If there’s a special person in your life, who is still holding on to life or has just passed away, “in memory” tattoos are great for remembering that special someone in your life. As tattoos are permanent, it is a very thoughtful way to showcase your profound love for that person.
The special person we are referring to does not necessarily have to be your partner or your significant other. You can get memory tattoos to honor a friend you just lost, your parents, your siblings, your grandparents or even your pet. If you are looking for something like that, then this article is definitely for you.
Here you will find several tattoo designs to commemorate or preserve the memory of your loved one. You may find the concept of some of the tattoos to be the same but the design will be slightly different. Let’s get started, shall we?
In memory of Tattoos Ideas and Designs
In Loving Memory Tattoos
These tattoos are perfect for honoring a person who you once loved and is no more. It is a healthy way to express your love and loyalty for that person. Here are some designs for you to choose from:
1. Remembrance
Remembrance I see a realistic black ink tattoo of a peaceful beach landscape—waves crashing, sunset glowing, palm trees swaying, with a subtle heart symbol woven in. “In Loving Memory” text blends into the scene. It’s on the forearm in the pic. What makes it special is evoking specific shared moments like holidays. Suits sentimental folks mourning family. Best placed on forearm or upper arm for visibility and detail in remembrance tattoo designs.
2. Someone Special
A butterfly tattoo symbolizes the passing of a loved one. This tattoo is a wonderful way to show how much you miss or still love that person. You can also add a short message to it if you want.
3. Recalling
The heart tattooed in the picture above is basically commemorating the tattoo bearer’s mother. It is a wonderful way to showcase that your mother will live in your heart permanently.
In Memory Tattoos Small
Such tattoos can also be small in size. People don’t get these tattoos to look good or grab people’s attention. They do it just to honor a special person in their lives.
4. Memory tattoos for pets
Memory tattoos for pets Simple black paw print with a heart inside, plus a pet name or collar tag in line art. On the wrist here. Its charm lies in capturing pet loyalty without fuss. Perfect for animal lovers grieving furry companions in pet memorial tattoo ideas. Wrist or ankle works best for everyday reminders.
5. My heart forever
My heart forever Ornate cursive “Cor Meum Semper” in black, with a tiny heart or banner. Inked on the collarbone. Stands out for its elegant Latin nod to eternal love. Suits romantics honoring spouses in forever heart tattoos. Collarbone or ribcage is ideal for intimate, hidden depth.
6. Heartbroken
Heartbroken Cracked black heart symbol with a date etched in, minimalist lines showing the break. Inner arm placement. Unique in raw depiction of grief’s pain. Best for anyone processing sudden loss in heartbroken memorial designs. Inner arm or wrist for private reflection.
In Memory Of Tattoos For Mom
People also get memory tattoos to honor and remember their late mother. These tattoos portray that their mothers will live in their hearts forever. Here are some variations of such tattoo designs:
7. Passed Down
Passed Down Vintage black family crest or phrase replicated from mom, shaded traditionally. On the shoulder. Special as a direct heirloom ink, passing on heritage. Great for those with family tattoo traditions. Shoulder or back suits for larger, detailed passed down memorial tattoos.
8. Guardian Angel
Guardian Angel Detailed black and gray angel with wings cradling a heart, feathers finely shaded realistically. Back placement. Its protective vibe honors guiding figures like moms. Fits spiritual people in guardian angel tattoo tributes. Best on back or upper arm for expansive wingspan.
9. Gone But Not Forgotten
Gone But Not Forgotten Banner text “Gone But Not Forgotten” in script, with a small mom portrait or symbol, all black. Forearm shown. Stands out for classic phrasing that resonates widely. Ideal for general loss tributes in forgotten memorial inks. Forearm or calf for bold statement.
Simple In Memory Tattoos
As mentioned before, memory tattoos do not really have to be rich in color. They usually look simple but their meanings can be powerful. People get it just for the remembrance of someone or something.
10. Tribute
Tribute Black line heart made of footprints or names, simple and arranged neatly. Wrist location. Special in personalizing with kids’ elements for parent memorials. Suits grieving parents in tribute tattoo concepts. Wrist or ankle best for small, meaningful display.
