23 Minimalist And Small Tattoo Designs With Meanings

Because these cute tattoo designs are less painful but more meaningful to get inked.

Reviewed by Jingxi Gu, Licensed Tattoo Artist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc
Fact-checked by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English)  • 

Full-body tattoos with intricate details and big, statement-making designs will never go out of style. However presently, the world is obsessing over small tattoos. These tiny tattoo ideas are minimalistic and cute. They not only drive attention to and enhance the body part where they are inked but will also fill you up with a sense of serenity when you look at them. They are the best examples of “Less is more”. The best thing about them is that they are less painful and do not take up much space. Licensed tattoo artist, Jingxi Gu, adds “Minimalist tattoos are perfect to introduce the tattoo process to first-timers.”

If you are on the lookout for a classy mini tattoo, you have come to the right place. We have compiled a list of the most adorable minimalist tattoos ever. Take a look!

23 Best Small Tattoos With Meanings

1. Heart Tattoo

Image: Instagram
Image: Instagram

The heart represents love, romance, memory, trust, hope, and stability. This small heartbeat tattoo will remind you of the things that make you feel loved because a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. It looks classy, elegant, and neat. Heart tattoos are one of the most popular small tattoo ideas for women.

Kaitlin, a blogger, shares her profound experience of getting a tattoo that symbolizes a combination of faith, hope, and love. Regarding the significance of this tattoo, she expresses, “Love is so important to me. Without it, similar to faith & hope, I really wouldn’t be here today. When I was at an all time low, I survived by the Love of the other people in my life who genuinely cared about me (i).”

protip_icon Fun Fact
Celebrities like Lena Headey, Hailey Baldwin, Lea Michelle, Kelly Osbourne, and Avril Lavigne sport heart tattoos in various styles and designs.

2. Rose Tattoo

Image: Instagram @tinytattooinc
Image: Instagram @_mariartsy_

Roses are associated with love, purity, balance, and femininity. They symbolize a new beginning with lots of adventure, learning, and growth. This small rose tattoo sounds like something close to your life, it’s time you got a rose inked on your body.

3. Crown Tattoo

Image: Instagram
Image: Instagram @jurgita.andr

If qualities like leadership, power, authority, and bravery represent your personality, this small crown tattoos for you. A crown symbolizes monarchy, glory, and righteousness and never fails to remind you that you are the boss lady.

4. Airplane Tattoo

Image: Instagram @small.minitattoo
Image: Instagram @muriminitattoos

A little airplane tattoo floating around, leaving its trail behind, represents youth, freedom, fun, and regret-free living. Though it seems pretty simple, it holds deep meaning and is rather attractive as a mini tattoo design.

5. Sun Tattoo

Image: Instagram @anitarojastattoo
Image: Instagram

Most people get a sun tattoo to help them glide through dark times and rise above all problems. It is a sign that represents light, positivity, energy, hope, cheerfulness, and vastness. If you are someone who has faced tough times and chose to lead a positive life, a sun tattoo is a great option.

6. Pearl Tattoo

Image: Instagram @bymimomu
Image: Instagram @tattoo.umg

An open seashell with a pearl in it symbolizes rebirth, miracle, purity, wealth, elevation, and secret knowledge. It is the perfect tattoo for anyone who is set to start a new phase in their life.

7. Snowflake Tattoo

Image: Instagram @tispheane
Image: Instagram

A snowflake represents uniqueness and individuality. This is because each snowflake has a unique pattern and design. If you believe that you are unique, benevolent, humane, and gentle, this is the best minimalist tattoo design for you.

8. The Music Lover

Image: Instagram @girls_mini_tattoos
Image: Instagram @tattai.tattoo

If you want to express your love for music to the world, these are some of the best minimalist tattoo ideas out there. Opt for a line drawing of an instrument or a musical note that will stay with you forever.

9. Elephant Tattoo

Image: Instagram
Image: Instagram @tattoo.niki

Across many cultures, the elephant is a symbol of strength, prosperity, and power. They are free-spirited animals that live by the rules of unity and cohesiveness. They are incredibly loyal and cheerful. A cute small tattoo of an elephant on your wrist, ankle, or finger will look great.

10. Arrow

Image: Instagram @mianetattoo
Image: Instagram @tattootibet_rongtsa

An arrow depicts protection from harm. It can be used as a symbol of courage and valor. Some cultures believe that both men and women are capable of drawing an arrow. This small arrow tattoo will be a constant reminder that no matter what happens, you can move in only one direction – and that is forward.

protip_icon Trivia
Actress Lili Reinhart has an arrow tattoo on her forearm, symbolizing her mental health journey and awareness.

11. The Book Lover Tattoo

Image: Instagram @emilythomastattoo
Image: Instagram @bamboo__tattoo

Are you a bibliophile? Do you believe that whenever you read a book, something magical happens? If so, this is the perfect minimalist tattoo design for you.

12. Doe Tattoo

Image: Instagram @innerlighttattoo/
Image: Instagram @popackane

A doe symbolizes gentleness, a deep spiritual connection, strength, and peace. Go for this tattoo if you are a gentle soul and identify with these traits.

13. Lotus Tattoo

Image: Instagram @boho_hippy_chic
Image: Instagram

Lotus represents tranquility, enlightenment, spirituality, purity, perfection, and beauty. Its untouched beauty shows that wherever you are, you will rise from obstacles with grace and elegance.

