Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of art carried on for centuries. Even today people get tattoos to express their individualism, for self-expression, and even as a cultural practice. A popular placement for minimal tattoos is the ankle. The ankle tattoo placement is more common among women as compared to men.
Normally people prefer smaller designs for ankle tattoos. They can be easily covered up with socks or full-sized pants. Ankle tattoos are most commonly done in minimal design. But some people may choose over-the-top designs with flashy colors. As for all tattoos and forms of art, ankle tattoo meanings depend on the tattoo artist and the tattoo bearer.
Picking the right ankle tattoo design can be tricky as there are numerous types. But don’t sweat it! Here is a list of 21 simple ankle tattoo ideas to inspire you.
1. The Butterfly tattoo
Butterflies are a popular symbol in the world of art. They inspire paintings, poems, songs, movies, and tattoos. Butterfly tattoos can hold different meanings for each person. Generally they symbolize beauty, freedom, and free thinking. A butterfly taking flight often represents someone who is making new decisions or evolving as a human.
It is common practice to color in butterfly tattoos. Usually the tattoos are outlined in black ink and filled with blue, orange, or red ink. The butterfly tattoo design is most commonly inspired by the monarch butterfly. It’s an orange colored garden butterfly with large wings and a black color outline on the edges.
This butterfly design might be inked with black color to represent beauty and elegance. The use of color in a butterfly tattoo can mean desire for freedom.
2. Star-shaped tattoos
Star tattoos are a cute and trendy design that looks good in any placement. People can choose a single star shape or several stars in different patterns. Sometimes the star tattoos are simple outlines in black ink. They can be decorated with sparkles or other designs.
The ankle placement is great for star tattoos as this is a minimal design. Stars are normally drawn in their cartoonish manner five points joined together in black ink. The tattoo artists may get creative and make the tattoos shimmery using black ink and shadow effects.
Star ankle tattoos can have different meanings and interpretations depending on the person and their community. Star tattoos normally represent hope, good luck, and a new beginning. They are also thought to represent joy. Stars hold different meanings in many religions, cultures, and practices.
Some people believe star tattoos to represent luck and fortune. Shooting star tattoos may symbolize a desire or determination to work on oneself. Shooting star tattoos can mean someone is making a new beginning and setting new goals for themselves.
3. Ship rope and anchor tattoo
The ship anchor tattoo is popular among simple tattoo ideas for people of all ages. It’s often seen that ex-marine members and soldiers get the anchor of a ship, along with a rope tattooed on their forearm or back.
The forearm, back, and leg are more common placements for the ship rope tattoo. But younger people often get this tattoo done on their ankle. Ankle tattoos carry a message of rebellion so it’s become a popular tattoo placement among the youth.
The ship anchor and rope tattoo can represent anchoring oneself to their inner self. This can be a complex concept to understand, so here’s a watered-down version: some people visualize that they are more connected to their spiritual beliefs through the anchor tattoo. This means a person might feel more connected to their beliefs and courage through the anchor and rope tattoos.
Aside from self-awareness, the rope and anchor tattoo may also express a determined personality, strong will, courage, and stability. If you want to feel grounded and tied to something, a ship anchor and rope is a great tattoo idea. An anchor tattoo can symbolize commitment for some people. It can also remind people of the sea. Anchor and rope tattoos have different meanings and carry out a strong message. They also look cool as ankle tattoos.
4. Mandala ankle tattoos
Mandala art has been connected to spirituality since its origin. It has different meanings according to culture, religion, tradition, and practice. Mandalas represent the balance between the body and mind in Buddhism. Mandala tattoos represent inner peace, self-reflection, and a connection to spirituality.
Mandala tattoos can reflect inner peace of mind. It is an aesthetic art form that is valuable in different ways to many people. Mandalas symbolize the divine energy that the universe carries in Hinduism. So mandala tattoos are spiritual and believed to carry positive energy. Mandala ankle tattoos are typically designed to encircle the ankle like an anklet or piece of jewelry.
