Amongst the growing popularity of tattoos, one particular design is catching up fast – anchor tattoos. This tattoo trend was common in the 1900s, especially for sailors who moved across the Atlantic Ocean as the new world opened up.
Amongst the growing popularity of tattoos, one particular design is catching up fast – anchor tattoos. This tattoo trend was common in the 1900s, especially for sailors who moved across the Atlantic Ocean as the new world opened up.
With deep-embedded meanings, these popular tattoo designs symbolize strength and stability. The best part is that the anchor tattoo designs are versatile, and you can experiment with various variations and combinations.
And you don’t have to be a sailor to embrace these designs or flaunt them in style.
What’s Anchor Tattoo Meaning?
Sailors from the 18th and 19th centuries have been known to flaunt traditional anchor tattoos. They represent hope and life with stability and strength meanings.
For every new journey a sailor undertook, the anchor tattoo symbolized luck amidst the turbulent seas and oceans, akin to the natural anchors offering stability to boats.
Cool Traditional Anchor Tattoo
One of the best anchor tattoo designs is the traditional art form. There are two styles, the American and the Neo-Traditional styles. The American is mostly inked in black with thick outlines. The Neo-Traditional style infuses limited colors to give the tattoo art a vibrant vibe.
via @thunderthestorm
The American black anchor tattoo gives a rebellious feel to the design. Looks good on the arms, lower legs, or any other body part with a larger area.
Motivational Anchor Tattoo with Quotes
One of the most popular anchor tattoo designs is to surround the anchor design with powerful quotes. Inking positive quotes and sentiments is a great way to keep you pepped up and motivated. Try this anchor symbol with a quote – Asa Don Brown’s “Allow yourself to be an anchor anchored by others.”
via @laser_.ink
Choose different quotes and add meanings to your anchor tattoo to make it more realistic.
via @suho_tattoo
Symbolic Anchor and Rose Tattoo
Red roses with anchor tattoo designs are popular among body art lovers. It is the symbol of love and honor. It also represents beauty, which is a positive aspect of life. You can choose vibrant colors for your next tattoo. The yellow roses symbolize friendship, while the red represents romance.
via @syrano_tattoo
Incorporating the great design of the flowers, especially roses, signifies a personal angle for someone you care for and their role in your life.
via @emy_blacksheep
Royal Crown and Anchor Tattoo
This is one of the loved sleeve tattoo ideas. The crown denotes kingship, royalty, and strength, while the anchor denotes power and stability. Hence, this simple anchor design with the crown can have different interpretations for different people.
via @eljuli.tattoo
For some, it could be dedicated to a person that makes them feel royal and safe. For some, it could be about self-love and celebrating empowerment. While for a few others, this tattoo idea could have a religious significance.
via @josueviridian
Nautical-Themed Compass and Anchor Tattoo
The compass is a navigational tool used by sailors since ancient times. The anchor and compass tattoo meaning emphasizes perseverance. The compass representing direction looks good over a large anchor tattoo.
These representations in black ink ideas are an excellent way to honor the sea and the vessel that carries the sailor to safety on every voyage.
via @giano_tattoo
Beautiful Small Anchor Tattoos
Some people need to be more confident with large tattoos on their bodies. Therefore, tiny tattoo ideas are the best option for them. The location can be between your wrist or an ankle tattoo. You can try black-and-white tattoo ideas and colorful tattoos on different body parts like your ankle, neck, back, or arms.
via @inksirenstudio
One fantastic idea for women is a small-size anchor design with bubbles and stars. The design looks fantastic on a fair skin tone in blue, black, and peach.
via @20cent_k
Infinity Anchor Tattoos Signifying Endlessness
The infinity anchor tattoo’s meaning is unlimited possibilities. Anything you think has endless possibilities makes combining the infinity symbol and anchor tattoo a good idea. It is one of the best tattoo ideas combining an anchor with other symbols.
via @tangkytattoo
The infinity symbol is associated with calmness and strength. This combo is romantic; you can dedicate it to your partner or companion. Including a name, quote, or date makes it more special.
