattoo

Tattoos are an up-and-coming way to honor someone you’ve lost. Tattoos are a way to express yourself with permanent artwork, too. Taking the time to consider a grief tattoo that captures how you feel is one of the best ways to find peace after a loss. Though there is no one-size-fits-all grief tattoo, the memorial ideas and symbols above have helped many people understand their grief.

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You never know where life will take you, but you can keep your loved ones close no matter what. Having their story become a part of yours gives your grief a new space within you, weaving them into your everyday life.

Sources:

“4 in 10 U.S. Adults Have a Tattoo.” Cosmetics Industry in the US, Statista, 26 June 2017. Statista.com .

Top 67 Tribute Tattoos for Dad [2022 Inspiration Guide]

To permanently honor your father in a way that is worldly and poignant, the most polished option possible is a memorial tattoo. These so-called “dad tattoos” are totally progressive!

While parents have been disapproving of tattoos for decades, this trend is rapidly changing, especially with the innovative inception of homage tattoo ideas that pay a touching tribute to our dads.

These rousing tribute to dad tattoos are uniquely meaningful, and their sensitive origins imply an attractively humble background. Familial affection is eloquently contained in a customized emblem.

For those who want to revel in the masculinity of their lost patriarch, there are countless avenues to make it happen with a dad tattoo design. A lot of guys simply choose their father’s favorite piece of manly equipment. This can include a variety of cars and tools. Sports memorabilia is often featured as well. You can also include the dates that would normally be featured on a tombstone as a loving reminder of his presence.

These memorial tattoos are often attained around the time of a funeral, but your dad doesn’t have to be deceased for you to enjoy these beneficial creations. If you get one now, he’ll be able to enjoy it with you. You two can even acquire matching emblazonments. Enjoy this series for some serious inspiration.

The tattoo design below is a beautifully rendered American Traditional tattoo tattoo artist followed the Sailor Jerry model — muted color palette using black, gray, red, and yellow in solid etching — while the ink line work is solid, crisp black ink . What little shading is in the artwork has been delivered effectively.

This is a funky new wave tribute to dad tattoo design . The use of bright colors vamps up the spanner focal point and turns the piece happy, while the tattoo artist also drops in some classic style by using traditional lettering in the word Papa.

This small tattoo delivers proper old school technical work. The tribute

This text work sends a beautiful tribute to the wearer’s late father . There’s nothing flashy about the artwork, it’s just a well-thought caption placed over the heart to express grief and pay a touching tribute

An interesting old school chest piece paying tribute to both parents in classical style. The artist combines the old school colors — black, red, green — with technical font to create a large tattoo . The artist employed good linework in conjunction with negative space

Old school simplicity here mixed with new school delivery; wonder what the liquid is? This simple tattoo design and execution balance the new wave coffee cup by utilizing classical text in the word Dad.

Here’s another American Traditional tattoo idea

This is a beautifully delivered combination of American Classic style mixed with traditional portraiture elements, creating a 1950s Buddy Holly style body art . It’s an example of how crisp, clean black lines — note the clarity of black lines in the hair and attire — can form patterns that are then manipulated into depth by clever adoption of shadow directional changes. This is technically brilliant tattoo work.

This is another classical tattoo with an absurdist twist; the cola bottle and straw make this inner bicep artwork a unique dad tattoo

What a beautiful memorial tattoo! The artist and subject have created a tribute based on service and patriotism. The tattoo features the late father ‘s date of birth and date of death while also emphasizing the naval ship he sailed on (the number 63). One thing to note is that the tattoo

This is excellently done. This body art is of a classical camping scene that kids take with their parents all the time. By utilizing great, bright transitional colors for the tents (green and purple), the technically sturdy image is considerably enlivened. The tattoo artist cleverly uses thick linework in the foreground except for the trees and sky, so they remain support images. The flowing cursive of Dad is expertly etched with a single needle.

Another old school wrench is a standout tattoo artwork in the American Traditional style, with the artist taking painstaking care to get the color right across all elements. The flowers are crisp, with white ink highlights aiding the flawless transition from red fill color to black line.