14. Om Tattoo

Image: Instagram @sein_poke
Image: Instagram @helen.st.john

Om is known to be the first sound of the universe. It is often sung as a mantra before beginning any spiritual ritual. The power of om is proven to be both mental and physical. It represents the union of mind and breath of life. If you are seeking knowledge and spiritual awareness, this tattoo is perfect for you. This is one of the best simple tattoo ideas.

15. Feather Tattoo

Image: Instagram @mumbaitattoocolaba
Image: Instagram @rojastattoo

The concept of feather tattoos originated from many ancient civilizations and tribal groups. They viewed the feather as a symbol of courage, truth, bravery, and freedom.

16. Owl Tattoo

Image: Instagram
Image: Instagram @g7tattoo

Ancient Greeks considered the owl a symbol of wisdom and strategy. Since the owl is the wisest of all birds, it is treated equally to a human. Its large eyes are designed to see in low light. If you are a mysterious person who prefers to observe more and talk less, this tattoo can be your spirit symbol.

17. Bird Tattoo

Image: Instagram @mrtattoos_ink
Image: Instagram @dodoetvalou

Birds represent freedom, peace, energy, passion, vitality, and innocence. These are often viewed as feminine beings who carry themselves with elegance.

18. Tree Tattoo

Image: Instagram @kikinoland
Image: Instagram @lau_pointe.fine

A tree represents abundance, growth, prosperity, and wisdom. If you want strength and patience in your life, get a cute little tree tattoo.

19. Moon Tattoo

Image: Instagram @christinetaylortattoo
Image: Instagram @dr.kate.tattoo

In many cultures, the moon is considered a symbol of femininity, peace, and rebirth. Moon tattoos look best on fingers, neck, wrists, and arms.

20. Anchor Tattoo

Image: Instagram @elenamanzo95
Small anchor tattoo design on finger
Image: Instagram @mr_tattooholic_ahmedabad

The popular anchor tattoo symbolizes stability, persistence, strength, security, and being grounded. The anchor also represents a person who has been through difficult times and has found a safe place in life. It is the best small tattoo on the wrist.

protip_icon Trivia
Tattooing was a common practice among mariners centuries ago. They believed an anchor tattoo would keep them from drowning during sea voyages.

21. Symbols

Image: Instagram
Image: Instagram @straroby

You can use a certain symbol, mark, or design to represent your unique personality, life, and journey. A small tattoo on the finger is the best choice if you are willing to go with symbol tattoos.

22. Sunflower

Colored minimalist sunflower tattoo on wrist
Image: Instagram jooyoung_tt
3D sketch of sunflower tattoo
Image: Instagram vacuo_studio

Sunflower symbolizes warmth and positivity. This is one of those happy tattoos for people who are optimistic and gleeful at all times. It also symbolizes intelligence, prosperity, trust, and life. These small sunflower tattoos can be made as a doodle, line art, colored, or 3D. Try sketching a miniature sunflower to give a personalized look to your sunflower tattoo.

23. Dog Silhouette

Dog line art silhouette minimal tattoo
Image: Instagram ink.for.life.tattoo.studio,
Dog ears silhouette tattoo
Image: Instagram old_sarum_tattoo

The dog silhouette tattoo is a great way to remember your pet and a great way to honor them for their role in making your life better. It is a popular tattoo design among dog lovers. The simple dog outline tattoo is usually done with black lines with small elements like flowers, hearts, stars, etc., for some extra personalized effect. You can flaunt your pet love on your forearm, shoulder, ankle, or back.

Infographic: Post-Pandemic Tattoo Trends

The tattoo industry has seen a boom ever since the Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed. People got a lot of time to sit by themselves in a world that looked like it had entered an apocalypse. Tattoos have become a part of most people’s bucket lists. Minimalistic tattoos, which had already been popular before the pandemic, have made a comeback alongside many other styles. Check out the infographic below to look at other trending tattoo designs.

post pandemic tattoo trends (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Small tattoos have been gaining popularity with many people opting for discreet, subtle, dainty, and delicate designs that are perfect for those who want a petite or small-scale tattoo. These pocket-sized tattoos are a great way to express yourself without committing to a larger design. They are excellent choices for those getting tattoos for the first time, especially if you are unsure how painful the process will be. These small simple tattoos can convey a lot despite their miniature appearance. Whether it’s an abstract design or a spiritual one, there’s something for everyone. They are also good options for those who dislike bold, striking, over-the-top tattoo designs and desire simplicity in their lives. That said, follow a few safety measures before and after getting a tattoo to keep it from getting inflamed and infected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the smallest tattoo you can get?

Micro tattoos are the smallest tattoos you can get. They are minimalistic and some designs simply comprise a few dots or strokes.

Will small tattoos last long?

If done by a skilled tattooist and allowed to heal well, a small tattoo will last forever. Regular touch-ups may be needed to maintain the vibrancy of it but the marks are permanent.

What is a 2-inch tattoo?

A 2-inch tattoo refers to a tattoo design that is 2 square inches.

Key Takeaways

  • Small, minimalistic designs help enhance body parts while providing a sense of peace.
  • They exemplify the “less is more” concept and hurt less compared to bigger, more intricate tattoos.
  • You may opt for simple yet elegant designs such as hearts, roses, crowns, or airplanes.


Seeking some inspiration for your next tattoo? Don’t worry, you will surely find it in the video below. It presents mini tattoo designs and small tattoo ideas for girls.

Personal Experience: Source

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles