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

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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

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.

 

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;

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;

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; 

Collarbone;

Shoulder;

Underbelly;

Neck.

Boys are choosing more traditional places:

Shoulder;

Arm;

Rib;

Rear.

 

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.

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.

Popular Variants Of Anchor Tattoo

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

Anchor and rose symbolize love, honor and selfless sacrifice.

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

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

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.

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,

mermaid,

with ropes,

with abstract patterns.

The image sometimes supplemented by inscriptions that add meaning.

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

 

and Hilary Duff.

Kelly Osbourne

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

Another anchor tattoo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sketches of the Anchor tattoo