The Best Tattoo Ideas for Women: Top 10 Designs with Meanings

Getting a tattoo is always a brave decision. But choosing a design (especially if it’s your first time getting inked) is famously tricky. You want it to look good, but also to hold deep meaning and value, right? The design stays with you for your entire life, so it makes sense to think carefully.

So, let’s take a look at some absolutely iconic go-to symbols that can make lovely meaningful tattoos for women.

Popular & Meaningful Female Tattoo Designs

Rose Tattoos

The rose is a timeless symbol that is often seen tattooed as a singular rose on a stem, or part of a larger piece among vines, thorns, lettering, or even skulls and butterflies. Roses represent beauty, love, and passion. Due to their shape, and ability to be easily paired with other designs, roses can make a perfect meaningful female classy half-sleeve tattoo.

Butterfly Tattoos

Butterfly have a wide variety of meanings: beautiful and feminine, sometimes it is used to signify the loss of a loved one. Some people pick butterfly tattoos as they themselves have gone through a great change and self-development in their life.

Variations in colour of the butterfly also help to add a deeper meaning symbol. For example, a white butterfly can represent purity while a yellow butterfly can represent happiness and joy.

Due to the shape of butterflies, they can be a perfect design for small meaningful tattoos for females, or they can be an accent for a larger piece.

Dream Catcher Tattoos

Dream catchers are seen as a symbol of protection that can offer safety and ward away bad energy. It is believed they catch and protect you from negative thoughts and dreams.

While people choose dreamcatcher tattoos for their meaning, many also love dreamcatcher designs because they can be personalised to be either intricate or simple.

Arrow Tattoos

Arrows can have different meanings, depending on the number shown and the direction in which their pointing. A straight line arrow like this one typically symbolizes protection and defense from potential harm.

Cross Tattoos 

Cross tattoos are very popular, especially among women. They can represent your religion or spirituality or simply be seen as a beautiful piece of art.

Snake Tattoos

This list wouldn’t be complete without the classic snake tattoo. The design has been around for centuries and can be done in a number of ways. It’s often seen as a symbol of temptation or evil, but it can also represent wisdom and fertility.

Cat Tattoos

Cat meanings: spiritual instinct, fertility, richness, and healing. Cartoon style or fully black cat. It's a representation of how you're feeling at the moment.

In many Eastern cultures, the spiritual meaning of black cats can equate to a spiritual protector. It's believed that keeping a black cat in your home can even offer you protection from dark or evil spirits.

Matching Sun and Moon Tattoos

If your soul's passion is your best friend, there is no better way to showcase your pairing than with these stunning complimentary sun and moon tattoos.

Diamond Tattoos

Diamond meanings: unbreakable, unchangeable or invincible.

If diamonds are your best friend, this is the tattoo for you. You are as precious as a diamond, so why not?

Wings Tattoos

Wing meanings: freedom, liberation, victory, determination to overcome any adversity.

With a set of glorious wings permanently inked on your skin, you'll have a constant reminder that you are free to take flight at your will.

Where do tattoos look best on women?

Tattoos can look beautiful on various parts of a woman’s body, and the "best" placement really depends on personal style, body shape, and the desired effect. Here are some popular placements:

1. Wrist or Forearm: Subtle yet easily visible, perfect for delicate designs like words, symbols, or small images.

2. Shoulder or Collarbone: This area can accentuate femininity and is a great spot for floral or artistic designs.

3. Back: Both upper and lower back are popular choices for larger, intricate tattoos or designs that follow the spine.

4. Ribcage/Side: A very trendy spot, often chosen for meaningful quotes or large, flowing designs like flowers or animals. The ribcage is elegant but may be a bit more painful.

5. Thigh: A great place for larger tattoos, like portraits or detailed designs, and offers privacy since it's often covered.

6. Ankle/Foot: Ideal for smaller, delicate tattoos, and they can look very stylish peeking out from shoes or sandals.

7. Behind the Ear or Nape of the Neck: Subtle, hidden tattoos can be placed here for a discreet, personal touch.

8. Hip or Lower Stomach: Another intimate area, often chosen for designs that can be easily hidden or shown, depending on the outfit.

The choice ultimately depends on the desired visibility, personal style, and comfort level.