11. Hope
Hope Elegant black “Hope” lettering, perhaps with a dove outline. On the ankle. Its minimalism inspires amid sorrow. Perfect for optimistic souls remembering hopeful loved ones. Ankle or foot ideal for subtle hope-inspired memorial tattoos.
12. Losing a friend
Losing a friend Intertwined black hands or chains with a date, symbolic and straightforward. Upper arm. Captures friendship’s enduring grip uniquely. Best for buddies honoring pals in friend loss tattoo ideas. Upper arm or side for shared story feel.
In Memory Of tattoos For Brother
We all know that a sibling bond is one of the most powerful things ever. Many people get such tattoos to express their everlasting love for their brothers. Here are some options below:
13. Brotherly Love
Brotherly Love Realistic black and gray brother portrait or name with hearts, bold on chest. Emotional depth from lifelike face. Suits siblings in brother memorial designs. Chest or bicep best for prominent brotherly love tributes.
14. Unbreakable Bond
Unbreakable Bond Black illustrative linked arms or silhouettes, text “Unbreakable Bond.” Forearm. Special for symbolizing eternal ties without portraits. Ideal for close kin in bond tattoo memorials. Forearm or thigh for linear flow.
15. Nothing But Silhouette
Nothing But Silhouette Minimal black outline of two brothers side by side, no fills. On the calf. Its stark simplicity emphasizes presence in absence. Fits minimalists in silhouette brother tattoos. Calf or back of arm best for clean, understated look.
Tattoo In Memory Of Grandparents
As you can see, people can literally get tattoos in memory of every single family member and that includes their grandparents too! Below are some cute tattoo designs you could pick to honor your grandparents:
16. Warmth
This memory tattoo absolutely gives off wholesome vibes and is a fun way to commemorate your grandparents. You could also get their names tattooed to add some more richness to the design.
17. Affection
Grandparents are usually full of love and warmth. To honor their departed souls, one can also get a simple sketch of their grandparents tattooed on their body.
18. Lookalike
This tattoo is for those people who look a lot like one of their grandparents. If anyone wishes to add some text to it, they can get a short, sweet message tattooed below it.
Small Dog Tattoos In Memory Of
Dog memorial tattoos are also something people get to remember their precious pet dog. They spread happiness wherever they go. Here are some cool designs to choose from:
19. Chihuahua Tattoo
The Chihuahua is a very tiny dog with a strong personality and is one of the smallest breeds of dog. One can remember their pet Chihuahua by getting a memory tattoo like this etched on their arms or legs.
20. Bundle of Joy
The title of this design is actually self-explanatory. We can all agree how great this memory tattoo turned out to be. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate this adorable puppy.
21. Heartwarming
This image is titled “heartwarming” for a reason. The beautiful smile of this innocent-looking dog will make anyone looking at the tattoo smile back. If inked properly, the tattoo can look astonishing.
Tattoo In Memory Of Grandpa
Grandpas nurture and love their grandchild till their dying breath. They’re always looking out for us and want what’s best for us. Here are some memory tattoo designs you can get to honor your late grandpa:
22. Amor Eterno
The phrase “Amor Eterno” stands for “eternal love” and it fits perfectly in this scenario. This tattoo shows how a grandfather’s unconditional love towards his grandchildren is one of the most beautiful things in the world.
23. Hero
To grandchildren, grandpas are like heroes. With their everlasting love, the grandchildren’s lives become more meaningful. A wonderful memory tattoo to honor one’s grandpa.
24. Safe Space
Grandpas also act as a safe space for their grandchildren. Their presence alone makes the children feel protected from all sorts of evil. The tattoo can look really elegant if it is kept simple.
In Memory Of Dad Tattoos
A dad’s job is to always be there for his kids. He provides unconditional love to his kids and does not expect anything in return. Here are some tattoo options to honor one’s, deceased father:
25. Forever in my Heart
Being a dad is not easy. They sacrifice a lot to keep us happy and it’s not easy to grow up without one. Therefore, to remember their late dad, one can get a memory tattoo just like this one.
