32 Amazing Celtic Tattoo Designs With Meanings

The legend behind Celtic tattoos is almost as complex as the designs are. From ink that fiercely overawes foes on the battlefield to the purpose of life with no beginning nor end. If you were to take a trip back to the Iron age you would find the Celtic tribal societies: Europe, England, Scandinavian Ireland, Scotland, and Wales just to name a few. When it came to inking the skin, men on the battleground could be seen with knot designs on either the uppermost chest or arms. However, within time innumerable patterns, symbols, and applications appeared.

Yet, no matter how you go on about the kind of design that you like, we’ve put together a selection of some Celtic tattoos to give you plenty of motivation. Despite most of the tattoos being done in black ink, because of the tradition, you can add various colors to make your tattoo pop.

  • Celtic Bird Tattoo

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Celtic birds look remarkably beautiful. They are way more complex than the flowers or other curves and look marvelous. They generally hold celestial significance and are more cherished among the ladies. You can get one made anyplace on your body like on your arm, leg, shoulder, waist anywhere at all! Birds meant a higher vibration of existence for the Celtics since they employed their times flying in superior skies

  • Cross Celtic Tattoo

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Many Celtic tattoos form to represent a cross sign that holds some religious significance. You can get yours done with a set of circles or curves that are entwined around the cross. The cross design is mostly done in black and white ink, but you can use colorful inks to enhance your tattoo design. Here in this tattoo, the tattoo artist has used a combination of green and yellow colors.

  • Triquetra

celtic tattoo

The triquetra is a Latin word meaning three-cornered. It indicates to the three-sided triangular design and expresses various meanings like spirit, cosmos, nature or one’s beingness. The trinity representation which is the triquetra along with a circle is seldom used to express the different moon and sun phases. It basically symbolizes the lunar goddess of the Celts and is a representation of beauty and the female spirit.

  • Fish Celtic Designs

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Fishes dive deep into the sea waters and leave us far behind upon our lands. Thus, fish logos portray the depth and a greater level of contemplation. They also typify brilliance and perfection.

  • Butterfly Celtic Design

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Butterflies signify youthful happiness and a sense of wonder. The well-known idiom- “social butterfly”, is apt to express this tattoo’s importance. The butterfly design can be made attractive by adding various kinds of curves.

  • The Dara Celtic Knots

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This is a knotted Dara Celtic tattoo design and is very popular among the tattoo wearers. It is representative of many things including power, wisdom, strength and leadership qualities. Because of its resemblance to the oak tree, it also points towards the importance of being rooted in our traditions.

  • Quaternary Celtic Tattoo

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This kind of Celtic designs are widely popular and are known as Quaternary Celtic tattoos. The placement area is quite perfect as the tattoo is not too big. The four ends of the tattoo are very significant as they represent the four elements of the universe which are body is made up of too. They include fire, water, air, and earth. In a way, it also represents infinity since there is no exit in the design. Each curve is linked to another one and the knots are rather endless.

  • The Triple Spiral Symbol

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The triple spiral symbol signifies the feminine powers of the maiden, the mother and the crone. It exemplifies the power that one gains through the alteration of growth. It holds a deep meaning. But often people use it in their designs without truly assuming its implications. The tattoo is also done with a lifelike 3D effect to make it look novel and appealing.

  • Side Tattoo

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Tribal Celtic tattoos make use of all sorts of Celtic knots and symbols. They are gorgeous and somewhat browbeating to look at. They also express distinctive elements of nature like the sun, moon, air, etc. They also symbolize the pride with which they carry the tribal culture and heritage. Tribal tattoos are often evidence of strength, valor and chieftain qualities.

  • Tree Tattoo

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By Celtic tattoos, we frequently talk about the tribal ones which are made up of tribal patterns along with Celtic lines and knots. However, the truth is that there are plenty of other types when it comes to Celtic tattoo designs for men because you can get a lot of other designs that can be expanded with the help of Celtic lines and designs. This tree design symbolizes the deep kinship with their roots which are difficult to uproot.

  • Celtic Owl

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It is a trend nowadays to get Celtic tattoos done but we often fail to surmise the Celtic tattoo meaning of most of them. Here we can see this owl and moon design where we observe the scene of a night where the owl can be seen in the light of the moon. The body of the owl is totally done with the help of Celtic lines which means psychic awareness and knowledge about other worlds

  • Bold Tattoo Design

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This one is also a Celtic cross but very distinctive from the previous one because this is much more audacious and does not have any kind of color in it. Also, this is one of the most suitable ideas for Celtic tattoo designs for men with the grunge and Gothic look and the rich design of course. The detailing of the cross is done with the Triquetra Celtic knots and looks beautiful completely. The Celtic knots make each part look very broadened.

  • Celtic Heart Tattoo

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With a deep meaning, this is one of the best Celtic cross tattoo designs. The meaning of this pattern is the combination of a heart and a cross where it is shown how you can purify the heart with a cross. There is a supernatural relation between across and the human heart and here a person’s hands are displayed containing the heart. This is a very sensitive tattoo and is mainly a one chosen by the spiritual-minded people.

  • Compass and Shield Celtic Design

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It is noble to see how simple Celtic lines and knots can become bases of the most superb tattoo designs and this is yet another pattern of the most beautiful Celtic tattoos for men which can best ornate the well-puffed arms and muscles of the hunk. Here the picture is of a shield on which we can even see a compass done. There must be some indications of both of these and collectively they make an awesome alliance absolutely.

