Elephants are called as the largest land animals on earth. Just like other animals, elephants also have unique traits like beautiful unique structures, creative communications, impressive memories, intelligence, and loyalty which have always fascinated the human race. Because of all these qualities, the elephant tattoos are very common among people. Generally, an elephant tattoo symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and wisdom, but there is an endless list of different types of elephant tattoos, each having their respective meanings and explanations. Here, in this article, you will be going to know the different elephant tattoos along with their meanings. Scroll further to know the details.
1. ‘Tribal (Polynesian) Elephant’ Tattoo
Contents (Click to Jump)
Meaning: Tribal tattoos (Polynesian) are originated from the Polynesian culture, where Polynesians used the distinctive signs and symbols in the form of tattoos to express their respective personalities. Such tattoos consist of geometric designs, shapes, repetitive patterns of different figures, etc. which represent the rituals, cultures, and beliefs of the wearers. These tattoos are also called as the symbols of social status and family identification. It signifies cultural beliefs, traditions, family values, unity, good times, good luck, nature, and society.
2. ‘Baby Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: Baby Elephant tattoos represent innocence, creativity, optimism, gratitude, curiosity to learn new things, and growth. These tattoos come in different colors and styles depending upon the choice of the wearer. Many people get ‘baby elephant’ tattoos inked on their respective bodies to express love for their children. If this tattoo is accompanied by a balloon then it serves as the symbol of new beginnings and growth.
3. ‘Family of Elephants’ Tattoo
Meaning: These tattoos are mostly worn by the people who are attached to their families and friends. It represents family love, care, attachment, unity, emotions, feelings, bonds, ties, compatibility, children, blessings, etc. Getting a ‘family of elephants’ tattoo is a sweet gesture to express love and feelings for the family and loved ones.
4. ‘Elephant with Crown’ Tattoo
Meaning: Though a lion is considered as the king of the jungle, but an elephant is also not less than a king. Compassion, royalty, honesty, faithful, loyalty, and trustworthiness are some of the characteristics of an elephant. Getting a tattoo of an elephant with a crown often symbolizes such characteristics of the wearer. These tattoos are available in different designs, colors, and patterns to give them a unique royal look.
5. ‘Mandala Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: The word ‘Mandala’ is a Sanskrit word which means circle. A mandala tattoo is in the form of the circle comprising of different geometrical shapes and patterns which denote the whole universe (with its different stars and planets), the connection between soul and body, and the birth cycle. The mandala elephant tattoos have a great significance in Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian culture. It represents spiritual growth, protection, positivity, progress, and rebirth. This sort of art is also used as a symbol of protection from evil forces.
6. ‘Elephant with Trunk Up’ Tattoo
Meaning: An elephant with a trunk up tattoo represents growth, good luck, blessings from the universe, positive vibes, happiness, good health, wealth, success, respect, and prosperity.
7. ‘Elephant Couple’ Tattoo
Meaning: The elephant couple tattoo is a unique way to express love for respective partners. Elephants are considered as the most trustworthy, kind, loyal, truthful, and faithful animals. So, getting an elephant couple tattoo is a unique way to express the happiness to have a partner with such characteristics.
8. ‘Elephant with Butterfly Wings’ Tattoo
Meaning: An elephant tattoo with its ears as butterfly wings denotes new beginnings. These tattoos are very common to express the beginning of good times after a lot of struggles. These tattoos are decorated with floral patterns to give them a distinctive look. Most of the people get such tattoos inked on their backs to get more space for this beautiful art.
9. ‘Past Remembrance Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: Past remembrance elephant tattoo is a unique way to remember the good old times. There is a quote that perfectly suits the theme of this tattoo, which says,
All grown-ups were once children but only few of them remember it.”
10. ‘Half Lion and Half Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: Both lions and elephants are considered as the most dominating animals in the kingdom of the jungle. Both the animals have their unique qualities which makes them different from others. On one side, a lion represents authority, power, aggression, and strength. On the other side, an elephant represents patience, faith, intelligence, trust, loyalty, and royalty. Getting a half lion and half elephant tattoo is a unique way to express ones’ personality of having the traits of both animals.