26. Shoulder to cry on
Dads also provide moral support to us whenever we’re faced with challenges. If anything goes wrong, they are always there to comfort us and make us feel hopeful. This tattoo depicts that perfectly.
27. Invincible
With their overwhelming love and support, dads make us feel like we’re ready to take on the whole world and this is something every kid needs. The tattoo above gives us that message very clearly.
In Memory Of Dad Tattoos For Daughters
A daughter’s relationship with her father plays a vital role in her psychological development. Every daughter respects and looks up to her dad. To honor that relationship, either one of them can get tattoos like these:
28. Undying Love
For a daughter, growing up without a dad is a very difficult thing to do. A bond between a father and his daughter is one of the most powerful and beautiful things in the world and this tattoo shows that.
29. Permanent Love
A father’s love for his daughter is permanent and it never dies out. As tattoos are permanent, it will most definitely help to support that statement.
30. Through Thick and Thin
Fathers are always by their daughters’ side in both good and bad times. They are protected and loved at all times, and nothing can change that. This memory tattoo portrays that quite clearly.
In Memory Of Parent Tattoos
31.
32.
33.
Tattoos In Memory Of Friend
34.
35.
36.
In Memory Cross Tattoos For Men
37.
38.
39.
Forearm In Memory Tattoos
40.
41.
42.
In Memory Of Son Tattoo
43.
44.
45.
In Memory Tattoos For Men
46.
47.
48.
In Memory Of Dog Tattoo
49.
50.
51.
In Memory Of My Husband Tattoos
52.
53.
54.
In Memory Of Sister Tattoos
55.
56.
It’s a simple black ink script reading “too beautiful for earth” curved along the inner forearm, with a small detailed angel wing attached at the end. The shading on the wing gives it depth. What makes this in memory of sister tattoo special is the angelic nod to her being in a better place. Best for those who’ve lost a young sibling suddenly. Seen on wrist; ideal spot is inner arm for personal visibility without being too public.
57.
Photo of a shoulder blade tattoo in looping cursive: “A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. Ashley” woven into an infinity loop. Black ink, no color. The infinity symbol stands out, symbolizing eternal bond. This memorial tattoo for sister suits close-knit families honoring shared past. Placed on upper back in pic; back or chest works well for larger quotes to avoid distortion.
In loving Memory Rose Tattoos
58.
Delicate red rose with thin stem spelling “remember” in fine script, topped by a tiny brown butterfly hovering above. Minimalist style with subtle color pops. Special touch is the word integrated into the stem for subtle in loving memory rose tattoo design. Fits sentimental folks remembering loved ones gently. Shown on forearm; forearm or ankle best for small, elegant pieces like this.
59.
Vibrant red rose next to a white calla lily, wrapped in a gray ribbon banner saying “Loving Memory Granny.” Realistic shading, some orange highlights in lily. The flower combo adds personal meaning, perhaps birth flowers, making this memorial rose tattoo unique. Great for grandkids paying homage. On ribcage in image; ribs or thigh suit for medium size with detail.
60.
Black outline drawing of a rose blooming from a large feathered wing, with leaves at base. No color, sketch-like on paper, not body. The wing-rose fusion evokes ascension, perfect for heavenly in loving memory tattoo ideas. Suits artistic types wanting customizable designs. Not shown on body; forearm or calf recommended for flow and visibility.
Conclusion
That will be all for now! These are some of the exquisite memory tattoo designs we’ve gathered and you might want to take your time while choosing a design to perfectly suit your needs.
Since there are so many cool designs to choose from, going through each of them may seem like a daunting task. However, you need to understand that your tattoo is going to be permanent and you would have to go through a lot of trouble to remove it or change it.
It is important to know that people do not get these tattoos to flaunt their personality or to look good. They are simply there to honor our loved ones in the best way possible. Keeping this in mind, you may now get started on picking your memorial tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What symbolizes lost loved ones?
Butterflies, feathers, and stones are some of the things that symbolize lost loved ones.
How do you pick a memorial tattoo?
If you can think of anything that shows what made them special or unique to you, then that’s a very good place to start.4
Is a memorial tattoo a good idea?
Of course, it is. It is a very sweet and thoughtful way to express love for a certain individual.
