An archaeological discovery in 2015 uncovered a tattooed body that scientists say dates to approximately 3250 BCE. Through millennia, we've used tattoos for cultural, medical, functional, cosmetic, identifying, and other purposes. Celebrities seem particularly interested, some even obsessed, with this type of body art. While they generally try and keep their private lives private, they usually showcase their tattoos proudly. According to the late stand-up comedian and social critic George Carlin, in the past, people got tattoos to set them apart from the vast majority who didn't have them but then nowadays, they try not to get tattooed because most people already have them! Either way, let's have a look at our favorite celebs body art!
Check out our list of personal and deeply meaningful, or just outrageously cool tattoos that celebrities have!
Lady Gaga - A French Rose and Musical Notes
Lady Gaga's new tattoos have the world buzzing. She premiered her La Vie En Rose tattoo first on social media and then on the red carpet at the 2019 Academy Awards. Now, the symbolism behind this particular rose is very special. Listening to Lady Gaga sing La Vie En Rose is what made Bradley Cooper choose her for the role of Ally in A Star Is Born. Not only that, but the same song convince's Bradley's character Jackson Maine to fall in love with Lady Gaga's character Ally on screen. Lady Gaga also got musical notes tattooed on her body that reads G-A-G-A (if you know how to read musical notes). The thing is people who know all about music discovered that when you convert the chords into the bass clef, they then read B-C-B-C. Hmm, definitely interesting!
Zayn Malik – A Mandala Flower Head Tattoo
Zayn Malik, known as Zayn, is a singer whose career began in 2010, after his entry in The X Factor. He was eliminated but was later called to be a part of One Direction. Zayn left in 2015 and began his solo career, with his first album titled Mind of Mine debuting at #1 in the US and the UK, making Malik the first male British artist to ever achieve that. In 2018, he released Icarus Falls, his 2nd solo album. Zayn is known by his many tattoos and, in April 2018, he shared a photo of his new mandala flower tattoo on the left side of his head.
This next celebrity got a bigger tattoo to cover up the smaller one.
Tulisa – A Unicorn Covering A Yin-Yang Symbol With Its Wing
Tulisa is a songwriter and singer, who became successful as a part of N-Dubz, a British hip-hop trio. They had commercial success and numerous accolades. Tulisa was one of The X Factor UK’s judges in 2011 and 12, and also released a debut single called Young, which reached #1 in the UK. She also had starring roles on Demons Never Die and Big Fat Gypsy Gangster. Tulisa reportedly has five tattoos on her body. The Unicorn she has on her right shoulder blade is actually covering a Yin-Yang symbol, which is barely visible if you look closely at the Unicorn’s wing.
Click next to check out one of the latest tattoos that Miley Cyrus got.
Miley Cyrus – Numerous Tattoos Of Her Pets
Miley Cyrus is a world-famous singer who was actually a teen idol after acting in the TV series Hannah Montana. Miley is also the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, a multi-platinum famous country music artist. She released six studio albums so far, with the latest Younger Now from 2017 ensuring her continued success. She is also known as a strong animal rights advocate and even has tattoos of her pets. The photo above shows a tattoo Miley revealed in 2017, of her dog named Mary Jane. Meanwhile, Miley is now a young married woman since late 2018, to actor Liam Hemsworth.
Would you tattoo your favorite actor's role to show your admiration?
Drake – Tattoo Of Denzel Washington From The Movie, Mo’Better Blues
Drake is a rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, and entrepreneur from Canada, who first became known by his role on Degrassi: The Next Generation. He debuted #1 in the US with his album Thank Me Later, that came out in 2010. His subsequent releases were all a commercial success and Drake earned a Grammy for his 2011 album Take Care. Drake’s albums even set several chart records and, as of 2019, his net worth is estimated at $140M. In 2017, Drake showcased his new tattoo. It is a portrait of actor Denzel Washington in his role of Bleek Gilliam from Mo’Better Blues.
Justin Bieber seems to be running out of skin surface fast...
Justin Bieber – Tattoo Sleeves Instead Of Clothing?