via @retrojenesis
Matching Anchor Tattoos For Couples
Couples or Matching tattoos are a preferred way to celebrate your relationship with your partner. It is a fantastic idea to go for the traditional design and match them to complement one another. The minimalistic design of matching tattoos is not just attractive but appealing, too, and is the perfect way to celebrate your commitment to each other.
via @tattoosbynicci
The charismatic bond between the sea and the ship is also characterized by matching anchor tattoos.
via @sui.inks
Masculine Power: Anchor with Rope Tattoos
The ropes and the anchor are so closely bonded that the association symbolizes a special connection. Hence anchor designs, especially knotted, has symbolic meaning for sailors. You can pick from different options, for example, the Four Knot Sailor or rope wrapped around the anchor. For many, the rope and the anchor denote male power, akin to men working with the Navy.
via @chen_zakai
Choose a forearm anchor tattoo with a rope if you love challenges and resolving them.
Religious Anchor Cross Tattoos
A Christian cross with an anchor tattoo is for someone who strongly believes in Jesus and is loyal to the cross. The cross signifies the sacrifice the Lord made to save humanity from sin, and the anchor stands for steadfastness and stability.
via @blackvir.tattoo
The anchor cross tattoo is an incredible wrist tattoo idea. Even though it means different things for different individuals, it depicts your belief in your religion.
Anchor and Ship Tattoo: Forceful Statement
A ship tattoo idea is one of the best nautical themes; the anchor has a relationship with the ship. The ship design signifies a voyage, direction, travel, and adventure.
via @claussmanuel_
The meaningful tattoos with anchors, in combination with the ship, stand for balance. This tattoo idea is for sailors or people who spend much time in the water.
Classic Anchor and Mermaid Tattoos
Mermaid designs are so attractive and colorful. They represent sea life and the mysticism associated with the underwater environment. Combining anchors and mermaids is an excellent idea for your next tattoo.
via @thegigilyn
To make the anchor look seductive, draw a beautiful woman. She should have colorful clothes, long hair, and a tempting expression.
Discuss with your tattoo artist while choosing the proper portrayal of the design.
via @_pat_starfish_
Inspirational 3D Anchor Tattoos
3D tattoo ideas are as good as a 3D movie or three-dimensional experience. A 3-dimensional representation of the anchor design gives it a realistic feel – almost like a tangible art form. Etched in black ink, you can always feel like touching it. Of course, it is an illusion.
via @joaa_tattoo
You need to check out some impressive 3d anchor tattoo ideas on Instagram. Speak to a tattoo artist for guidance.
via @yan_vilks
Meaningful Wheel and Anchor Tattoo
One anchor tattoo design idea that looks gorgeous and is a must-try is the ship’s steering wheel and the anchor. It gives a realistic look because both are essential components of water vessels. And both are so important for the sailor’s journey.
via @howyoubeen____
A black anchor with the same color wheel makes the most symbolic tattoo designs. The wheel and the anchor need to be designed in a synchronized manner in water to help one reach their destination. Therefore, it highlights excellent stability and strength.
Reckless Anchor and Skull Tattoo Designs
An anchor skull tattoo is a mystery, and if you want to get one inked on your body part, you must have a lot of courage to carry it. It is an incredible hip tattoo idea.
via @elvisbleyl
If you know sailor stories from centuries ago, you might see that the skull is an everyday symbol pirate use on their ships. It is a beautiful choice for your next tattoo, especially if you are intrigued by pirates and their adventures.
FAQ
What’s the meaning of a matching anchor tattoo?
This applies to couples who prefer matching anchor tattoos that sync with their relationship goals. These tattoos are believed to provide a sense of security and stability to the couple’s home and emotional and physical safety.
It also represents endless long-lasting love for partners. And it is a cute gift for each other. You can try these ideas on the wrist, hand, ankles, or fingers as long as these ideas are prominently displayed and look like a hit couple.
