Tattoos are very personal. Each one is meaningful to those who have them etched on their skin, especially when it comes to tattoos in honor of Mom. Tattoos for Mom are always beautiful in their own way. From getting her name, her likeness, black and gray, or color — no matter what it looks like, it will always be perfect. And that's because they all have such deep meaning. Looking to commemorate a mama? Take a look at these gorgeous ideas …
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Our moms are some of the most special people in our lives — some would argue THE most special. And what better way to keep them with us or to celebrate their love than with a personal and beautiful tattoo? And if this is the first tattoo (of possibly many), then what better choice than getting something for Mom? At least it wouldn't be a spouse or partner's name, as history has proven that those are usually never a good idea.
From simple, classic lettering and more elaborate and colorful designs, to the traditional "Mom" banner or tattoos more symbolic of Mom or something she loves, there are so many ways to pay tribute to Mom in ink. These 50 tattoos will inspire folks not only for their artistic value, but for the mama-loving sentiment behind the art.
Mom in a heart
Brilliant colors on this "Mom" shoulder tattoo. We can carry Mom in our heart everywhere we go.
Mom script
Just Mom in a pretty script. Simple, beautiful, and, of course, topped off with a sweet little heart.
Oh, Mama
This tattoo for Mama is delicate and lovely. A modern and beautiful take on the traditional old-school mom tattoo.
M-O-M
This cool heart tattoo actually spells out "Mom." See it? We see it and we love it.
Minimalist mom
This minimalist Mom tattoo is small and sweet. Love the placement, too.
Message from Mom
A comforting, always-there message from Mom. And this one is done in Mom's handwriting too.
Mom infinity
This mom infinity design is the sweetest. Delicate like a piece of jewelry.
The year of mom
Alexis, who dawns this lovely tattoo for her mom, writes: "1975 – the year that my beautiful, feisty, fiery little mother was born. I chose to put her year on my right hand considering she IS my right hand man, my go to. We've had our differences but I wouldn't trade her for the world and I'm so glad I got to pick her and she got to pick me … "
A real gem
This black and gray heart gem tattoo makes for a bold ode to mom.
Sweet as candy
A little candy heart tattoo just for Mom.
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In memory of Mom
A blue feather plume and handlettering in memory of Mom. Gorgeous and meaningful tattoo.
Mom's word in her handwriting
This word "possibility" was tattooed with Mom's handwriting and Dad's handwriting reminding her that there are "never any closed doors."
Lock and key tattoo, inspired by mom
The woman who has this tattoo says it was "inspired by [my] neurotic mom," and the doe and roses were inspired by her dad.
Mama world tattoo
Lindsay says that this tattoo is "Paying homage to Mother Earth (although I will just tell my Mumma that it is for her and that 'she is my world') in a bad-ass way."
Elaborate mom and dad tattoo
We love this very original and beautiful tattoo in honor of Mom and Dad.
Simple 'Mama' tattoo
Simple. Perfect. Tribute.
Mom's last name
My friend Elle got her mama London King's last name tattooed on her wrist. First tattoo she ever got. So sweet.
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Mom anchor tattoo
Classic and symbolic.
Mom's art tattooed on daughter's arm
Suzi's daughter Juli got this tattoo in honor of her grandma. Suzi says, "The last creative work my mother completed was this crewel-embroidery owl from a kit I brought her during her final hospital stay. Mom loved owls and had a huge collection … This owl has always hung in my home, in memory of her. Just in time for Mom's May 24 birthday, my daughter Juli spent six hours getting Mom's crewel owl reproduced on her arm in ink. What an incredible tribute to the grandmother she never knew!"
Sugar skull tattoo for mom
This fantastic tattoo is on my friend John who says, "My mom was never crazy about my tattoos, but she appreciates the art. We wanted my mom tattoo in a spot that I couldn't cover up if I wanted to. It's a totally bad-ass sugar skull and just the slightest bit feminine. That's the tribute to my mom. Bad-ass and girly."