This unique dad tattoo opts for weaponry over tools. This is a rare type that doesn’t suffer from being drawn freehand. The work is simple, yet effective shading, occasional white ink highlights, and nice text placement make for a solid tattoo

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A quality new wave abstract take on the classic anchor tattoo idea . This piece is a big, bold half sleeve

Traditionally, bear tattoos symbolize courage, strength, and protection, corresponding with most children’s view of their father . The artwork here is a classic American Traditional tattoo

So, Dad is the bomb? This is an American Traditional style dad tattoo

This tattoo uses a realistic fishing lure to create an abstract seeming new wave tattoo . Nice! The degree of realism in the lure — check the detail of the silver hook and clasp — is almost flawless, while using bright, solid colors for the focal point (lure) and background (blue water) helps the overall artwork gel together as an image.

This is a nice chest dad tattoo in the traditional style. The mixture of elements, such as flower, font, and anchor, are reminiscent of true old school tattoos from the 1940s and 50s or flash art you can find online. The smart use of black ink in the crisp linework and leaf coloring support helps the tattoo

Another quality old school tattoo stands out by being solid in all aspects. The lines are clever, crisp, and clear, while the coloration is flawless. The artist’s choice of white ink highlights in both flags and poles shows a strong understanding of artwork minutiae, while the almost electric blue shading is a nice touch.

This is a cool abstract take on portraiture tattooing. It’s a well-drawn image that stands out because the artist opts to keep sketchbook line elements, such as the chin circle, cheek, and nose lines, alive in the full tattoo

Got to love a dad who doesn’t mind an ice-cold Heineken, although having beer with ice in it is more than just passing strange. It’s a positive brand recommendation if you’re willing to etch it permanently on your skin. Technique-wise, the bottle is bang on and contrasts well against the yellow and black old school banner and font. Still can’t get over the ice in the glass, though.

Raise the Dad flag! This is a banging traditional tattoo . Historically, those sporting the tattoo of a three or four-masted ship were signifying that they had sailed around the Cape of Good Hope, although this doesn’t really say one way or another. The artist used slight deviations from the usual traditional color palette and created a beautiful piece of body art

Look, I have no idea what is happening in this tattoo , but it’s badass. The hexagon shapes give the imagery a real lift via pattern usage. The artist fills each shape with a variety of coolly drawn images in flat black ink

Font choice is important. This otherwise excellent dad tattoo is negatively impacted by the choice of text. A simpler choice of lettering would have made it easier to understand and given those looking at the piece more reason to look at the entire image.

Another Dad is the bomb special. This clever hand tattoo is an almost cartoon expression on flesh. The part of this artwork that helps the whole piece flourish is the sky blue background interspersed with negative space elements, although the font is also well-chosen and conjures images of the 1950s and 60s.

This is a cool tattoo , although the text is lost in translation. It’s a busy skin canvas which the artist has given a wicked cartoon sheen. Love the black linework throughout the piece, from the shirt’s folds through the teeth of the chainsaw, and the heart MOR tattoo inscribed on the man’s forearm.

Not sure having the central anchor swallowed by a flower is the right choice to make. However, this dad tattoo is bookended by two well executed black rose

Hahahaha, this is awesome! The artist has taken an American Traditional style tattoo

Here’s another freehand dad tattoo ; this one is odd. There are great technical elements such as the orange sky signage or sewn ship look. But overall, the tattoo

This is a wicked black and gray dad tattoo design

This dad dartboard is beautifully executed. It’s a subdued image that lets the artist’s tight, technical skill give it shine. There are no flaws in the work, from the nicely flowing cursive to the dartboard’s exceptional balance of gray shadow with negative space. The flourish of white ink highlights across the tattoo

An almost minimalist fishing lure tattoo . The stark linework of the hooks and font is complemented by just enough color in the fullness of the fish. This dad tattoo seems like an almost genuine “Bobby Dazzler.”