Justin Bieber is a world-famous singer, who was discovered via his YouTube covers. His first EP titled My World reached platinum and he was launched into stardom. Seven songs of that EP charted on the Billboard Hot 100, making Justin the first artist ever to achieve that. Justin’s success continues to this day, as he's sold over 140 million albums and his personal earnings are an estimated at $265M, so far. He reportedly has between 50 and 60 tattoos on his body, with both of his arms covered from shoulders to wrists. A large eye on Justin’s left arm is said to be a tribute to his mom, Pattie Mallette.
Ariana Grande has a tattoo to remind her of a particularly painful, unfortunate moment.
Ariana Grande – A Bee Tattoo To Remember The 22 Victims In The Manchester Disaster
Ariana Grande is a famous singer and songwriter, who began by performing in musicals on Broadway and then transitioned to TV shows like Victorious. After the Music from Victorious soundtrack, on which Ariana participated, she went on to release four albums, three of which reached #1 in the US. Ariana’s latest album, Sweetener, came out in 2018 with 5th on the way. After the one-year anniversary of the terrible tragedy that occurred on her Manchester concert in 2017, she tattooed a bee behind her ear to remember the 22 victims who died that day. The bee is Manchester’s historical legacy, a symbol from the days of the Industrial Revolution.
Some people match their personality with a spirit animal and showcase it as a tattoo.
Demi Lovato – Iron, Like A Lion, On The Left Hand
Demi Lovato is a singer and songwriter, who began her career as a child actress. She was on Barney & Friends, Camp Rock, and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. Demi later transitioned to singing and released six studio albums so far, with seven of her songs ranking in the top 20 in the US such as This Is Me, Here We Go Again, Heart Attack, and others. In 2017, Demi posted a photo with a giant lion head tattoo on her left hand. The tattoo was inked by Keith ‘Bang Bang’ McCurdy, who is known as an artist behind many celebrity tattoos.
Let's face it, nothing Lady Gaga does would surprise us anymore. Click next to not be surprised.
Lady Gaga – Moth Into Flame, Tattooed On The Back
Lady Gaga is a world-renowned musician, singer, and actress. Her trademark provocative and ‘weird’ dressing style is as much a part of her persona as her talent. Her debut album The Fame immediately became popular all around the world, with others continuing the same tradition. Some of her popular hits include Poker Face, Bad Romance, Telephone, Alejandro, and many others. In 2017, she published a photo of a giant moth tattoo on her back, after her collaboration with Metallica. It was apparently inspired by the band’s recent album Moth Into Flame and led to much online speculation if it was permanent.
Some tattoos are deeply personal, with their meaning a mystery to the public.
Hilary Duff – Arms & Roses
Hilary Duff is a known actress, author, songwriter, and singer. She was a teen idol when she was in Lizzie McGuire and the spin-off movie The Lizzie McGuire Movie, in the early ‘00s. She is also known from Agent Cody Banks, Cheaper by the Dozen 1&2, Material Girls, and many others as she also released a musical album for the Disney Channel. The album is called Santa Claus Lane, as Hilary later released four more successful albums. She also has her own designer brand - Stuff by Duff. Hilary got a realistic rose tattoo in 2016, on the inside of her right arm.
Iggy Azalea got a tattoo of a famous painting. Click next!
Iggy Azalea – Botticelli Meets Disney In The Birth Of Venus Tattoo
Iggy Azalea is a singer, rapper, songwriter, TV personality, and model from Australia. Her first full project was Ignorant Art mixtape, while her debut album titled The New Classic reached top five on multiple charts worldwide. Azalea’s most recent release is an EP called Survive the Summer and as of 2018, she has a staggering 2.6 billion views on her YouTube channel. In 2016, Azalea published photos of her new tattoo of the Goddess Venus, on her forearm. Apparently, it was meant to resemble Botticelli’s painting The Birth of Venus only Disney-fied, as Azalea later explained.
Some tattoos are meant to invite challenge and dare the devil, as they say.
