The 20 Most Common Tattoos Everyone Always Gets

You See These Tattoos Everywhere

Are you looking to get your first tattoo and don't know what to do? Or maybe you're an experienced veteran looking to add another one to your collection. Regardless of where you stand, it can be difficult trying to pick out something you want to get permanently etched onto your skin - because something like that deserves to be meaningful, right? So if you're feeling a bit stuck on ideas, we've got you covered. Here are 20 common tattoos that everyone gets to help you feel inspired. 

1. Butterfly

For something small yet feminine, a simple butterfly is an easy go-to for tattoo lovers who want something safe. You can almost guarantee the design will come out beautiful, especially given how much practice tattoo artists get from having to do this so often! People also love getting to pick the butterfly wings and how it'll look on their skin. 

2. Lion

What's more powerful and charismatic than the King of the Jungle? Getting a lion tattooed permanently feels like a safe pick for most people thanks to what this ferocious animal symbolizes. If you want something strong and mighty, look no further. 

3. Flower

Whether you want a dainty little daisy or an entire flower garden tatted across your arm, flowers are a simple way to represent beauty and femininity. There are so many options to choose from, from roses to sunflowers and tulips, so pick whatever you feel best represents you!

4. Infinity Sign

While infinity signs are often seen as overrated or cliche these days, you can't deny the meaning behind it is beautiful, especially if there's a bigger story to it. It has an incredibly simple design and can be easily and quickly tatted anywhere on your body. 

5. Snake

We wouldn't be surprised if most people love getting snake tattoos simply because they look cool! These sneaky, slithery reptiles are thin and long, making them the perfect animal to wind down your entire arm or back. While some people might get them because they have significant meaning to them, most just get them because they look flashy. 

6. Chinese Characters

While we sometimes fear the unknown, that isn't the case for foreign languages! Chinese characters are a popular choice for many tattoo lovers, finding beauty in words that people can't understand. Just make sure you double check your artist has the correct spelling - it'll be awkward if you get something tatted that doesn't mean what you think.

7. Flag

Feeling patriotic or simply want to pay homage to your lovely home country? Getting a flag tatted somewhere on your body is more common than you might think. Whether it's the actual flag itself or some sort of symbol that represents it, it's a popular pick for those who respect where they came from.

8. Stars

Whether you have an interest in astrology or simply love a gorgeous starry night sky, stars are a popular symbol not just for tattoos, but multiple different mediums. They're simple, easy to identify, and can represent so many different things depending on what it means for you.

9. Yin Yang Symbol

If you value harmony and balance in your life, instead of getting those words tatted permanently on your skin, you could go the simple route and get a yin yang symbol. It's quite the beautiful image too, with these two black and white halves forming a circle, each in perfect symphony with one another. 

10. Heart

What better symbol is there to represent love than the heart? A classic tattoo design that can represent a variety of things, people love getting hearts tatted because of its simplicity and deep personal meaning. It can be about loving yourself, loving life, loving another person, or whatever you make it to be! Or, if it's just a meaningless cute tattoo, that works too!

11. Cliche Mottos

Are you guilty of getting a cliche life motto tatted somewhere on your body? The most popular option is definitely 'carpe diem,' but there are tons out there that people tend to gravitate towards. These are typically seen as pretty cheesy, especially if you pick one that's overused. But hey, don't listen to the haters - you do you. 

12. Name Of A Loved One

There's nothing more special than deciding to get the name of someone you love tatted on your body. While we know tattoos aren't completely permanent (you can always get them removed), the intention is there. Maybe it's someone you lost or someone you love, but no matter the reason, it shows people immediately how much this person means to you. 

13. Important Dates

Is there a special moment in your life you never want to forget? An easy way to do that is by tatting the date on your body! Just make sure you get the date right and it's truly something you want forever etched on your skin - make sure it's meaningful.

14. Their Pet

Whether it's their pet's name or a cute drawing of them, this just goes to show you that our furry friends (or scaly!) mean so much to us; they're not really "pets" they're family. In fact, they're such invaluable pieces of our lives that people even get tattoos of them so they can never forget them. 

15. Angel Wings

Some people like getting angel wings because it represents their faith in a lovely way while others choose it for its associations with freedom and innocence. No matter the reason, angel wings are a common choice that you can hardly ever go wrong with. You even get to pick the size and design of the wings yourself.

16. Birds

Whether you go down the patriotic route with an eagle or want something that symbolizes flying and new beginnings, there are so many options when it comes to bird tattoos. They look great wherever you choose to put them on your body, even if it's dainty or large, and you get your pick of whatever species you'd like. 

17. Dragon

If we're talking mighty and powerful with a touch of mystical, nothing beats getting a dragon tattoo. It's a gender-neutral pick that works great on anybody, and people particularly love the creative freedom that comes with this design. Do you want it to look scary, menacing, magical, or graceful? Because dragons are fictional, you get to choose exactly how you want them to look. 

18. Double Cherries

Fun and flirty, getting a double cherry tattoo is actually quite popular with plenty of women. Lot of people seem to get it to represent sweetness, love, passion, you name it! It may seem a bit random but you'd be surprised by how common of a tattoo this really is. 

19. Anchors

Some people like getting anchor tattoos because of its connections with stability and steadiness, while others simply like the look and design of it. But whatever side you fall on, you can't deny that you see them everywhere. It has nothing to do with whether you like boats or sailing!

20. Compass

Feeling a bit lost in life? We wouldn't blame you if this led you to wanting a compass tattoo. After all, it's like a subtle reminder for you to get your feet on the ground so you can get some direction back. And if it's any consolation, many others are thinking the exact same thing.