Memorial tattoos are a way to keep a connection with loved ones who are no longer with us. They’re not just about remembering — they’re about celebrating a bond that continues to shine in our hearts after the loss.
If you’re looking for a lasting tribute to a loved one who has passed away — here are 22 inspiring memorial tattoo ideas. I hope you find the perfect design to keep their memory close to your heart.
1. “And Now Your Watch Begins” Memorial Ink
This memorial tattoo is designed as the script “… And now your watch begins. KC” and celestial elements: stars and moon symbolize a loved one watching over from above. They remain the guiding light in one’s life, keeping the memory alive.
2. Memorial Tattoo Inspired By Painting
A very creative memorial tattoo — inspired by a painting done by a woman’s grandma. A colorful micro realism — it’s a beautiful and artistic way to keep memory of a loved one.
3. “Etched In My Heart” Memorial Tattoo
This tattoo blends the quote “Forever in my thoughts. Etched in my heart” with an image of hands and their eternal bond. The bond is represented as the red thread — a connection between the hand of a deceased person, emerging from the cloud and the hand of a living person — the one who remembers.
4. Soft And Elegant Memorial Tattoo
If you prefer designs that are not overtly memorial, you can choose symbols with personal meaning that represent your loved one. This design shows how memorial tattoos can be uniquely meaningful, using elements like geometric motifs, butterflies, or flowers, that are related to a beloved lost person.
5. “In Loving Memory” Tattoo
This complex design features the phrase “In loving memory” with an image showing a person entering heaven’s door. Below, there is a dove and the full name of the person. It’s a touching and powerful way to honor those who are no longer with you.
6. Portrait Memorial Tattoo
This portrait memorial tattoo captures a person as a child alongside their dad. Done in a realistic style, it’s like having a photo of a loved one always in sight. It’s a deeply personal and artistic way to carry their memory with you, preserving that special bond forever.
7. Sunflower Memorial Tattoo
I really love designs that look like regular tattoos at first glance but actually hold a deeper meaning as memorial inks. For example, a sunflower in bright colors, probably their mom’s favorite flower, with a subtle script “mum” underneath. It’s a graceful tattoo that keeps its true meaning close to your heart.
8. “Playing Golf In Heaven” Tattoo
Most of the memorial tats contain symbols that represent the personality traits or passions of loved ones. This tattoo is a way to celebrate the dad’s love for golf and imagine him enjoying his favorite game in heaven.
9. “Cat Paw And Tree” Memorial Tattoo
At first glance, it’s just a tree. But if you look closer, you’ll notice a small cat paw hidden underneath. The tree represents lasting remembrance that grows from the paw — representing the significance the cat had on someone’s life.
10. Memorial Tattoo For Mom And Dad
This memorial tattoo for deceased parents contains years — the beginning and end of their lives, a dove, and a sun breaking through the clouds. It’s a powerful symbolism: peace, warmth, and light that remains as their legacy.
11. Memorial Tat Inspired By Vintage Ring
A simply gorgeous memorial tattoo idea — it’s inspired by grandma’s ring. It mirrors the style and all the details of a real ring including the gemstones. Such a heartfelt way to keep the memory of your loved one with you always.
12. Butterfly Memorial Ink
A very meaningful memorial tattoo design: a butterfly-angel and the script element with mom’s handwriting and a note “Love, Mom.” It symbolizes the transformation, protection, spiritual connection, and eternal presence of a loved one.
13. Angel Baby Memorial Tattoo
This is a sorrowful and deeply touching memorial tattoo design. It includes a name and dates (baby Susan lived only 11 days), and symbols like a pocket watch and angel wings.
14. “First And Last Breath” Memorial Ink
A tattoo’s main element is the poignant quote “You were there for my first breath, and I was there for your last.” Then we notice other elements: a pocket watch displaying the time and date when the person left, a flower, and a hummingbird.
15. “Always On My Mind” Memorial Tattoo
This memorial tat features a dove, date, name in red ink, and the quote “Always on my mind, forever in my heart.” They may be gone, but they are always remembered and cherished deeply in our thoughts and emotions.
16. Dog Memorial Tattoo
The creative design of a dog memorial ink shows a dog face in the shape of a paw print and the script “I ❤️ U. Mom”. A dog’s life is way too short and it’s so hard to accept it. The only thing we can do is keep the memories of them always with us.
17. House View Memorial Tattoo
This is a truly stunning and unexpectedly cheerful memorial tattoo. It’s done in memory of grandpa and uncle, and it shows a view from the family house, flowers, and other motifs that represent them. What a great idea for a memorial ink, don’t you think?
18. Cat Memorial Tattoo
This tattoo depicts a cat resting on a crescent moon. It symbolizes peace, comfort, and a reminder of a beloved cat who is now at rest and watching over you.
19. Heaven’s Door Memorial Ink
Here’s an image of a stairway and a door — the entrance to heaven. It’s a beautiful way to remember a loved one who has passed away, representing their transition to a peaceful place and keeping their memory alive.
20. “I Still Search For You In Every Sunrise”
The Quote “I Still Search For You In Every Sunrise”, along with years and flowers — this memorial tat is incredibly touching. It speaks about a deep longing for a loved one whose life has ended. It’s about the ongoing search for their presence and comfort in everyday moments.
21. Memorial Sleeve Tattoo
This memorial tattoo features several meaningful symbols: sun rays, a dove, a pocket watch showing the exact time when she left this world, and a child crying. It’s a personal story of remembrance, warmth, eternal presence, peace, the soul’s journey beyond this life, the deep sorrow of loss, and the love that remains.
22. Memorial Tat Of Dog Who Loved Flowers
This is a colorful and playful design that combines the image of the dog with flowers. It’s a meaningful tribute to a dog that passed away and its love for flowers. If you want to honor a beloved pet and capture the joy they brought into your life, this idea can be truly inspiring.