Halsey – A Tattoo That Invites Misfortune
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, or just Halsey, is a singer and actress. ‘Halsey’ is her first name’s anagram but also refers to the NYC subway station Halsey Street, in Brooklyn. She was a Social Media artist at first and after she gained enough attention, Astralwerks signed her in 2014. Her debut album Badlands achieved platinum sales, while her most recent single, Without Me, from 2018, marked Halsey’s first #1 entry on Billboard Hot 100. Halsey’s horseshoe tattoo was inked by Joshua Marks. According to celebrity news, its being upside down signifies misfortune and this is a particularly bad omen for the one wearing it.
Some people honor their parents with their body art.
Katie Waissel – My Mom Is The Goddess Of Love
Katie Waissel is a singer and songwriter who was 7th on The X Factor and also participated in Celebrity Big Brother 18, where she finished 8th. As she built her fame, Katie steadily began her music career with an EP called Songs from Under the Covers. She has released her debut album Katie Waissel in 2011 and still competes on reality TV shows. Her ‘Goddess of Love’ tattoo is a tribute to her mom. It was inked by Dan Gold, known from London Ink show, while the tattoo is located on her lower back. We wonder what kind of skin care she has for that...
In spite of everyone's malice and ill intent, there's nothing better than to display your own triumph through a glorious tattoo. Right?
Sarah Harding – Don’t Be Bitter - Glitter
Sarah Harding became famous after her audition for Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 and her admission to the Girls Aloud group. The success of the girl group was huge, with all of their albums reaching platinum and 20 consecutive singles making it into the top 10 in the UK. Sarah also did some acting and appeared on Bad Day, Freefall, Run for Your Wife, and others. In 2017, Sarah won the Celebrity Big Brother 20 while the latest celebrity news announced she is working on a new album. She has an intriguing tattoo of two phoenixes on her back, with a message in-between saying ‘Don’t Be Bitter – Glitter.'
Some tattoos can tell an entire life story...
Rob Kardashian – Jesus Weeps Over A Heart In Thorns
Rob is naturally known as a member of the famous Kardashian family. He has a recurring appearance on Keeping Up with the Kardashians (now on its 15th season) and its later spin-offs. Rob was also seen on Dancing with the Stars as he, like most of his siblings, earns his paychecks mostly from endorsements. He and some of the Kardashians reportedly get between $75K and $300K for a single Social Media post about Coca-Cola. On his left upper arm, Rob has a large tattoo of Jesus crying above a heart crowned in thorns.
Cheryl Cole didn't spare any skin space to get what she wants.
Cheryl Cole – A Large Portion Of My Body For A Rose Garden Tattoo
Cheryl is a well-known singer and TV personality, who first rose to prominence as part of the Girls Aloud group. She also released four albums as a solo performer, with the latest one Only Human being released in 2014. Cheryl had a few record-setting achievements during her solo career, while she also became a sort of a photography icon, appearing on British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle covers. Latest estimates report that she has approximately $30M in her bank account. In 2014, Cheryl showcased her big tattoo that stretches from the middle of her back down to half of her thighs.
Sometimes, we need a constant reminder of the good things in our lives. Why not tattoo them like what Harry Styles did?
Harry Styles – A Ship To Take Him Home
Harry Styles is best known as a member of One Direction. He was selected for the band after his 2010 audition for The X Factor. He released his debut solo album called Harry Styles in 2017 and it topped the US and UK charts. That same year, Harry made his acting debut on Dunkirk while in 2018, Sunday Times ranked Styles #3 on its 'Under 30 Rich List' with an estimated $64M in his account. He has numerous tattoos all over his body, all with their own specific meaning. This ship tattoo on his left upper arm reminds Harry of home and, as he describes it, of going there whenever he has spare time.
Tattoos can also symbolize a big change we are going through.
Chris Brown – Half Wolf, Half Indian Chief
Chris Brown is a known singer and songwriter from America whose debut self-titled studio album reached #2 in the US and achieved double platinum. He released eight albums so far, with the 9th announced for 2019. Chris is also famous, or rather infamous for incidents of domestic violence which included Rihanna, Brown’s then-girlfriend, that led to his arrest. This tattoo on the right side of his neck is of an Indian Chief who appears to be half wolf or turning into one. Chris did not disclose the meaning of the tattoo.
Colin Farrell is proof that tattoo removal is always an option.
