The anchor tattoos have been around for decades. It was trend among sailors and those who have lived most of their lives at the sea. But if you dig up its history, the anchor symbol was deeply associated with Christianity. It was their hidden symbol of the cross which also means hope and salvation. They used the anchor symbol to signify that they were Christians while escaping persecution of the Romans.
Later on, the anchor tattoos started to have different meanings. In the US Navy, they get this traditionally when they have crossed the Atlantic ocean, and among sailors, it meant strong foundation and stability. These days however, it stayed popular and those who have them tattooed on their body have their own meanings.
So here are 140 Best Anchor Tattoos ideas for your skin:
1. Back piece anchor tattoo
Originally posted by shutupandgivemehead
As you can see, this is a woman with an anchor tattoo at her back. There are more photos of women here with anchor tattoos than men. Probably women love to have their photos taken more than men.
2. Symbol of safety
Originally posted by shutupandgivemehead
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3. Twin anchor tattoos
Originally posted by bodymark
I think it looks cool in black and much more beautiful if colored.
4. Feminine anchor tattoo
Originally posted by tattooedbodyart
I love the effect of the roses here, so feminine.
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5. 3D effect
Originally posted by themarkedgirl
I love the 3D effect of the water drops and the femininity of its design.
6. Anchor tattoos for couples
Originally posted by tellmewecanfly
It probably means they are anchored to each other.
7. Colored anchor tattoo with heart
Originally posted by Holly Galotti
8. Anchor and birds tattoos
Originally posted by Natalie Vazquez
9. Small anchor tattoo
Originally posted by Beth
I love the placement of the anchor there. Something I would consider having soon!
10. Anchor and feather tattoos
Originally posted by Teagardins in Hollywood
I also have an article about feather tattoos which commonly means freedom. This is quite ironic since feather tattoos mean freedom and anchor tattoos mean being grounded or stability.
11. Anchor tattoo
Originally posted by rurdapilleta
I love the heart detail.
12. Colored anchor and roses
Originally posted by zepsternerd
The rose and anchor tattoos together symbolizes love, loyalty, honor and most of all ultimate sacrifice.
13. Anchor wrist tattoo
Originally posted by Eden Weiner
I prefer anchor tattoos to be small like this one.
14. Flowered anchor tattoos and others
Originally posted by Savanna Marie
I love the details of the tattoo and the perfect color of the flowers.
15. Anchor tattoo on rib
Originally posted by aussie-rusher
16. Colored anchor and rope tattoo
Originally posted by 1nkfliction
The rope and anchor tattoo is quite popular among sailors.
17. Rope, anchor and bird tattoos
Originally posted by Ashley Bickford
Don’t know what this means, but it look nice.
18. Anchor and tree
Originally posted by Cecilia Hoggatt
I don’t know what this means, but probably the owner of this tattoo couldn’t decide if he wanted a tree or an anchor so he got both at once! But that’s just me.
19. An anchor of flowers
Originally posted by Ashlie Bauer
20. Anchor with ship’s wheel and latitudes
Originally posted by Christy C
“I refuse to sink” cliche is commonly associated with anchor tattoos
21. Fouled anchor tattoo
Originally posted by Straun Fotheringham
Most navies have the fouled anchor tattoo.
22. Anchor and birds
Originally posted by helplesstv
love the idea of an anchor and birds combined together in a tattoo
23. Anchor, heart and ship’s wheel
Originally posted by barrettsmom
24. “Let it go”
Originally posted by rurdapilleta
25. Anchor tattoos with rope and chains on the other
Originally posted by connervelocity
Popular design among the US navy.
26. Anchor tattoos with initials
Originally posted by punktimes
27. Anchor with skull tattoos
Originally posted by trilldaughter
Could be a friendship bond among them.
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28. Simple small anchor tattoo
Originally posted by hopefortmw
29. “Maybe the past is an anchor holding us back”
Originally posted by juustinnn
Anchor tattoo with a nice quote.
30. Anchor and birds
Originally posted by brenda1994
I love the effects of the birds.
31. Anchor ankle tattoo
Originally posted by jaymeetstheworld
32. Simple anchor tattoo
Originally posted by answer-love
33. Anchor tattoo on calf
Originally posted by dixiestarr76
34. Anchor chest tattoo
Originally posted by owl-vortex
A good placement of an anchor tattoo
35. Couple anchor tattoo
Originally posted by dragonprincess76
36. Cool anchor tattoo
Originally posted by in-love-with-bed
37. Nice anchor tattoo
Originally posted by belieberalina
I love the pastel color of the flowers and the rustic effect of the anchor.
38. Anchor tattoo and purple flowers
Originally posted by shameylove
39. Wrist anchor tattooin black and gray
Originally posted by Megan Hermansky
40. Black and Gray anchor tattoo
Originally posted by Jessica Sanders
We all know that the heart symbol are always associated with love, and it makes the anchor tattoo more symbolic despite the simplicity of its design.
We hope our anchor tattoo history lessons helped you in some way. The anchor tattoo associated with other symbols have different meanings, sometimes it all depends upon the person getting it. You may combine the anchor tattoo with flowers, a heart or even birds. Back then, it was mostly men who get anchor tattoos, but these days, women get them too, and they make it look more fashionable than ever!
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