Key tattoos. Most people love tattoos with a story or meaning behind it. Next time you see one, you might be wondering, why that person decided to get that specific design. Key tattoos are one of the most popular meaningful tattoos. Some people choose to have a key tattoo, because popularly, a key’s job is to unlock. We often use the key as a metaphor, a cliché and a symbol of a secret. A key is also a mystery which is very interesting because you don’t really know what it unlocks.
We have gathered 44 Ingenious Key Tattoos to inspire you:
1. Skeleton key with ribbon

Originally posted by bestchoistattoo.blogspot.com via Pinterest
A key with a ribbon is not what you often see in straight men.
2. Crossed key tattoos

Originally posted by electrictattoos
I like the old fashioned design of the key and their big size.
3. No. 13

Originally posted by Rachel Polak
A skeleton key with number 13. The number could be meaningful to the person who got the tattoo.
4. Fairy-tale like key tattoo

Originally posted by skindeeptales
The artist did a great job, making the key tattoo look like it’s floating on the skin.
5. Realistic key tattoo

Originally posted by watchmyx
This tattoo has 3D effect making it look like a real key on the arm.
6. 2 keys belly tattoo

Originally posted by Jessica Leigh
I wonder which locks these keys open too. LOL
7. Almost arm size antique key tattoo

Originally posted by Lauren Lee
The white inks turned me off.
8. Lock and key chest tattoo.

Originally posted by ambiescooltatts
The colors are so vibrant, the artist did a great job.
9. Couples key tattoo

Originally posted by letme-rock-your-world
They are the key to each others heart. That is so sweet.
10. Crow and keys tattoo

Originally posted by 1337tattoos
I’m loving the effect on this. The crow looks so alive.
11. Crowned key tattoo

Originally posted by tylecraze.com via Pinterest
The key to her majesty’s bedroom. Pun intended.
12. Beautiful key tattoo

Originally posted by skindeeptales
Detailed yet it looks simply beautiful.
13. Eye balloon and key tattoos

Originally posted by tattrx
I love the idea, it is very original.
14. This is a nice feet key tattoo with a holder

Originally posted by thingsinmybody
The key has initials CS too.
15. Key through hand

Originally posted by illustratedgentleman
I have no idea what this means. Usually you see a key and a heart lock, but hand lock, I couldn’t think of any.
16. Harry Potter inspired key tattoo

Originally posted by lintaah
For the Harry Potter fans, here’s a Harry Potter flying key tattoo.
17. Heart stabbed with key tattoo

Originally posted by 1337tattoos
This is a morbid badass emo tattoo.
18. “Honesty is the Key”

Originally posted by Kristin Witzenman
Great idea.
19. Lock and key tattoo

Originally posted by knin3ink
Nicely done heart lock and key tattoo. It’s so neat and simple.
20. Dove carrying keys tattoo

Originally posted by
†☆LiNDZiSAURUSREXx♔☆ †
It’s funny that the keys are bigger than the dove, do you think it will be able to lift it in real life? LOL
21. Inner arm key tattoo

Originally posted by Alicia M
At first glance it looks like scissors.
22. Full back literally speaking skeleton key tattoo

Originally posted by pairadicetattoo.net via Pinterest
This one has love spelled on it.
23. Lock and key tattoos on both opposite arms

Originally posted by Reese Grutzik
24. 2 keys in 1

Originally posted by canvas-bodies
A music key and a skeleton key, very cute and clever.
25. Owl with key and lock tattoo

Originally posted by withoutregretz
Nothing is more adorable than an owl tattoo carrying a key and with a lock necklace.
26. Crafty key tattoo

Originally posted by Jessica Moore
This is a very creative key tattoo, combining craft materials and the key itself. Something I definitely consider of having.
27. Oriental design key tattoo

Originally posted by electrictattoos
28. Literally speaking, skeleton key tattoo

Originally posted by tattooxd.com via Pinterest
29. Black skeleton key tattoo with a skull design

Originally posted by Andrea Strong
30. Small key tattoo

Originally posted by smallxtattoos
31. Simple realistic key tattoo

Originally posted by inked-story
32. Multiple key tattoos

Originally posted by eastrivertattoo.com via Pinterest
33. Traditional style skeleton key tattoo

Originally posted by humanswithtattoos
34. Traditional key tattoo

Originally posted by fuckyeahtraditionaltattoos
35. Feathered watch key

Originally posted by †☆LiNDZiSAURUSREXx♔☆ †
36. Upper arm lock and key tattoo

Originally posted by xfadeawayyx
If you noticed, the key is also shaped like scissors.
37. Lock and key tattoo

Originally posted by spaghettiloups
Some people who get a key tattoo, also get a lock tattoo
38. Quote and key tattoo

Originally posted by †☆LiNDZiSAURUSREXx♔☆ †
39. Sparrow with key tattoo

Originally posted by slodive.com via Pinterest
40. Wolf biting the key tattoo

Originally posted by bennyaldrin
41. Variety skeleton keys

Originally posted by Hey Mercedes
42. Wrist key tattoo

Originally posted by Lindsay Thomas
43. Simple realistic key tattoo

Originally posted by styleofstyle.com via Pinterest
Very simple yet very beautiful.
44. Ankle key tattoo with ribbon

Originally posted by wonarts.com via Pinterest
Whether big or small, traditional or realistic, key tattoos are very cute and very meaningful to the wearer. Skeleton keys are very popular because of its beautiful and vintage look. The tattoo artist can make various key tattoos design despite it’s only the same object. Some people use it as a friendship bond, or a couple tattoo, sometimes key tattoos are matched with a heart shaped lock, one partner has the key, and the other has the lock tattoo.
Do you have plans of getting stomach tattoo? Check out our 30 Original Stomach Tattoos.
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