Colin Farrell – Tattoos Are Not Forever?
Irish talent Colin Farrell grew to become a world-renowned actor and a symbol of male good looks in entertainment. He debuted in The War Zone in 1999, and other movie roles soon followed. He was on Tigerland, Phone Booth, The Recruit, S.W.A.T., and many others. He was most recently seen in the movie Windows, in 2018. Colin had a tribal tattoo on his right shoulder and upper arm at one point, as seen on the photo above, but he had eventually undergone laser tattoo removal procedures to remove it.
Jodie Marsh is definitely addicted to ink. Click next and behold!
Jodie Marsh – Just An Every Day Pin Up Girl Tattoo
Jodie Marsh is a known media personality, and also for her modeling, bodybuilding, and even writing. She was seen on Celebrity Big Brother, The Kevin Bishop Show, The Weakest Link, Snog Marry Avoid?, and also had her own Totally Jodie Marsh show. Jodie published her autobiography called Keeping It Real, reaching the top 10 best-sellers and she writes her own columns for several publications. She has 22 tattoos at least. The left upper arm we see on the photo is of a pin-up lady with various everyday items women use, like lipstick, footwear, mirror, etc…
A picture can say a thousand words, and so can a tattoo.
Tom Hardy – The Child Becomes The Parent
English actor Tom Hardy studied method acting at the famous King’s Cross Drama Centre London. He debuted in Black Hawk Dawn and went on to gain bigger and bigger roles. Tom was on RocknRolla, Bronson, Warrior, The Revenant (which got him an Oscar nomination), Mad Max: Fury Road, Legend, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and his latest box office hit, Venom. He was also in a string of TV shows, of which he even co-produced, created, and starred in Taboo. Hardy is known as the ‘king of questionable tattoos.' This tattoo is of Madonna holding a baby and, as Tom puts it, signifies his own maturity and care for his family.
Some strong symbols can tell an entire story of a man's or in this case, a woman's character. Click next!
Lena Headey – A Bird & An Exotic Flower Tattoo
Lena Headey is known to younger audiences from the enormously popular Game of Thrones drama series on HBO (reportedly, the series will end with its 8th season in April 2019). But Lena was also on Waterland, The Brothers Grimm, 300 and its sequel 300: Rise of an Empire, The Jungle Book, Dredd, and she recently had a few voice-acting roles on Danger Mouse, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and others. On her upper back, Lena tattooed a bird and a red Lotus. The bird symbolizes freedom and hope, while Lotus is a sign of love, passion, compassion, and zeal.
Click next and judge the meaning of this girl's tattoo for yourself.
Audrina Patridge – A Heart, an Apple, A Snake & The World, All In One Tattoo
Audrina Patridge is a TV personality and presenter, best known from The Hills, which followed the lives of Audrina and her friends. She was also on Dancing with the Stars and had her own Audrina reality show. As far as her movie roles go, she was on Sorority Row, Scary Movie 5, and a couple of others. She was married to Corey Bogan briefly, giving birth to their daughter in 2016, but they split in 2018. Audrina has a tattoo on the back side of her neck that is a combination of a heart and an apple, with a snake around it. The snake’s skin appears to have the world map on it.
If you were a famous writer, would you tattoo a scene from your favorite book, written by your favorite writer? Never forget your roots!
Lena Dunham – Tattoo From A Book Of A Writer's Favorite Writer
Lena Dunham is an actress, producer, director, and writer. She was at the helm of HBO’s show Girls, which ran from 2012 to 2017 and earned Lena several Emmys and Golden Globes. She also went down in history as the 1st woman to be awarded the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – In a Comedy Series. Lena has a semi-autobiographical movie, Tiny Furniture, and she is the author of several novels. The two houses tattooed on her upper back are from a children’s novel titled Eloise by Kay Thompson.
People are sometimes so grateful to their parents that they want to express it every single moment for the rest of their life.
