- Experts reveal the butterfly tattoo as the most searched design, with 45% more searches than any other
- Rose tattoos are the second most searched for design, according to the study
- The experts found dragons, flowers, snakes, and wolves among the other designs most searched, and reveal their hidden meanings
Tattoo artists at LLTattoo have revealed the ten most searched tattoo designs world over, and the meanings behind the ink.
LLTattoo examined tattoo design search terms on Google Keyword Planner regarding an array of the most common tattoos, to unveil which are the most searched globally, as well as individually in the US and UK. The experienced artists at the studio have then revealed the commonly accepted meanings behind each of the top ten tattoos.
Butterfly tattoos are officially the most searched tattoos. On average, globally, there are over 428,000 searches per month for “butterfly tattoo”. Frequently linked to mental well-being, the butterfly tattoo is a symbol of resilience but can also serve as a reminder of one’s past struggles, particularly those overcome. The cyclical nature of a butterfly’s lifeline also means the tattoo is seen to connote the essence of rebirth and hope.
Rose tattoos are revealed as the next most searched, with an average monthly search volume slightly below 295,000. The rose tattoo is traditionally most closely associated with love and romance, however, there are some who refute this more generic interpretation in favour of the symbolisation of spirituality and enlightenment, or in many cases, the commemoration of someone or something loved.
Tribal tattoos are the third most searched, receiving an average search volume of just under 260,000 per month. The term tribal tattoos is, of course, a slight umbrella term for symbols of culture and heritage dating back thousands of years. Different tribal tattoos can have completely different meanings, appearances, and associations with completely separate cultures. Generally the most commonly associated with the term are Maori tattoos, originating in the Maori tribes of New Zealand. A few other tribal tattoo styles include Celtic, originating in Europe, Dayak, originating in Indonesia, and Kakau, originating in Hawaii.
Dragon tattoos rank as the fourth most searched globally, with an average above 257,000 searches monthly. The dragon tattoo is an emblem of courage, strength, and protection. They are seen to symbolise a guardian spirit, inner fortitude, and resilience, and some say they serve as a reminder of one’s ability to overcome obstacles. Particularly in Eastern cultures, the dragon tattoo is also associated with wisdom and fearlessness.
Flower tattoos see the fifth-highest average search rate, with an average of 249,000 per month. Another somewhat umbrella term, floral tattoos have a range of meanings. For instance, a sunflower tattoo is commonly associated with happiness and adoration, while a lotus is often connected to beauty, purity, and rebirth. Some even associate specific flowers with birth months, February babies often adorn violets, and September babies asters.
Most searched tattoos worldwide
| Rank | Design | Average Global Monthly Search Volume |
| 1 | Butterfly | 428,733 |
| 2 | Rose | 294,725 |
| 3 | Tribal | 259,533 |
| 4 | Dragon | 257,367 |
| 5 | Flower | 249,000 |
| 6 | Cross | 210,300 |
| 7 | Medusa | 203,341 |
| 8 | Lion | 176,400 |
| 9 | Snake | 176,083 |
| 10 | Wolf | 163,467 |
*US and UK specific tables at end of email
In sixth, cross tattoos are searched at an average rate slightly higher than 210,000 per month, with the design carrying spiritual significance, and connoting themes such as sacrifice and redemption, particularly among the Christian faith.
Medusa tattoos garner an average just above 203,000 monthly searches. Often associated with strength and power, these tattoos also symbolise survival, particularly for those who have experienced sexual assault. In this context, the image of Medusa has become a powerful emblem of female empowerment and resilience, representing the empowerment of the tattoo wearer.
In eighth and ninth, tattoos of lions and snakes both saw average monthly search volumes of approximately 176,000. Lion tattoos are seen to symbolise bravery, leadership, and power, embodying the commanding presence of the king of the jungle. On the other hand, snake tattoos represent transformation, rebirth, and cunning, highlighting the serpent’s ability to shed its skin and start anew.
The final top-ten tattoo is the wolf, with an average monthly search volume of over 163,000. The wolf being a pack animal, it is commonly associated with family values and loyalty, particularly with an emphasis on the protection of others in the pack.
Mentor Dedaj of LLTattoo spoke on the study: “It’s fascinating to see which tattoos seem to be the most popular worldwide, particularly with our experience at LLTattoo backing up some of the results, while we were surprised at some of the others.
Often customers are quick to commit to tattoos with little thought to their, potentially hidden, meanings and these undertones are usually something that would either strongly encourage them to take the needle or dissuade them from it entirely. We would always recommend a little research into the meaning of your tattoos before they’re on your skin for good.”