Tattoos have been a staple of fashion and culture for a very long time. Studies show that the art of tattooing has been around for almost 12,000 years, while at this point tattoos are still seen as a taboo to some, the majority of people have now come to embrace the culture of tattooing. With that, more and more people have been getting tattoos, and one design that has remained iconic throughout the years has been cross tattoos. A classic, flexible design, the cross tattoo is one of the most popular tattoo designs of recent times.
Unique Cross Tattoos Designs
The fact that the cross tattoo is open to so many variations is one of the reasons that the design remains one of the most popular tattoo designs ever. Below are a series of cross tattoo designs, including different variations on the cross and their meaning, along with the differences of the placing of the cross tattoo.
Celtic Cross Tattoos
The Celtic Cross is an intricate design that is usually created with green, black, and gold knotwork. The cross is a symbol of Celtic heritage. The knots in the cross stands for the connection of the physical world to the spiritual world while the loops in the are a symbol of the cyclical nature of life.
1. Black Celtic Cross Tattoo
2. 3D Celtic Cross Tattoo
3. Pointed Celtic Cross Tattoo
4. Sword Celtic Cross Tattoo
5. Cracked Celtic Cross Tattoo
6. Green Circle Celtic Cross Tattoo
7. Veins Celtic Cross Tattoo
8. Trees Celtic Cross Tattoo
9. Irish Celtic Cross Tattoo
10. Rose Celtic Cross Tattoo
Small Cross Tattoos
One of the simplest variations of the cross designs, this variations can serve as a very subtle reminder of one’s faith. These tattoos are usually placed on the ankle, shoulder blade, wrist, or behind the ear. Because of its subtle design, the tattoo is usually placed in places where the tattoo may be seen but won’t look overpowering. A perfect, yet subtle way to show off one’s faith.
1. Small Anchor Cross Tattoo
2. Small Cross and Wings Tattoo
3. Small Abstract Cross Tattoo
4. Small Cross and Symbols Tattoo
5. Small Cross Finger Tattoo
6. Small Cross on Hand Tattoo
7. Small Cross Under Eye Tattoo
8. Small Punk Cross Tattoo
9. Small Cross on Nape Tattoo
10. Small Cross on Ears Tattoo
Unique Cross Tattoos
Since the cross design is very popular, there are many ways to truly make the design your own. Instead of conforming to the pre-made cross designs, you may want to put a unique twist on it. This makes sure that your tattoo is unique to you and will definitely stand out.
1. Angel Cross Tattoo
2. Ankh Cross Tattoo
3. Baseball Cross Tattoo
4. 3D Blue Cross Tattoo
5. Ripped Skin Cross Tattoo
6. Holy Scripture Cross Tattoo
7. Bloody Stake Cross Tattoo
8. Cracked Rugged Cross Tattoo
9. Triple Cross in Psalms Tattoo
10. Unique Jesus and Cross Tattoo
Tribal Cross Tattoos
This is a twist on the ever popular cross design, as it incorporates intricate black patterns that are common in a tribal tattoo style. This variation on the cross design is perfect for those who want the tattoo to stand for strength, courage, and dedication as tribal styles are known for their strong designs.
1. Cross Cover Up Tribal Tattoo
2. Tribal Cross on Chest Tattoo
3. Angel Tribal Cross Tattoo
4. Jesus Face on Cross Tribal Tattoo
5. Tribal Stone Cross Tattoo
6. Ripped Skin Red Cross Tattoo
7. Unique Tribal Cross Tattoo
8. Simple Tribal Cross Tattoo
9. Tribal Thorns Cross Tattoo
10. Wooden Tribal Cross Tattoo
Simple Cross Tattoos
Probably the most common cross tattoo design, this design is perfect for those who want their tattoo to be simple, yet beautiful. The simple cross designs is a great design for those who want to show of their faith, but the tattoo also stands for loyalty, courage, and honor.