Generational tattoo
Jenna shared about her tattoo, "My mom had a dolphin tattoo on her left shoulder. She had it for as long as I can remember. I can remember being a little girl and tracing the outline of her tattoo with my fingertip. She would tell me it tickled, but I think she liked it because she never asked me to knock it off. When she died nine years ago, my 17-year-old sister and I decided to get a matching dolphin tattoo in her memory. We chose this one because it was bright and different, much like our mom, and because of the dolphin. My daughter has said that when she's old enough, she's also going to get a dolphin tattoo to carry on the 'tradition.'"
Winged heart tattoo
"Something I did for my mom," writes this tattooed son. A pretty tattoo in tribute to her.
Stunning scroll tribute
Inspiring words in a scroll — from son to mother, showing his love for her and for all she's done for him.
Giraffe tattoo honoring mom
Beautiful. Bold. Meaningful. Just like the love from and for a mother.
Temporary tattoos count especially in this case
Start them young! A sweet temporary tattoo that says "Mom" on mommy's little sweetheart makes a special Mother's Day gift.
Mom's initials
My cousin Andrew got this tattoo after his mother passed away. It's her initials. Andrew shared, "It's on my left arm closest to my heart. It took me two and a half years to get it — I guess it took me that long to accept she was gone."
Flowers for mom and family
We love that she represented both mother and father, and whole family, with these flowers.
Meaningful date tattoo for mom
Julie's mom was born and passed away on 10/16, so she got those dates surrounding a cross designed with a heart. So beautiful.
Mama knuckle tattoo
The word Mama fits perfectly on the knuckles. Choose a favorite font to personalize. Note: Finger tattoos fade easily, so touch-ups are needed to keep the ink dark.
Meaningful symbol tattoo
Leah shared, "My darling daughter, Angelica, got this Japanese calligraphy kanji on her left side that means 'Mother.' She got it tattooed on her side because I will always be on her side, by her side, for the rest of her life. Sweet."
Traditional mom heart tattoo
Even though Paul admits that his mom hates tattoos, he has one for her on his left arm, along with tattoos for his brother, his two sisters, his dad, and his kids.
Mom ... and Dad
Mom won't mind sharing a tattoo … with Dad. Nice traditional design with a horseshoe and flowers.
When love stems from mom...
Moms are often the stem in which the family blossoms off of, so it seems only fair to give her this elegant yet strong tribute.
Traditional
If mom is an old-school classic, this tradition tattoo is the perfect way to honor her. Plus, the colors give it a great pop!
Sunny and bright
Seeing this happy tattoo would surely remind anyone of all the sunny and sweet times they spent with their mama. We love the whimsical design and vibrant colors.
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Stunning script
A bold and beautiful reminder, the strong placement of "momma" on the hand will remind any person just who they came from.
Formal and fierce
This traditional style tattoo has a lot going on, but it is kind of cool to see mom's "formal" name placed out — it almost gives the tattoo a reverence.
Stylish florals
Honoring mom with these stately florals and elegant script is always a good way to go, but the placement over the heart makes this piece extra sweet
Regal
Mom is undoubtedly the queen of the family, so give her the forever crown she's worthy of.
One tough lady
Moms fight a lot of battles their kids don't ever see, so honor her strength with a badass tattoo.
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Stenciled sweetness
The bold outlines of this tattoo are super simple but deliver a powerful piece of artwork.
Personal
Mom has for sure given tons of cards in her time, and if one of those sweet messages is particular is meaningful, a tattoo is the perfect way to always remember it.
A rose by any other name...
A super gorgeous red rose is a perfect tribute for mom.
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Sweetly stitched
This is a super creative way to pay homage to mom and her passions. It's such a simple tattoo but so sweet.
Growing love
If mom's love grows and covers everything as vastly as ivy, this simple tattoo is a perfect way to depict that.
A cup of love
To honor of all those early-morning coffee chats with mom, this traditional style tattoo serves as a gorgeous in-memoriam piece.
Watercolor beauty
This super feminine and delicate tattoo represents all the moms who just add beauty to our lives.
Special talents
Immortalize mom's special talents with a tattoo that really encapsulates her dynamic personality –after all, "mom" isn't her only role in life!
Goddess vibes
Is mom a total badass? Immortalize her goddess-like ways with a mythical tattoo that is both beautiful and powerful.
Pin It!
Keep these mom tribute tattoos to your Pinterest boards to tell your mom how much you love her so!