The designs of mandala tattoos usually include flowers, lanterns, geometric shapes, and other shapes. Each design represents spirituality and the connection between the earthly and the divine. Mandala ankle tattoos are a more detailed design. They take up most of the ankle and look beautiful. The ankle mandala tattoo can make people feel at ease spiritually and more connected to the world and the divine.
The ankle placement makes the tattoo more visible from under skirts or pants. That’s why the mandala art tattoo on the ankle is more commonly chosen by women. But some believers of spirituality may also get the mandala tattoo, regardless of gender.
5. Song lyrics or words
Song lyrics have always inspired various ankle tattoo ideas. The forearm or the back might be the best tattoo placements for song lyrics as there’s a large expanse of skin in these areas. But for ankle tattoos, shorter lyrics of songs should be picked so they can fit in the area.
Generally a single line of song is tattooed around the ankle in a circular fashion. This means the line encircles the leg so the whole lyric can fit. Any song lyric can be selected for your ankle tattoo. Many people tattoo songs that have special meanings in their hearts. Some inspirational song lyrics that can be used for ankle tattoos are:
- “We can be heroes just for one day” – David Bowie
- “It’s okay to shed the tears, but don’t you tear yourself” – Moonchild by RM
- “You can’t choose what stays and what fades away” – No Light, No Light by Florence & the Machine
- “And I think to myself what a wonderful world” – What a Beautiful World by Louis Armstrong
- “Nobody said it was easy” – The Scientist by Coldplay
Some popular words that people choose to get tattooed are:
- Courage
- Keep trying
- Patience
- Alive
- Indigo
Even quotes can be inspirations for ankle tattoo ideas. But as the space is less, be sure to pick a less wordy ankle tattoo quote.
- Have courage and be kind
- Life is better than death
- Choose to be happy
- Without the dark, we can’t see the stars
- What can go wrong, will go wrong
Several impactful quotes can inspire tattoos. Such words can be motivational and hold emotional meaning for different people. So lyrics, quotes, and random words can always be picked for ankle tattoo designs.
6. Baby animals as tattoos
Baby animals are adorable! We can all agree on that. So these cute animals also inspire some beautiful inky art work. Baby animals such as cats, tigers, puppies, and koalas make delightful tattoos. Baby animal tattoos generally mean new beginning, hope, and gentleness.
Different animal tattoos can hold varying meanings. Tiger tattoos can mean fierceness, courage, and struggling. But baby tiger tattoos can symbolize new hope, good luck, and good fortune. Cat tattoos normally represent sly nature or intelligence. Dog tattoos may represent a good heart or loyalty. Animal tattoos often reflect the tattoo bearer’s nature and preferences.
Commonly animal tattoos are sketched with black ink and not filled in with color. But baby bears, baby dolphins, and baby seal tattoos may be colored in specific ink. If you want a simple and lighthearted tattoo, baby animal tattoo designs are the right choice for you.
7. Names of people
Name tattoos are popular among people of all ages and genders. People like to get their own name tattooed. You can also tattoo your best friend’s name or anyone else who means a lot to you. However, since the ankle tattoo placement may not be appreciated by everyone, be sure to check with the person before you get their name inked on skin.
Name tattoos are an easy way to keep someone important always close to you. Some people also get their favorite anime or cartoon character names tattooed. Name tattoos are typically accompanied with symbols such as stars, lines, and geometric shapes.
8. Musical instruments and notes
Music-loving people share a connection between their musical instruments and their souls. Classical musicians are especially attached to their instruments. Piano, violin, flute, and guitar are common tattoo designs that music lovers choose. They feel connected to their love for music through these tattoos.
Musical notes represent various changes in the music tone and pace on sheet music. People commonly get the eighth note, treble clef, the quarter note, and the half note tattooed in different placements. These notes just represent one’s love for music. Even people who aren’t associated with music can get musical notes tattoos.
Musical instrument tattoos symbolize love for music. They can also signify someone’s free spirit and liveliness. Occasionally people use their musical theory knowledge to make jokes or meaningful messages using musical notes. Sheet music readers can catch on to these messages.
9. Flower tattoos
Flowers have inspired arts of various forms for ages. People compose melodies, write stories, write poems, and songs on flowers and their beauty. Flower tattoos have been all the rage for many years. The type of flower that you select for a tattoo may change its meaning.