1. Simple Painted Cross Tattoo
2. Simple 3D Cross Tattoo
3. Small Coptic Cross Tattoo
4. Simple Cross Anchor Tattoo
5. Outlined Cross Tattoo
6. Simple Tribal Cross Tattoo
7. Simple Cross on Neck Tattoo
8. Small Geometric Cross Tattoo
9. Plain Cross Tattoo
10. Three Simple Cross Tattoo
Cross Tattoo Designs on Arm
The cross tattoo on the arm is one of the most classic tattoo designs of all time. The large cross tattoo on the arm is beautiful and eye-catching, perfect for those who want to proudly show their tattoo and its meaning. This is one design that can’t go out of style.
1. Cross Praying Hands Tattoo
2. Cross Rosary Tattoo
3. Memorial Cross Tattoo
4. Cross with Heart in Thorns Tattoo
5. Ancient Cross Tattoo
6. Egyptian Skull Cross Tattoo
7. Green Celtic Cross Tattoo
8. Red Heart on Cross Tattoo
9. Wooden Cross with Thorn Tattoo
10. Leviathan Key Cross Tattoo
Cross Tattoos on Forearm
The tattoo on the forearm has become a more popular placement area for tattoos for good reason. They have become more and more accepted in the workplace, and if they aren’t simply wearing long sleeves fixes the problem. Having a cross tattoo on the forearm is a perfect way to show faith and belief without imposing it on anyone.
1. Colorful Cross Tattoo
2. Cross Necklace Tattoo
3. Christian Cross Tattoo
4. Crucifix Cross Tattoo
5. Gothic Cross Tattoo
6. Infinity Celtic Cross Tattoo
7. Clover Cross Tattoo
8. Orthodox Cross Tattoo
9. Twisted Knot Cross Tattoo
10. Jesus on Cross 3D Tattoo
Best Cross Tattoos
Cross tattoos are already one of the best tattoo designs to get, they stand for a lot and can have a very personal meaning for everyone. Because they are so popular, over the years many variations of the cross tattoo have come along. Some were good, some were bad, but there were certainly more than a few that stood out as the best.
1. Dragon Cross Tattoo
2. Family Cross Tattoo
3. German Cross Tattoo
4. Greek Cross Tattoo
5. Lion Cross Tattoo
6. Nail Cross Tattoo
7. Soldiers Cross Tattoo
8. Upside Down Tattoo
9. Viking Cross Tattoo
10. Yin Yang Cross Tattoo
Cross Tattoos on Chest
The chest is a very intimate and personal place to get a tattoo, as it is almost always hidden, and is very close to the heart. It would be hard to find a better place to get a tattoo that stands for faith, loyalty, liberation, and strength.
1. Chest Cross Tattoo
2. Christian Cross Tattoo
3. Cross Tattoo On Chest
4. Cross Tattoo Designs
5. Cross Tattoos On Chest
6. Cross Tattoo For Men
7. Cross Meaning Tattoo
8. Faith Cross Tattoo
9. Cross On Hand Tattoo
10. Bible Verse Cross Tattoo
Cross Tattoos on Wrist
This placement is best to pair with the small cross design as a tattoo on the wrist is a very subtle, slightly feminine place for a tattoo. Having a cross tattoo on the wrist is a great way to have your faith seen, but not imposing.
1. Cross And Semicolon Tattoo
2. Tiny Cross Tattoo
3. Wrist Cross Tattoo
4. Simple Cross Tattoo
5. Thin Cross Tattoo
6. Unique Cross Tattoo
7. Strength Cross Tattoo
8. Cool Cross Tattoos
9. Best Cross Tattoo
10. Brush Stroke Cross Tattoo
Cross Tattoos on Back
The back offers one of the biggest canvasses for tattoos and often serve as the place where the biggest, strongest designs appear. Having a cross tattoo on the back is a great symbol of strength and courage.
1. Cross Skull Tattoo
2. Cross With Wings Tattoo
3. Cross Tattoo On Back
4. Cross Rib Tattoo
5. Cross Back Tattoo
6. Barbed Wire Cross Tattoo
7. Wood Cross Tattoo
8. Colorful Cross Tattoos
9. Long Cross Tattoo
10. Rosary Cross Tattoo
Cross Rib Tattoos
Getting a rib tattoo is another intimate place to get a tattoo, and a cross tattoo on the rib is something that is just utterly beautiful.
