Guide · 20 designs
Cross Tattoo Ideas and Meaning: From a Small Wrist Cross to a Full Christian Piece
A cross tattoo most often expresses Christian faith - Christ's sacrifice and resurrection - and is also worn for heritage (the Celtic cross), remembrance of someone who has died, or simply as a strong classic shape. Small crosses usually go on the wrist or finger; larger ornate or Celtic crosses on the forearm, chest or back.
IForms of the cross
Small crosses on the wrist and hand
Coptic Christians in Egypt have for centuries tattooed a small cross on the inner wrist as a sign of faith, often in childhood. The small wrist cross remains the most common Christian tattoo.
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old-school · wristSmall Cross Tattoo on Wrist: Meaning & Design InspirationA fine cross with flared ends on the inner wrist.
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traditional · wristSmall Cross Tattoo on Wrist: Meaning & Design Ideas for WomenA slightly larger ornate cross, still small enough for the wrist.
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neo-traditional · wristWomen's Cross Tattoo on Wrist: Meaning & Design IdeasA Gothic-tipped cross on the wrist, solid black.
Ornate and Gothic crosses
Flared ends, filigree and roses turn a simple sign into a decorative piece. Keep the inner detail open so it does not fill in with age.
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Cross Tattoo Ideas: Gothic, Macabre & Darkly Symbolic DesignsA heavy ornamental cross with a rose at its foot - from the site's most visited cross designs.
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dotworkCross With Dots Tattoo: Meaning, Styles & InspirationA filigree cross down the forearm.
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ornamentalCross Cover Up Tattoo Ideas: Designs, Symbolism & InspirationAn ornate cross with a medallion at the centre.
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Cross Tattoo Ideas: Meaning, Styles & InspirationA decorative cross in red-brown linework.
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neo-traditionalCross Cover Up Tattoo Ideas: Designs, Symbolism & InspirationA Gothic cross with cracked stone texture.
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traditionalChristian Tattoo Symbols & Meanings: A Guide to Faith Through InkA tall cross with flared tips, drawn as a design sheet.
Celtic and eye crosses
The Celtic cross adds a ring around the crossing. Some designs set an eye at the centre - the all-seeing eye of God's providence.
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neo-traditionalDecoding the Irish Cross Tattoo: History, Symbolism & DesignsA Celtic cross filled with green knotwork.
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traditionalDecoding the Irish Celtic Cross Tattoo: Meaning & InspirationA Celtic cross in black interlace on the forearm.
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traditional · faceCross Tattoo Under Eye: Meaning & Symbolism for MenA cross with an eye at its centre.
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old-school · faceThe Symbolic Weight of a Cross Tattoo Under Your Eye: A Historical PerspectiveAn eye inside a ringed cross.
Cross with dove, flowers or wings
A dove stands for the Holy Spirit and peace; lilies for purity and resurrection; wings for a soul taken up - a memorial reading.
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illustrativeFaith Tattoo Designs: Finding Meaning & InspirationA cross wrapped in lilies, fine black and grey.
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Meaningful Christian Tattoos for Women: Inspiration & SymbolismA dove with a sprig in soft violet - a gentle Christian symbol without the cross.
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illustrative · forearmChristian Tattoos for Men: Forearm Designs & InspirationA Christian forearm design for men.
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traditionalCross Tattoos: History, Symbolism & MeaningA bold black cross on the upper arm, drawn in a vintage style.
IIA cross under the eye
There is no single fixed meaning for a cross under the eye. Some wearers mean devotion; but because it sits where the prison teardrop sits, many people read face crosses through the same lens. A face tattoo also limits work and travel more than any other placement - see the teardrop guide for how face symbols are read.
IIIQuestions people ask
Is it a sin for Christians to get a cross tattoo?
Christians disagree. Leviticus 19:28 forbids marking the body, but most churches today read it as part of Old Testament law that does not bind Christians, and many believers wear a cross as a statement of faith.
What does a small cross tattoo on the wrist mean?
Usually faith. Among Coptic Christians it is a centuries-old tradition and a sign of belonging to the church.