Rose flower tattoos normally symbolize love and compassion. They can represent desire for romance and admiration of beauty. The jasmine flower tattoo means elegance, purity and beauty. Its white color makes it a subtle symbol of peace. Marigold flower tattoos can represent beauty, healing, and fierce nature.
Flower tattoos are usually inked in with different colors to make them stand out. It is common to adorn flower tattoos with other designs such as leaves, thorns, trees, branches, butterflies, and others. Flower tattoos are beautiful symbols of nature and reflect harmony and peace of mind.
Every person may interpret flower tattoos differently. Some flower tattoos also symbolize fertility and prosperity. Flowers have also been used to represent femininity and connection to earth. Flower ankle tattoos are more common among women as compared to men.
10. Tree branch ankle tattoo
Tree branches or olive branches symbolize nature, beauty, and strength. Trees represent life, evolution, and connection to nature. Tree branches are minimal designs that can be easily fitted on the ankle skin. Olive branches, mistletoe, tree branches without leaves are often picked for ankle tattoos.
Tree branches lose leaves during winter. They grow new leaves with a new season. So empty tree branch tattoos often represent a new beginning or a new start. Then again, it can also just look good. Tattoo meanings always depend on the wearer’s interpretation.
Olive branches have some significance in religion. A dove carrying an olive branch is a symbol of peace or surrender. So an olive branch tattoo means inner peace or contentment.
Tree branch tattoos are normally colorless tattoos only done in black ink. Sometimes green vines or flowers are also picked as ankle tattoo ideas.
11. Anklet tattoos or payal style tattoos
Anklets are jewelry to wear around your ankle. They are thin and light pieces of decor that are used to adorn one’s ankle. This jewelry has also inspired tattoo designs encircling the leg. Anklet tattoo designs are also known as ankle band tattoos.
Generally anklet style tattoos circle around the leg. They can be in the style of a thin chain with different shapes hanging from the chain. Anklets are also called “payal” in South Asian countries. This piece of jewelry is elegant and beautiful. The anklet style tattoos only serve the purpose of decorating your ankle.
Anklet style tattoos are mostly preferred by women as the jewelry is mostly worn by women. Shapes such as stars, feathers, diamonds, leaves, and letters may also accompany the chain-like tattoo. Anklet tattoos don’t carry any specific or divine meaning. But they look really pretty and serve the purpose of decorating your body the way you want.
12. Important dates and numbers
Our memories are what shape us as people. So important dates are a popular tattoo idea to ink the date permanently into one’s skin. The numbers 7, 11, 44, 999, 666, and many others are considered divine or heavenly numbers. They hold separate meanings for each community.
The number 7 is considered lucky in Christianity. In the Bible it is said that God made heaven and the earth for 6 days and on the 7th day He rested. So many believers consider the number 7 lucky. Numbers like 11:11 and 17 are considered angel numbers. Numbers can hold special meanings for everyone. Even some dates might have secret meanings for the bearer. That’s why the ankle is the perfect placement for special number and date tattoos.
Ankle tattoos can be easily hidden with socks or long pants. If you pick any special dates or numbers that hold a deep meaning only to you, it can be hidden easily. Dates and number tattoos are exceptional to each person as they are based on personal experiences. So each tattoo will hold unique value for the tattoo wearer.
13. Crosses and other symbols as ankle tattoos
Symbols like crosses, infinity signs, yin-yang signs, zodiac signs can inspire many creative tattoo ideas. Each of these symbols have specific meanings and followers. Believers of zodiac signs and horoscopes can get different zodiac symbols tattooed on their body.
There are 12 signs in the Greek zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each symbol is different and represents different characteristics. The zodiac signs are a popular design among people of all ages. They are the perfect size for ankle tattoos as the designs are minimal and small.
The Christian cross or the Celtic cross carry deep meaning among devoted followers. Some people might consider it a bit disrespectful to tattoo a religious symbol on the ankle. But those who don’t consider it as a religious symbol can get the tattoo for the way it looks.
Symbol tattoos on ankles can be fun matching ankle tattoo ideas too. You can match simple ankle tattoo designs with your friend or loved one.