Kelly Osbourne – I Love My Mother
Kelly Osbourne is a singer and songwriter most famous for her family’s reality TV show, The Osbournes and for her famous father Ozzy, a heavy metal music legend. Kelly also designs clothing items and frequently appears on other TV shows and competitions, such as Dancing with the Stars, Project Runaway, and Australia’s Got Talent. She has close to 20 tattoos on her body and this one on her upper back are two pink wings and writing in French between them. It says ‘Je Vous Aime la Maman’ meaning ‘I love my mother.'
Mena Suvari told endless tales in just three words tattooed on her back.
Mena Suvari – Word, Sound, Power
Mena Suvari is an actress best known from American Beauty and from the original American Pie trilogy. She was also on Slums of Beverly Hills, Loser, Sugar & Spice, Rumor Has It, Stuck, You May Not Kiss the Bride, and many more. As far as TV goes, Mena also appeared on Six Feet Under, Chicago Fire, American Horror Story, and South of Hell. Mena has a lion’s face tattooed on the back of her neck and right under it the words ‘Word, Sound, Power,' with the particular meaning undisclosed so far.
Scarlett Johansson has a beautiful tattoo on her back, which is not seen in her movies. Click next and check it out!
Scarlett Johansson – Roses Are Red, Tattoos Are Permanent
Sources say that currently, Scarlett Johansson is the actress with the highest salary as she's been featured in Forbes multiple times on their Celebrity 100 list. Her most recent role of agent Natasha Romanoff a.k.a. Black Widow only confirms her status as a Holywood star. Scarlett was on North, The Prestige, Lost in Translation, Her, Lucy, and many more. In 2018, she showcased her new tattoo of roses and vines, spreading across her back. Scarlett’s daughter’s name is Rose, while the lamb inked beside it is an earlier tattoo.
David Beckham needs to stop with the tattoos for one simple reason...
David Beckham – Pretty Soon There Won’t Be Any Space Left On His Body
David Beckham is a world-famous football legend, who played for the Manchester United, Milan, Preston North End, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and represented England in national competitions. Now in retirement, David has 19 major trophy wins throughout his illustrious 20-year football career. Beckham, who's now in his early 40s, has over 50 tattoos, which include a representation of a famous painting ‘The Man of Sorrows’ on his torso, depicting Jesus on his way to being crucified. He also has several ones dedicated to his wife Victoria and his kids. Reportedly, his latest tattoo was in 2018 - that of the solar system.
A tiger is a symbol of strength and protection. Click next!
Ariel Winter – Tiger Protector
Ariel Winter is an actress best known from Modern Family and for her many voice-acting roles such as on Sofia the First and on Mr. Peabody and Sherman. As far as movies go, Winter was on Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Duress, Speed Racer, Fred 2, and Opposite Day, among others. She's been attending UCLA college since 2017 and her latest role was on The Last Movie Star. The tiger tattoo on her back was inked by Dr. Woo, with an old school technique using a single needle to achieve the fine lines. Ariel says she chose a tiger because it symbolizes protection she's received as well as given through life.
Some tattoos are just pictures of the things happening in your mind and soul.
Sara Paxton – Colorful Owl Tattoo
Sara Paxton is an actress best known from The Last House on the Left, Darcy’s Wild Life, Aquamarine, Return to Halloweentown, Sydney White, and others. She recently had a guest appearance on Twin Peaks revival in 2017, and in 2018, she was on The Front Runner. Paxton also announced her engagement to Zach Cregger in 2018. She's had the tattoo on her left arm for quite some time now. The colorful owl’s meaning is still undisclosed by Sara, although she does have at least two more tattoos –writing on her torso saying ‘la Bella Vita’ meaning ‘the beautiful life’ and another on the bikini line.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson shows his vulnerability and also the power to overcome his life's challenges in his tattoo.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson – Life’s Scars & Broken Bones In A Tattoo
Dwayne Johnson, simply known as ‘the Rock’ all around the world, is a semi-retired professional wrestler who became an in-demand actor. The Rock held various WWE champion titles several times. He met great success in acting too, with hits like The Scorpion King, The Fast and the Furious series, and many others. He also had a successful football career, and before that, he completed his bachelor’s degree in physiology and criminology. The Rock’s right arm tattoo covers an old small one and represents various details of his life with the title ‘Evolution of the bull. Blood, sweat & years.'
