The top 10 most popular animal tattoos in the world
Ever loved your pet so much that you want to commemorate their existence forever with a tattoo?
Or perhaps you’re obsessed with the wild majesty of earth’s creatures and wouldn’t mind an elephant inked on your back? Or maybe you just think a snake tattoo would look really cool?
Regardless of your connection to the varied species present within the animal kingdom, if you’ve ever considered getting an animal tattoo, you’re not the only one.
According to All About Cats research, searches for animal tattoos are in the millions but there are a handful of mammals and birds, plus a flying insect and a reptile, that keep trumping the rest.
These are the top 10 most popular animal tattoos in the world…
#1 Butterfly – 5,472,000 global searches
Butterflies took out the top spot of the list. The delicate, feminine creature represents transformation and metamorphosis, but is also a universal symbol of beauty. Fact: there is something undeniably elite about a pretty person with a butterfly tattoo.
#2 Snake – 2,637,000 global searches
Historically speaking the snake has always been an icon of healing, rebirth and immortality that represents the cyclical nature of life. But a snake tattoo also amplifies your cool factor by about 1000 per cent.
#3 Lion – 2,466,000 global searches
Though we’ll admit we’ve only ever seen lion tattoos on the bodies of Leos (Cara Delevingne we’re looking at you), the big cat is also a symbol of bravery and courage in the face of great adversity.
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#4 Wolf – 2,349,000 global searches
Much like the wolf’s natural propensity for loyalty, a tattoo of the animal tends to bear the same meaning. The wolf is tied to connotations of protection, devotion and love.
#5 Tiger – 1,495,000 global searches
As an apex predator that likes to roam the jungle alone, tigers typically denote an energy of raw power, plus strength, freedom and independence.
#6 Bird – 1,203,000 global searches
Birds in general have a spiritual meaning, as they represent a connection between heaven and earth. They can also be an emblem of freedom and happiness.
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#7 Cat – 1,003,500 global searches
Ever heard the saying a cat has nine lives? Turns out this popular proverb is linked to the cat as a symbol of resilience and luck.
#8 Owl – 1,056,000 global searches
A popular tattoo for those who’ve experienced a considerable mindshift, the owl is interpreted as a figure of great wisdom, mystery and magic. They are also considered to be spiritual guides and totems.
#9 Eagle – 1,331,000 global searches
An eagle tattoo is associated with an unbridled sense of freedom in life, that leaves one feeling safe and secure in all their endeavours.
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#10 Elephant – 1,059,000 global searches
A tattoo of the animal kingdom’s resident gentle giant alludes to an energy of strength, loyalty, good luck and divinity.
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Been wondering what Kendall Jenner’s tattoos mean? These are all of her tiny inkings explained.
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Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