14. Bow and arrow
The bow and arrow tattoo most commonly represents angels. In Christianity, cherubs, especially Cupid, are shown to always carry a bow and several arrows. The story goes: Cupid aims the arrows at people to make them fall in love.
The bow and arrow tattoo can be a reference to angels. In this case, the ankle tattoo represents love, passion, and kindness. The bow and arrow tattoo can also be a reference to war or self-defense. In that sense, the bow and arrow tattoo represents internal struggle, growth, and determination.
Bow and arrow tattoos look cool on ankles, forearms, neck, and back of the hand. It’s a small size design that works great for the ankle area. Bow and arrow tattoo designs may be accompanied with other symbols like compasses, stars, angel wings, and clouds.
15. Heart shaped tattoos
Hearts are among the most popular tattoo ideas for people of all ages. Small cartoonish heart design tattoos work for any tattoo placement. Heart tattoos are generally filled in with red or pink ink. Some people also tattoo ultra realistic biological hearts onto their bodies. But cartoon hearts are far more common and easier.
Heart tattoos generally mean love, compassion, empathy, and emotion. Anyone who has gone through a recent heartbreak may want a heart broken emoji tattoo. Someone who loves thinking about love and romance may prefer a glowing red heart tattoo. Different heart tattoo designs may hold different meanings for the tattoo wearer.
It’s also quite common to tattoo the name of a loved one within a tattooed heart. Sometimes people tattoo their mother’s names inside a red heart tattoo. This symbolizes the deep love they hold for their mother in their heart. Heart shaped calligraphy tattoos are also trendy these days. They look cute and modern. Something you’d like to show off to anyone!
Heart shaped tattoos are commonly adorned with small stars, lines, and letters.
16. Birds in flight
Birds are already a popular theme when it comes to tattoos. But some tattoos are inspired by the action of birds flying away or being mid-flight. This tattoo may represent the inner desire for freedom or movement. Someone who wants to break free from their current life and situation may want to get a tattoo of birds taking flight.
Such types of bird tattoos on the ankle usually mean the person wants to escape their current situation or embrace a new version of themselves. The interpretation of flying bird tattoos depends on each person. The tattoos are pretty and elegant and can reflect the wearer’s personality. Bird tattoos can be well detailed and take up more space than more minimal ankle tattoo ideas.
Bird tattoos are often adorned with tree branches, leaves, and flowers. The birds might be only inked with black ink or colored ink like red and orange might be used. Birds flying away symbolize leaving behind a past and embarking on a new beginning. If you want a tattoo that covers most of your ankle and looks fabulous, this design might be the match for you.
17. Roman numerals as ankle tattoos
Roman numerals or numbers have been used for years to represent important dates, numbers, and measurements. Roman numerals have been used since the 9th century. This counting system is easy to understand up to a certain number only. If you want a cryptic tattoo with a special secret meaning, you can opt for Roman numerals.
Using Roman numerals to represent birth dates has been a favorable tattoo idea for many years. You can select Roman numerals that correspond to your birth date and even the time of your birth. You’ll get a unique and fresh tattoo design that will hold close meaning to you.
Some Roman numerals that represent specific units are:
- 5-V
- 10-X
- 40-XL
- 50-L
- 60-LX
- 90-XC
- 100-C
- 1000-M
The combination of Roman numerals can be used to create a unique number or a code only you understand.
18. Snake surrounding the ankle
Snake tattoos might be considered omens of bad luck in many cultures but they’re also trendy tattoo designs with special meaning for many. In Hinduism, snakes are considered holy and symbols of Gods. So they respect snakes and snake symbols as part of their culture.
Snake tattoos can represent courage, rebellion, and transformation. Usually snake tattoos are shown to encircle the leg. This can be a stylistic choice or have a specific meaning for the tattoo bearer. The snake surrounding the ankle tattoo can represent feeling trapped and breaking free of one’s internal chains.
The snake tattoo might not always have deep meanings or hidden connotations. Sometimes snake tattoos can just be for fun. They look cool and can spark up conversations easily. Snake tattoos can be drawn well detailed but cartoonish designs are preferred by the youth.
