The 150 Best Anchor Tattoos & Designs

As you might guess, the meaning of the Anchor Tattoo goes back to the theme of the sea. The meaning of anchor tattoo is a success, stability, hope. Tattoo with this symbol should protect the seafarer during a long journey, to help return home in safe and sound.

1. Full-Color Anchor Tattoo

This is one of the more vintage anchor tattoo designs that are still relevant even in 2020. Just because a style is vintage or classic, doesn’t mean that it is out of style!

2. Bird and Anchor Tattoo Designs

An anchor tattoo meaning is a little contradicting here. The bird is bringing the anchor upwards when an anchor is supposed to keep you grounded.

3. Basic Anchor Tattoo Design

The simplest anchor tattoo designs are either a standalone anchor or paired with a rope-like in this one. This anchor tattoo design also has a bible quote paired to it.

4. Compass & Anchor Tattoo Meaning

When an anchor tattoo is paired with a compass and a ship, then the anchor tattoo meaning might be leaning more towards a sense of being adventurous. What do you think?

5. Anchored to a Family

An anchor tattoo meaning is often linked to being bound to something. In the case of this anchor tattoo, the tattoo serves as a reminder to stay anchored to your family and to stay with them.

6. A Small Anchor Tattoo

This is as simple and vintage as an anchor tattoo can go. It’s just one anchor with ropes around it and that’s it! Talk about keeping it simple, isn’t it?

7. An Astronaut with An Anchor

To be traveling in space and still pulled down by the weight of an anchor… What do you think is the anchor tattoo meaning for this piece?

8. Anchor Tattoo in the Sea

Tattoo on the shoulder of the man – anchor

This tattoo shows an anchor tattoo right where it belongs – in the water. The slightly exaggerated features of the anchor make this tattoo look like something straight out of a comic strip.

Many of those who wear the tattoo in the form of anchor put in it a little bit different meanings. In their case, the anchor means house. It is a place where you can always go back. Therefore, such a tattoo can be seen not only between owners of maritime professionals but also among ordinary people.

9. Anchor Tattoo on the Neck

Having a decorated anchor tattoo sure makes this special! This just goes to show that not all anchor tattoos need to look the same. You can decorate it with golden and floral motifs too!

10. Simple Anchor Tattoo Design

This should be one of the simplest anchor tattoo designs in this list. It’s just one anchor as we always see it – no ropes, no extra decoration or fancy shadings. This will do, won’t it?

In addition, anchor of its shape resembles the cross.

In this regard, this symbol can be applied to religious meaning.

Anchor in the first place is for those who connected with the sea, such as sailors, travelers, residents of coastal cities and countries.

But this story may also have a symbolic meaning and symbolize the home, safety and universe.

An anchor is often used in the national symbolism of many coastal countries.

Tattoo anchor is ideal for people who love the water and sailing or looking for a haven in the everyday sea.

Tattoo on his hand man – anchor in water

The meaning of the tattoo anchor finds its roots by several thousand years ago.

It has maintained its popularity from the earliest Pirates until the present Marines and the US Coast Guard.

It was accepted as a symbol of love for the sea by thousands of sailors and pirates.

In general, the meaning of anchor of tattoo is hope, safety, salvation, strength and prudence, luck and fidelity, stability and confidence.

Tattoo on the back of a guy – an anchor with wings and skull

The Meaning of Anchor Tattoo in The Different Cultures

In Renaissance art anchor was often depicted with dolphins, as two opposites: a dolphin – the symbol of speed and playful, and the anchor – braking and validity.

Also, anchor can be the artistic tribute to some of the sea creatures or deities.

Tattoo on the edges of the girl – anchor and dolphin

The upper part of anchor often resembles a cross, so it has some connection with the Christian religion.

The anchor was one of the first symbolic signs of the early Christians, he was often depicted on the tombstones in the catacombs. And in the first place, it symbolized the hope for the salvation of Christians.

The image of the anchor is already present in the writings of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews. Later the anchor as a symbol of safety became the emblem of St. Nicholas.

Tattoo on the edges of the girl – an anchor-cross

Anchor in Egyptian art is represented as a symbol of the universe or the intersection of the union of masculine and feminine.

Anchor tattoo on the shoulder of the girl

In many countries, especially the Mediterranean, the anchor was associated with images of sea gods:

1. Neptune – Roman god of the sea (Poseidon in Greek);
2. Amphitrite – Greek goddess who protects sailors and generates the dolphins; 
3. Triton – a mythological creature by half is human and by half is fish; 
4. Varuna – the Hindu god of the sea, which according to tradition took under his wing people died in a sea.

The tattoo on his chest man – Poseidon

So, What Means Anchor Tattoo?

Strength and stability – anchor – that is what keeps the ship or boat in one place, even in the bad weather. 

Therefore, the image of the anchor often symbolizes morale and strength of will;

Strength and endurance – anchor holds a ship, even in the strongest storm. 