This tattoo is shrouded in mystery - nobody quite knows what it symbolizes.
Anne Hathaway - The Mysterious Tattoo
Anne Hathaway is a Hollywood darling. She is a phenomenally good actress with a list of Hollywood blockbusters under her belt. She also has a very wholesome and clean image. She has never been known to party hard or get into trouble with the law. That's why it may come as a surprise that Anne has a tattoo. Her tattoo is the letter M which is found on her left wrist. Nobody really knows the meaning of this tattoo but people speculate that it could stand for her older brother "Michael" or "McCauley" which is the maiden name of her mother. Perhaps it even signifies her astrological sign Scorpio which, as a glyph, looks like an M.
This is the ultimate remembrance for a loved one that has passed.
Jennifer Aniston - A Tattoo For Remembrance
Jennifer Aniston is still everyone's best friend. She is just so level-headed, gorgeous and really doesn't seem to age. She is also one of Hollywood's least likely to be a diva. As Rachel on Friends, everyone seemed to fall in love with her and her amazing haircut. She hasn't been so lucky in love with two big break-ups - that being Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux but at least her dog "Norman" loved her with all his heart and that's why she tattooed his name on the inside of her right foot to honor his memory. What an amazing tribute of love.
This actress' body tells a story with her 8 tattoos.
Christina Ricci - Are 8 Tattoos Enough?
Christina Ricci will always be remembered for 3 main performances in her life: That of "Wednesday Adams" in the Adams Family where she was still a young girl; that of "Kate Flax" in Mermaids playing alongside Cher and Winona Ryder; and finally that of "Selby Wall" playing Aileen Wournos' gay lover in Monster. Christina has always been a mysterious and interesting figure in Hollywood. She also has 8 significant tattoos. She has a fairy, praying hands, mermaid, swallow, the words "Move or Bleed", sweet peas, the name "Jack" after her pet that passed away and "Aslan" who is the lion from the movie The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe on her upper back.
A cool crown of a tattoo for the king of laughter.
Jamie Foxx - Tribal Power Tattoo
Jamie Foxx is a true Hollywood gem. From making us laugh back in the day in In Living Color with the Wayans brothers and Jennifer Lopez, to winning an Academy Award for his performance of Ray Charles in 2004's Ray, this man is a hard worker. He puts all his effort into his work and not only can act but has a great singing voice too. Jamie's tattoos are tribal symbols that stretches from ear to ear at the back of his head as well as on his arms, chest and back. The one on the back of his head almost symbolizes an African crown. Well, let's face it, Jamie is a king. He makes us laugh, he can even make us weep and he can make us dance too.
This starlet's tattoos match her mystical persona.
Sienna Miller - Stars Cover Her Body
Sienna Miller was really big star back in the early 2000's. She starred in really good movies such as 2004's Layer Cake and Alfie, 2005's Casanova, 2006's Factory Girl, 2007's Interview alongside Steve Buscemi and 2008's The Edge of Love for which she received a British Independent Film Award nomination for the category of Best Supporting Actress. Not only has she been recognized for her acting chops but for her exquisite beauty and bohemian fashion sense as well. Her father is American and her mother was a South African model. She has also dated a string of some of the hottest guys to hit celluloid. Her tattoos include three stars on her right shoulder, a star above her groin area and a swallow on her left wrist.
This actress' tattoo symbolizes overcoming one of her greatest battles in life.
Portia De Rossi - Riding Her Horse Saved Her Life
Portia de Rossi is one of those actresses that people really love to love. She was at the peak of her career when she portrayed sassy lawyer Nelly Porter in 1998-2002 on the hugely successful show Ally McBeal. People noticed Portia immediately. She had attitude, great style and was (and still is) very beautiful. After Ally McBeal she disappeared from the limelight. Amazingly, years later, she was in the limelight again when she started dating Ellen Degeneres. Eventually they married on the 16th of August 2008. Portia has a very special tattoo on her wrist. It represents the breed of horse that she rides which is the US Hanoverian. She posted a picture on Twitter at the end of 2014 that said and replied to a comment saying that riding her horse helped her overcome her eating disorder. Portia had suffered from eating disorders all her life.