19. UFO tattoos
People have been curious about extraterrestrial life for hundreds of years. A minimal UFO design can fit easily on your ankle. UFO designs are relevant to modern culture and conspiracy theories so it’s a fun tattoo idea. UFO tattoos can be minimal or detailed depending on the tattoo artist and tattoo bearer’s preferences.
In case UFO tattoos or designs related to space, there isn’t much deep or divine meaning. It can just be a fun and silly tattoo. A flying saucer, a cartoonish alien, some strange symbols, and clouds can be used as space related tattoos. Space related tattoos are relevant to culture and modern theories.
Your ankle is the perfect placement for a UFO tattoo as it is a small design that can fit easily. Usually a UFO represents belief in supernatural and extraterrestrial life. But it can just be a fun and trendy tattoo design. Flying saucers are tattooed in different designs but the cartoonish and minimal style is the most popular.
20. Airplane and other transportation tattoos
Airplane tattoos are usually a popular choice for ankle tattoos. Normally a cartoonish version of a paper airplane is picked for tattoo design. Some people even go for a well detailed combat airplane or a fighter plane.
Airplane tattoos can usually represent love for freedom. For some, airplane tattoos represent a desire to fly around and see the world. Similarly, buses, metro, trains, helicopters, and trolleys can also inspire ankle tattoo ideas.
It’s more common to draw vehicles in a cartoonish style rather than a realistic style. But some people may choose detailed tattoos. If you want a detailed design, show your tattoo artist a reference picture that they can follow. Vehicle parts such as tires, levers, steering wheels, and car seats are also common tattoo designs.
21. Minimalist design tattoos
A minimalist design is perfect for an ankle tattoo idea. The skin span is smaller compared to your forearm or back area. So if you’re someone who prefers minimalist styles, you can choose a less detailed tattoo. Minimalist tattoos may be random everyday objects or signs. They might also be special objects that hold meaning for the tattoo wearer.
Some common minimalist ankle tattoo designs are:
- Single water wave or double water waves
- Two fingers holding up peace sign
- Animal tail or any other body part
- Eyes, lips, or cartoon faces
- Daily use appliances like laptop screens, phone, watches
- The logo of famous brands or any famous tagline
- Tropical birds or bird feathers
Most of these tattoos are meaningless but fashionable. If you’re someone with many tattoos and looking for inspiration for simple tattoo designs, one of the designs listed above may be perfect for you.
How to pick the perfect ankle tattoo design
Still have doubts on how to pick the right design for yourself? If you can’t decide on just one tattoo, you can always get multiple ankle tattoos. Small tattoos with minimal designs are often combined together to adorn the ankle. If you’re okay with the pain and the recovery process, getting multiple designs might work for you.
If you want just one ankle tattoo, you have to deliberate and weigh your options. The tattoo will be inked into your skin permanently, unless you decide to get it laser removed or covered up. The process of picking the right tattoo design for yourself can be long and indecisive. First decide what you want your tattoo to symbolize. If you’re unsure of what meaningful tattoo you should get, take help from your friends and close ones. Once you’ve decided on the message you want your tattoo to hold, you can select some related designs.
It’s also important to consider your tattoo placement, size, and your budget. Larger or more detailed tattoos usually cost more than simpler and minimalist tattoos. For more detailed tattoos you can select a monument, a detailed flower, a bridge, or animal faces. Sometimes these tattoos look better with colored ink.
If you just want a casual tattoo with no deep meaning or reference, minimal designs are the better option. You can choose the UFO tattoo, wave designs, a silly quote from a show, the tic tac toe cross, or other designs. The right tattoo design heavily depends on what you want and how much you’re willing to spend on the design. It also matters how able your tattoo artist is. If your tattoo artist is capable of reproducing the exact tattoo you want, your ankle tattoo experience will be much more satisfying.
It can be difficult picking the right tattoo artist if you haven’t been inked before. Take references from your friends and people around you about their tattooing experiences. Select a tattoo artist who can understand your style and what you want before getting inked. A more professional tattoo artist can be more expensive too. So you’ll have to adjust your plans according to your budget.