11. ‘Symbol of Laos Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: The Indian elephant is the national animal of Laos (Land of a Million Elephants). Getting a tattoo of ‘symbol of Laos’ is a unique way to express love for both, the country Loas and the elephant.
12. ‘Lord Ganesha’ Tattoo
Meaning: Lord Ganesha is an elephant-headed Hindu God who is not only worshiped in India but also in different parts of the world. Ganesha is also known as Ganesh, Ganapati, Vinayaka, etc. He is considered as the ‘God of new beginnings.’ Ganesha tattoos are available in various poses, each representing different meanings. Having a tattoo of Ganesha in standing position in which he is standing above a rat denotes ‘Ganesha will remove all the obstacles of your life.’
13. ‘Elephant Hamsa’ Tattoo
Meaning: A hamsa tattoo symbolizes the hand of God that has spiritual powers. It is believed that the Hamsa tattoo brings good fortune to the wearer. Generally, it consists of patterns of flowers, shapes, beads, etc. with an eye (Eye of Horus) in the center. Sometimes instead of the eye, an elephant’s face is inked in the center which denotes good luck, protection from all evil forces, guidance, direction, progress, growth, and wisdom.
14. ‘Geometric Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: In this tattoo, different color themes and geometric shapes are inked to give the shape of an elephant. It’s a form of beautiful art that represents good luck.
15. ‘Elephant with Floral Tiara’ Tattoo
Meaning: The most common meaning of a floral tiara is royalty, growth, powers, authority, and responsibilities. An elephant with a tiara means positive growth, royal family, power, strength, good fortune, and courage.
16. ‘Elephant and Lion with Motivational Quote’ Tattoo
Meaning: This is a unique way to give a different look to your elephant tattoo. It represents the qualities of both an elephant (loyal, faithful, and respect) and a lion (powers, strength, strong, and courage). A motivational quote, “Be brave be strong” acts as a source of motivation during difficult times.
17. ‘Ornate Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: An ornate elephant tattoo is the one in which the elephant is decorated with beautiful patterns, designs, shapes, and symbols to give it a different unique look. These tattoos come in different color themes. It is a symbol of positive energies, excitement, the playful nature of the wearer, spiritual growth, and prosperity.
18. ‘Half Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: An elephant is a universal symbol of loyalty, growth, and good luck. The meaning of a half elephant tattoo is the same as the meaning of a general elephant tattoo. It’s just a unique way to give a different look to your tattoo. There is no specific reason or meaning behind it.
19. ‘Mum and Baby Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: It denotes the lovable bond between the mother and her child. This tattoo is inked as a symbol of love, loyalty, faith, trust, growth, positive aura, and emotions towards the family.
20. ‘Multicolored Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: Multicolored elephant tattoos are the symbol of creativity, growth, passion, joy, and growth. It also denotes the interest of the wearer towards creativity.
21. ‘Elephant holding a bunch of Flowers’ Tattoo
Meaning: An elephant holding a bunch of flowers denotes growth and good times after facing struggles in life. It denotes the divine love for God. This tattoo is a unique way to show love towards spiritual growth.
22. ‘Elephant made of Branches’ Tattoo
Meaning: This is one of the most beautiful elephant tattoos which you can choose. Several branches are formed in the shape of an elephant representing growth and progress.
23. ‘Elephant with a Barn Owl’ Tattoo
Meaning: Barn owl is a symbol of ultimate strength, knowledge, and wisdom, whereas an elephant is a symbol of growth, patience, and loyalty. So, a tattoo of an elephant with a barn owl represents that you will be able to overcome all the obstacles of life with patience and dedication. God will lead you to the correct path, just stay loyal and dedicated to your goals.
24. ‘Lines Pattern Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: An elephant tattoo with patterns of lines and different shapes has no specific meaning behind it. It’s just a unique way of getting an elephant’s tattoo on the body. You can also opt for different color themes to give your tattoos a unique and different look.
25. ‘Elephant reading Books’ Tattoo
Meaning: It denotes the love for acquiring knowledge.
26. ‘Elephant Lover’ Tattoo
Meaning: If you want to express your love towards elephants, getting a tattoo of ‘elephant lover’ is one of the best ways to do. This tattoo denotes the ‘animal lover’ trait of the wearer. It can also be inked to express love towards any other pet or the memories you share with them.
