Guide · 12 designs
Mom Tattoos: Ideas for Sons, Daughters and Mothers Themselves
Mom tattoos fall into two groups: tattoos for a mother - from the classic heart with a "Mom" banner to a portrait, her name or a symbol such as a lion and cub - and tattoos by mothers for their children, usually names, birth flowers or a small family tree. Matching designs for mother and daughter or mother and son sit in between.
IThe original: a heart and a banner
A red heart with "Mom" or "Mother" across a banner is one of the defining designs of American traditional tattooing; sailors and soldiers wore it through both world wars. It is still a good tattoo for the same reason the style lasts: bold outline, solid colour, one clear word. Modern versions keep the banner and change the words.
IIFor her: from guys and daughters
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neo-traditional · forearmMom Quote Tattoos for Son: Meaningful Ink to Celebrate Your BondRoses around a banner reading "My Son My Strength" - the banner tradition, written from the mother's side.
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traditional · forearmMom Tattoos for Guys: Designs, Meanings & InspirationA realistic portrait on the forearm, the most popular choice among the site's mom tattoos for men.
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illustrative · forearmHeartwarming First Son Tattoo Ideas for MomLion with a cub: protection and strength, without a single word.
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orientalOriental Mom Tattoos for Men: Honoring Her with Stunning ArtA woman's portrait in Japanese style on the upper arm.
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traditional · armMeaningful Tattoos for Mothers and Sons: A Celtic Celebration of BondA Celtic-style knot for mother and son, solid and symmetrical.
IIIMother and daughter
Matching tattoos work best when each person can wear the design in her own way - same motif, different size or placement.
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illustrative · armMatching Botanical Tattoos for Mothers and Daughters: A Blooming ConnectionTwo faces turned toward each other inside a wreath of roses and leaves.
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forearmMom, Son & Daughter Tattoo Ideas: A Timeless TributeA double portrait in a soft illustrated style.
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ornamentalElegant Tattoo Designs for Sons to Honor MothersLarge flowers flowing over the shoulder - one flower per person is an easy way to match.
IVFrom mothers, for their children
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neo-traditional · armTattoo Designs to Represent Your Son and Daughter: Meaningful Ink for ParentsA tree with blue-green leaves and deep roots - space for each child as a new leaf.
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illustrative · wristCool Matching Tattoos for Mother & Son: Designs, Meanings & InspirationA blossoming tree with a mother and child beneath it.
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illustrative · armMom, Son, Daughter Tattoo Ideas: Meaning & DesignsParents holding a child, with hearts and birds above.
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neo-traditional · armDad Tattoo Ideas for Son and Daughter: Meaningful Designs & InspirationA brother and sister in a gentle illustrated style - a reference for a portrait of both children.
VFor a mother who has passed
The designs above are for a mother who is here to see them. A memorial piece asks for different choices - her handwriting, her dates, wings or a flower she loved - and has its own page: memorial tattoo ideas.
VIQuestions people ask
What is a good tattoo for my mom?
Something only she would recognise: her handwriting, her favourite flower, a line she always said. The classic heart-and-banner is a good choice if you like traditional style.
What tattoo can a mother get for her son and daughter?
Their names or initials, their birth flowers, two birds, or a tree with one branch per child. Leave space if the family may grow.
Where do men put mom tattoos?
Most often the forearm or upper arm; portraits need the flat outer forearm or the bicep, banners fit the forearm or chest.