Things to consider before getting an ankle tattoo:
- Your budget
- The message or meaning of your tattoo
- The tattoo design
- Tattoo placement
- A proper tattoo artist
Taking proper care of ankle tattoos
The ankle tattoo placement is important as tattoos on plain skin heal faster compared to tattoos on top of the ankle joint or bony areas. As time goes on your tattoo may start to stretch or fade. The tattoos stretch when your skin stretches. So if you gain weight or your body expands, the skin gets stretched and it will stretch your tattoo.
The ankle skin usually heals 2-3 weeks after getting the tattoo. This means the layer of skin you can see. The skin will be red and might swell up right after getting the tattoo. Caring for your tattooed skin is crucial during this period.
Here is a simple routine to follow to take care of your fresh tattoo:
- Make sure to wash the tattooed area gently with antibacterial liquid.
- Keep the skin area dry and clean.
- Use antiseptic creams to avoid the skin from becoming flakey or any infection.
- Do not itch the tender skin or poke it with any sharp objects.
- Consult your tattoo artist before taking any medicine or applying anything to the tattoo.
- If there is any irritation or consistent swelling, contact a dermatologist
The tattoo skin may look healed after 2 or 3 weeks but it can take up to 6 months for the skin to be healed completely. You have to take care of your skin to avoid any infections or cuts on the tattoo until it has blended well with your skin
Retouching faded tattoos
Tattoos can fade with time as your skin cells age and regenerate. You can touch up old tattoos by coloring over them or cover them up with a different design. Usually tattoos don’t fade out completely for many years. If you see your tattoo has started to fade and you want to make it look fresh again, contact your tattoo artist and ask for a touch up.
Retouching old tattoos takes less time than the actual tattooing process. But after you have re-inked your tattoo, you need to care for it like a new tattoo. This means you must follow all the previous steps to keep your tattoo skin moisturized but not damp.
Sometimes people regret their original tattoo designs. The tattoo artist might come up with creative ways to alter the tattoo. Sometimes symbols are altered to look like flowers or a different pattern. Tattoos can be removed permanently using laser therapy. This is a more expensive technique for tattoo removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do men get ankle tattoos?
Ankle tattoos may be more popular among women as compared to men. But even men can get ankle tattoos of their choice. Ankle tattoos are not gender specific or limited to any age. Everyone can get them based on personal choice of design.
Are ankle tattoos painful?
All tattoos cause some amount of pain. You’re getting your skin pierced and inked, after all. If the tattoo placement is directly over your ankle joint, the pain may be much higher. The tattoo swelling can take longer to heal if it is etched on top of a bone or joint area instead of the skin.
Do ankle tattoos take longer to heal?
Your ankle tattoo will heal depending on its position. A tattoo on a joint or a bone area will take longer to heal as those areas are in constant movement. A tattoo behind the leg or around the ankle will heal faster as it is on skin. It’s important to take care of your tattoo and the skin until it is properly healed.
Do ankle tattoos stretch?
Ankle tattoos aren’t supposed to stretch normally. A well healed tattoo will stay in its place but stretch with the skin. If your skin stretches and expands, the tattoo will stretch and the position will change.
Which tattoo is best for the ankle?
It’s best to select minimal designs that take up less space for ankle tattoos. There’s less skin space in the ankle area. So the area to be tattooed is also small. You can pick minimal designs for the skin so the tattoo doesn’t stretch or hurt too much.
Conclusion
Ankle tattoos are fashionable and minimal. They can be easily hidden and also displayed whenever the wearer wants. It’s a great tattoo placement for someone who’s getting a tattoo for the first time. There are so many designs to choose from so you’ll never run out of ideas.
Ankle tattoos aren’t strictly limited to women or people of a certain age. But this tattoo placement is more preferred by women in their early twenties or late teens. Apart from all the tattoos listed above, there are several noncommittal designs you can pick as well.
Simple ankle tattoos can be combined to create a collage of ankle tattoos. These can represent your creativity and personality. Your ankle can be the canvas for several inky masterpieces. Simple ankle tattoos don’t take too long to complete. They heal quickly and can be taken care of easily. Now you’re equipped to focus on an ankle tattoo idea and get inked.