27. ‘Babar The Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: Babar is a fictional young elephant character who wears a green colored suit, who leaves the jungle in the process when his mother was killed by a hunter. After escaping from the jungle, he visits the big city, learns many things, and return to the jungle to bring the benefits of civilization to his fellow elephants. On his return, he is selected as the king of the elephant kingdom. The book was first published in 1931. Later, the shows were also telecasted.
28. ‘Baby Elephant holding a Shamrock Leaf’ Tattoo
Meaning: ‘Baby Elephant with a Shamrock Leaf’ tattoo represents holy spirits, spiritual guidance, and good luck. This tattoo is generally small in size and can be inked on wrist, fingers, behind ears, etc.
29. ‘Realistic Elephant Portrait’ Tattoo
Meaning: The black and gray realistic portrait tattoos are very common. If you want to give your tattoos a realistic dark-colored look, such types of tattoos are best. It denotes spiritual growth.
30. ‘Kewpie Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: Kewpie is the brand name of dolls which were first created by Rose O’Neill, an American cartoonist, as comic strip characters in 1909. A Kewpie elephant is an animal series of Kewpie brand. It’s a form of an elephant with a babyface.
31. ‘Jungle-Theme Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: If you love nature, this type of tattoo is best for you. These types of tattoos are called jungle theme tattoos which depict the true beauty of nature. You can add different colors, trees, animals, rivers, etc. as per your choice to give it a uniquely beautiful look.
32. ‘Elephant with Crescent Moon and Lotus Flower’ Tattoo
Meaning: Lotus flower is considered as a symbol of divine beauty and purity. Crescent moon represents the cycles of birth, psychic abilities, spiritual aspects, and intuition powers. A tattoo of an elephant with lotus and crescent moon denotes spiritual awakening.
33. ‘Simple Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: This type of tattoo is very simple which consists of just the outline work. Generally, an elephant outline tattoo is small in size and is inked on either on the wrists or near ankles. It signifies good luck and new beginnings.
34. ‘Elephant with a Turban’ Tattoo
Meaning: An elephant with a turban and jewelry is often seen in Indian Culture, where any royal religious ceremony is conducted. In Indian culture, an elephant is considered as the divine figure of wisdom and knowledge. It is believed that elephants are symbols of spiritual growth.
35. ‘Old Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: These tattoos are inked to express love, care, affection, and respect, for grandparents or any other old member of the family.
36. ‘The Chained Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: It’s a beautiful art that denotes the realities of the circus. On one side the animals are seen performing the incredible stunts and dance for entertaining the people. But, on the other side, the reality is that the animals are being tortured for such performances. They are being tied up and humiliated. This tattoo gives the message that we should not humiliate and torture innocent animals.
37. ‘Elephant holding a Bicycle’ Tattoo
Meaning: A tattoo of an elephant holding a bicycle with his trunk signifies the good times, good fortune, blessings, spiritual growth, good health, correct decisions, and positivity all around.
38. ‘Elephant with Hearts’ Tattoo
Meaning: Tattoo of an elephant with hearts signifies the positive love relationship of the wearer. Generally, such a tattoo is inked along with the names of the lovers to express the love, affection, care, feelings, emotions, and respect towards the partner.
39. ‘Elephant with Floral Pattern’ Tattoo
Meaning: The floral pattern signifies natural beauty, love, passion, growth, and positivity. An elephant tattoo with a floral pattern denotes spiritual growth, divine love, divine love for nature, love in between the partners, and blessings.
40. ‘Watercolor Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: In a watercolor elephant tattoo, the splashes of different colored inks are applied, each denoting the colors of life. This tattoo has a very positive sign. It denotes that you have lived your life to the fullest which others aspire to achieve.
41. ‘Elephant Memorial’ Tattoo
Meaning: A memorial tattoo is a way to express your feelings for a loved one. It symbolizes peace and good memories.
42. ‘Tiny Mandala Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: A mandala tattoo represents the whole universe. These tattoos are worn by the people not only for fashion but these also act as a protection against evil forces. It denotes positivity, growth, progress, and protection.
43. ‘Heart-Shaped Elephants’ Tattoo
Meaning: It signifies love, passion, sacrifices, feelings, emotions, soul mates, and divine love.