1. Cross Memorial Tattoo
2. Pretty Cross Tattoo
3. Cross Crown Tattoo
4. Cross Family Tattoo
5. Cross on Necklace Tattoo
6. Cross on Anchor Tattoo
7. Cross with Thorns Tattoo
8. Cross on Hands Tattoo
9. Jesus on Cross Tattoo
10. Celtic Cross on Tattoo
Cross Tattoos on Hand
Getting a tattoo on the hand is a very bold statement, but also a very subtle one. A cross tattoo on the hand can indicate a commitment to faith, or it could also
stand for bravery and courage.
1. Cross in Pair Tattoo
2. Cross and Heart Tattoo
3. Cross on Crown Tattoo
4. Cross on Eye Tattoo
5. Static Cross Tattoo
6. Small Jesus on Cross Tattoo
7. Shiny Cross Tattoo
8. 3D Cross Tattoo
9. Cross Tattoo on Hand
10. Little Cross Tattoo
Neck Cross Tattoos
A very bold and personal place to get a tattoo, perfect for tattoos that stand for one’s faith and loyalty.
1. Infinity Anchor Cross Tattoo
2. Woman Holding Cross Tattoo
3. Cross and Rose Tattoo
4. Cross and Heart Tattoo
5. Small Anchor Cross Tattoo
6. Black Celtic Cross Tattoo
7. Elegant Cross on Neck Tattoo
8. Cracked Cross on Neck Tattoo
9. Rugged Memorial Cross Tattoo
10. Small Jesus on Cross Tattoo
Cross Half Sleeve Tattoos
A very popular tattoo right now is the half sleeve, if done right it can be a beautiful piece of art right on your arm. Putting a cross design being used as a half
sleeve is a very strong design that will surely stand out.
1. Angel Holding Cross Tattoo
2. Ripped Half Sleeve Cross Tattoo
3. Anchor Cross with Rose Tattoo
4. Half Sleeve Celtic Cross Tattoo
5. Armor Cross Half Sleeve Tattoo
6. Half Sleeve Cross with Rose Tattoo
7. Dove and Cross in Clouds Tattoo
8. Angel of God Cross Tattoo
9. Maltese Cross Tattoo
10. White Cross Tattoo
Cross Tattoos on Legs
Getting a tattoo on the leg is great for those who want a personal tattoo as it would be easy to show off and also easy to cover up for occasions where one
wouldn’t want to show it off. A cross tattoo on the leg is a classic design that has a myriad of variations.
1. Colorful Anchor Cross Tattoo
2. Burning Celtic Cross Tattoo
3. Long Celtic Cross Tattoo
4. Cross and Rosary Tattoo
5. Cross and Thorn Tattoo
6. Cross Dragon Tattoo
7. Broken Memorial Cross Tattoo
8. Black Cross with Wings Tattoo
9. Bible Verse on Cross Tattoo
10. Old Celtic Cross Tattoo
Cross Tattoos Meaning
Cross tattoos are present and have different meanings in different cultures. For example, in some cultures, the cross stands for the center of the universe, while in Christian cultures, the cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus, which is a turning point in the history of their religion. The cross as a tattoo can stand for eternal life, bravery, the heavens, it can represent the link between the heavens, or it could stand for sacrifice. Whatever variation of the cross though, the design always has a personal link to that of the owner, which is what makes cross tattoos so iconic.
Getting a cross tattoo is a great idea, whether it be your first tattoo or fifth. It won’t matter when you get it, as cross tattoos are a timeless, classic tattoo design that definitely has a lot of staying power. This tattoo design is here to stay today, tomorrow, and far into the future.
Hey readers! I’m Jeffrey and your tattoo artist of the day;) I have been drawing and painting my whole life, and after graduating high school I decided it was time for a bigger challenge and I started drawing on people. I’m so fortunate I got to express my creativity through my body art and even more so to share my passion with my now wife Emilie. She started working with me in my tattoo shop as a piercer and I started writing about and photographing, my creations on this blog. I love to hear from you and hope you enjoy our work together!