Tattoo anchor associated with the unique abilities of man to endure all for the purpose, to endure all the hardships;

The tattoo on his hand man – anchor and a ship in a storm

Faith and devotion – this value goes beyond the design of the anchor.

The anchor holds the ship in place, despite bad weather conditions, anchor tattoo often symbolizes devotion to the man whom you love;

Tattoo on the shoulder of the girl – anchor

Connection of two principles – the ancient Egyptians believed that anchor is a symbol of the connection between male and female nature.

Its lower part is the female principle, the upper part – the male.

Therefore, it follows another meaning of anchor tattoo is life.

Girls may select the following places for tattoo:

Wrist; 

Tattoos on the wrist of the girls – anchors

Collarbone;

Tattoo collarbone girl – anchors

Shoulder;

Tattoo on the shoulder of the girl – an anchor on a rope and flowers

Underbelly;

Tattoo in the abdomen of the girl – an anchor and flowers

Neck.

Tattoo on the neck of the girl – anchor

Boys are choosing more traditional places:

Shoulder;

The tattoo on the shoulder of a guy – an anchor on a rope

Arm;

Tattoo on his hand man – anchor and eagle

Rib;

Tattoo on ribs the guy – an anchor on a chain

Rear.

Tattoo on the rear of a guy – an anchor on a chain and a shark

Which Style Is The Best To Do The Tattoo?

Tattoo of anchor can be made of different styles.

It is very common to see Celtic anchor or simple anchor in tribal style.

Tattoo on his chest man – Celtic anchor and eagle

This design is concise and does not allow the presence of additional elements.

However, a simple image can be added by other components, such as flowers, rope or heart.

Tattoo on the lower leg of the girl – anchor with hearts and the words

Popular Variants Of Anchor Tattoo

Anchor and heart are one of the most popular images for lovers.

Tattoo on the shoulder of the girl – the anchor, the heart and the inscription

Anchor and rose symbolize love, honor and selfless sacrifice.

Tattoos on the hips of the girl – anchor and roses

Anchor and rope (chain) – is made, as a rule, by people associated with the work in the sea.

Tattoo on the hips of the girl – anchor on a chain and a rose

Anchor and Cross – this combination is also close to Christ, and it is often referred to as “cross of hope”.

Tattoo on shoulder man – the anchor-cross

Today, you can see the anchor tattoo anywhere on the body both women and men.  

Due to its compactness and brevity, this image can be placed even on a finger. That’s what makes some young couples when they have exchanged vows. Instead of wedding rings, they make a small tattoo on the ring finger.

Tattoo on the ring finger – anchors

If we look at any photo or sketch, we see that the image of an anchor is always performed in different styles.

It can be anchor without unnecessary elements, or a combination of the dolphin,

Sketch of tattoo – anchor and dolphin

mermaid,

Sketch of tattoo – anchor and a mermaid

with ropes,

Sketch of tattoo – anchor with rope

with abstract patterns.

Sketch of tattoo – anchor with a pattern of flowers

The image sometimes supplemented by inscriptions that add meaning.

Sketch of tattoo – anchor with the inscription

Celebrities Anchor Tattoos

Among celebrities, this beautiful tattoo is also very popular. The tattoo of a small anchor on the wrist was the subject of imitation in Miley Cyrus

Tattoo on the right wrist at Miley Cyrus – anchor

Tattoo on the right wrist at Miley Cyrus – anchor

and Hilary Duff.

Tattoos on the feet from Hilary Duff – anchor and inscription

Kelly Osbourne

Tattoo on the forearm at Kelly Osbourne – anchor

has a tattoo in the form of a fun-filled anchor. Beth Ditto repeated Osbourne, made a tattoo of anchor.

Tattoo on the right shoulder of Beth Ditto – anchor

Another anchor tattoo.

Tattoo on ribs the guy – an anchor, a lighthouse and a mermaid

Тattoo on the shoulder of the girl – an anchor, roses and inscription

Tattoos on the hips of the girl – an anchor, steering wheel and inscriptions

Tattoo on the shoulder of the man – an anchor in the form of a treble clef

Tattoo on the lower leg at the guy – the anchor and the skull

Tattoo on the hips of a man – an anchor and the words

Tattoo on the shoulder of the girl – the anchor and the ship

Tattoo on his hand man – anchor in water

Tattoo on his forearm men – anchor and helm

Tattoo on his chest man – two anchors and roses

Man tattoo on biceps – anchor

Man tattoo on biceps – anchor and the ship

Tattoo on the spine of the girl – anchor and roses

Tattoo on the hips of the girl – anchor and roses

Tattoo on the forearm of the girl – anchor and rose

Tattoo on the blade of the girl – anchor on a rope and roses

Tattoo on the blade of the girl – anchor and rose

Tattoo on his chest man – anchor and the sea

Sketches of the Anchor tattoo