44. ‘Little Dumbo Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: Dumbo is an American fantasy adventure film released in 2019 which involves the story of a family that works at a circus and encounters a baby elephant with extremely large ears who is capable of flying. If you want a cute baby elephant tattoo, this is one of the best options to choose from.
45. ‘Giraffe-Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: This is one of the most common ways to express the bonds. Many people opt for this tattoo to express their feelings, love, emotions, bond, and attachments.
46. ‘Sugar Skull Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: Sugar Skulls are the symbols of ‘Day of the Dead.’ These are the ink in unique designs with beautiful vibrant colors, which are used to honor the dead ones. Sugar skull elephants are also inked in the memory of the loved ones who have passed away.
Meaning: Origami is an art of folding colorful papers into decorative shapes. This form of art is widely used all over the world to develop hands coordination, skills, thinking abilities, and mental concentration. Origami elephant symbolizes strength, powers, good luck, and wisdom.
48. ‘Cosmic Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: A cosmic elephant tattoo signifies endless possibilities, divine powers, and spiritual growth.
49. ‘Salvador Dali Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: ‘The Dali Elephants’ is a painting by Salvador Dali, painted in 1948. Dali elephants are depicted with long legs and are shown carrying a heavyweight on their backs. It is a symbol of strength, powers, wisdom, immortality, and courage.
50. ‘Dream-Catcher Elephant’ Tattoo
Meaning: A dream-catcher is in the form of a circle representing the circle of life. It is often decorated with beads, feathers, and colorful decorative strings, which are used as s protection against evil forces and bad dreams. A tattoo of a dream-catcher elephant symbolizes positive energies, spiritual guidance, protection against evil forces, and angels’ blessings.
Celebrities with Elephant Tattoo
1. Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne got an ‘elephant face’ tattoo on her right forearm which she got inked in July 2016 by Los Angeles based tattoo artist, Dr. Woo.
2. Melanie Martinez
Melanie got the tattoo of ‘Elmer Elephant’, a fictional cartoon character from ‘Elmer Elephant’ which was released in 1936. She got this tattoo inked by the tattoo artist, Shon Lindauer in October 2015.
3. Lucy Hale
Lucy got a tiny elephant tattoo on her right forearm. She got this tattoo inked at the time of her visit to Cambodia in May 2018.
4. Paris Jackson
Paris got this tattoo in the memory of her father ‘Michael Jackson’ who died on June 25, 2009. The design of this tattoo is from the cover of Michael Jackson’s album ‘Dangerous’ which was released in 1991. Along with the tattoo of eyes of Michael Jackson, an outline of beautiful animals is inked including an elephant. She got this tattoo inked in May 2016 by the tattoo artist, Justin Lewis. After uploading the picture of this tattoo on her twitter account, she tweeted,
Never forget your roots. Always be proud of where you came from.”
5. Jackie Cruz
Jackie got a tiny elephant tattoo on her left forearm.
6. Ashley Greene
Ashley Greene got this beautiful elephant tattoo with an ‘Om’ symbol on it on her right wrist. She got this tattoo inked by the tattoo artist, Dr. Woo in July 2013.
7. Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes got a tiny elephant tattoo on the middle finger of his left hand.
8. Eleanor Calder
Eleanor Calder got an elephant tattoo near her right wrist.
9. Renee Phoenix
Renee Phoenix got a colorful elephant tattoo on her left hand.
10. Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood has got Hindu God ‘Lord Ganesha’ tattoo on her left arm. She got this tattoo inked in 2010 by the tattoo artist, Peter Koskela.
11. Jessica Plummer
In an interview, Jessica expressed her love for animals and said that elephants are one of her favorite animals. Not only this, after getting this tattoo, she tweeted,
I wanted a tattoo to represent Neon Jungle and also family, #ohana AND THEY LOVE PEANUTS!”
She got this tattoo inked in November 2013.
12. Tay Jardine
Tay Jardine got ‘Mandala Elephant’ tattoo on her left arm.
13. Molly Brazy
Molly got an ‘Ornamental Elephant’ tattoo inked just below her chest.
14. Scout Taylor
Scout Taylor got ‘Elephant Footprint’ tattoo on her left leg.
15. Samantha Maria
She got a large elephant tattoo on her right arm.