  • Whole Body Celtic Design

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Tattoos are a passion for a lot of people and this one is a perfect illustration of this notion. While Celtic tattoos for men are very prevalent women such as this one breaks all rules to get a look like this one. Her whole body is inked with tattoos where Celtic lines are forming the base of almost all designs if you take a very close look at her. She looks impressive with all the body art and it surely needs a lot of courage to get something like this done.

  • Celtic Warrior Design

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This tattoo is specially made for people who believe in the power of a true combatant spirit. Celtic warriors are symbols of strength, durability, and manhood. They also signify status, action, and heroism. Many people especially the men get these tattoos done to typify that they are warriors in their family, who can bring in light even in absolute darkness. These tattoos also mean that the person is trustworthy and reliable.

  • Celtic Dragon Design

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A Dragon is one of the important motifs in Celtic mythology. They are recognized as symbols of the highest power and strength. Celtic dragons also symbolize wisdom and status. They are known to be the protectors of the family and also leaders of their clan. Celtic dragons are also seen as emblems of immortality. However, another way to look at Celtic dragons is to equal them to anarchy, chaos, and death, with the head and tail wrapped into a knot.

  • Celtic Flower

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This beautiful Celtic flower tattoo is a representation of love, affection, and attachment. It also indicates mothership. Just like the way a mother and child are combined with the umbilical cord, the two flowers are interconnected using the Celtic knot. The complicated part of this design is that the tattoo symbolizes role reversal after a few days, wherein the older days, the child becomes a protector of her own mother.

  • Celtic Dream Catcher

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The Celtic dreamcatcher tattoo is authentically inked. Dream catcher circle is crafted by perpetual Celtic knotwork. If you want to imply that you are a person of Celtic heritage then it’s the most reliable way.

  • The Celtic Motherhood Knot

celtic tattoo

The Celtic Motherhood Knot tattoo, also referred to as the Celtic Mother’s Knot tattoo has two hearts that are tangled continuously in a knot without any end. It implies a mother and a child relationship in the best way for Celtic or Irish people.

  • Celtic Eagle Tattoo

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This is a Celtic design done on the shoulder of the wearer and it represents two eagle heads which stand for strength and power.

  • Cool Celtic Arm Bands

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This Celtic design is quite unique as it mirrors an armband. It is quite fashionable as it almost replaces the accessory itself. The wearer has inked the design in a brown shade but another good idea is to add multiple shades of colors.

  • Behind The Ear

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If you are looking for a miniature design to show your care for your culture than seek this Celtic symbol. It harmonizes snugly behind the ear and isn’t much flashy.

  • Celtic Moon Tattoo

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If you like the moon and everything to do with its animate spirit then try this tattoo out. It’s appealing with the cat sitting on the luna gazing down on the world.

  • Celtic Back Tattoo

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On the upper back of the woman, she has a Celtic dragon thor’s hammer with runes and skulls that looks very vicious. There are more elaborate Celtic tattoos ideas like this that are carried by people who want to express pride in their exquisite artwork.

  • Celtic 3D Tattoo On Arm

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These tattoos come in various shapes and images which involve the never-ending loops, that signify the vicious cycle of life and death that never ends. Another component is the orbicular rings that express the connection to the religious powers.  What is impressive in the tattoo below is the 3D effect generated through shadows and which allows an even more deep-seated meaning to the whole design.

  • Celtic Tattoo With a Compass

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These tattoos look quite remarkable. The hooks and knots used in their design, all fall in the accurate place with the black color that flawlessly improves and mingles well with the body complexion. The tattoo above is quite extensive and fits perfectly in the place where it is worn.

  • Celtic Full Arm Tattoo

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The tattoo above is a full tattoo that embraces the whole of the lower foot.  Only black ink is used, nevertheless, the intricate design and gray fill at some of the places, make it exciting. It’s essential to note that in most cases it’s the wearer that gives meaning to the type of tattoo work. The below design is blended with other elements which at times change the application of the symbol used and become an intimate message that the wearer wants to communicate to the world.

  • Celtic Tattoo With a Knife

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It’s remarkable to note that in most cases it’s the wearer that conveys significance to the type of tattoo that is worn. The below design is consolidated with other components which at times change the significance of the symbol used and become a private message that the wearer wants to communicate to the world.

  • Personalized Celtic Tattoo

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The tattoo below articulately portrays the meaning the wearer wants to communicate due to the quotes and wordings used.  This makes it unquestionably, a personalized tattoo.

  • Celtic Heart Tattoo

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The Celtic heart tattoo is ordinarily carved in the shape of a knot. This knotted heart can propose two things: it can showcase a deep bond with a loved one, or it can symbolize eternal life. No matter which version you choose, this tattoo will look captivating. These tattoos can be worn on the arms, the neck, or over the chest.

  • Celtic Shamrock Tattoo

celtic tattoo

The Celtic shamrock tattoo draws its foundations from the early days of St. Patrick in Ireland. It is essentially an etching of the Holy Trinity. It also persists for the trio of hope, faith, and love. At times, a four-leaved shamrock is done, where the fourth leaf describes luck. Celtic shamrock tattoos can be a precise fit for your wrists, arms, neck, ankles, and toes.

Once you go through this list, you will observe that although these tattoos might seem simple, they are in fact quite complicated to be made by the tattoo artist. However, despite the complications, there is a lot of significance to the Celtic tattoo designs and that is probably why these tattoos are very popular. They have been a part of many cultures ever since time immemorial.

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  1. Denise

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