20 Best Small Tattoo Ideas for Men

Want to get a tattoo but need to know where to start? Whether you are a beginner with a tattoo or looking for a small tattoo for your fingers, try these small tattoo ideas for men.  

Tattoos are an art, and your body is a canvas. No matter how big or small a tattoo is, it has to be meaningful. Tattoos are permanent, whether it’s your first or specifically for a body part. Tattoos have to serve their purpose and meaning. 

Through tattoos, you can tell your story or aim in life. Tattoos can be a metaphor for your perspective on life. I have shared some great ideas for men’s small tattoos. Behind every tattoo, there should be a story or a meaning.

Having a meaningless tattoo is one of the things that people regret after some time. Tattoos are permanent, and getting one takes time and a little courage. If your body is a canvas, then great art should be displayed. 

Let me share some great ideas for small tattoo designs for men to try with meaning and purpose behind them. 

Small Tattoo Ideas For Men

Try these ideas if you are a beginner looking for something small and straightforward for a tattoo. 

Before selecting a tattoo, you must know about it, such as its meaning and purpose in your life after you have it on your body. 

You don’t want the devil’s pentagram on your body as a tattoo. It will not bring positivity to your life. 

You must understand the energy and purpose of your small tattoo. Even a tiny tattoo can have a significant impact.

1. Black Evil Eye Tattoo

Black Evil Eye Tattoo

If you believe in supernatural powers, an evil eye tattoo is a good option for a beginner. Some great designs would look fabulous on men, and a black evil eye tattoo is one great choice. 

If you want a dense and dark tattoo, a black evil eye tattoo is a good choice. There are plenty of options for evil eye tattoos, but a black one would be an excellent choice for men. It serves masculinity and supernatural essence.

It is in a triangle shape, which is mystical in itself. The evil eye has been present since ancient times. In the Middle East, it is believed that one can harm others just by looking at them with bad intentions. 

The evil eye protects against those bad gazes. 

2. Yin Yang Tattoo

Yin Yang Tattoo

Yin Yang tattoo symbolizes the balance of two opposite elements. Yin Yan tattoo represents the balance between the sun and moon, day and night, and good and evil. If your perspective about life is to balance your personality in the universe, then it can be a good choice. 

Everyone struggles with their inner demons and wants to come out as a good person. A Yin-Yang tattoo showcases the balance between two powerful elements of the universe. Yin-yang tattoos come in various shapes, just like evil, and you can select anyone for your chest, arms, and wrists. 

Yin Yang tattoo is indeed a good choice for small simple tattoos

3. Tree of Life Tattoo

Tree of Life Tattoo

Image: Source

The Tree of Life tattoo is a good choice for men who want small tattoos. It represents eternal life and symbolizes the nurturing and fulfillment of life. The tree of life also symbolizes the family tree. The roots represent the ancestors, and the branches represent the present family members. 

The Tree of Life tattoo is perfect for someone deeply rooted in his family and traditional values. 

4. Solid Mountain Tattoo

Solid Mountain Tattoo

Solid mountain tattoos represent the stability of life and personality. Mountains are rooted in earth, which symbolizes a person’s groundedness.

A solid mountain tattoo is a good choice if you want a meaningful tattoo that brings the same energy into your life. These tattoos can be done in various sizes according to the desired area. 

A solid mountain tattoo represents sturdiness in life and a strong head mentality. If you want stability and groundedness, you should choose this tattoo. 

5. Pigeon Feather Tattoo

Pigeon Feather TattooImage: Source

The pigeon feather tattoo symbolizes freedom from the things that weigh you down. In Hinduism, it represents wealth and prosperity. It symbolizes freedom from debts or the things that keep you trapped. 

If you want something that can relate to your situation and allow you to get freedom from anything, a pigeon feather tattoo is one of the best simple tattoo ideas for men

6. Cross Arrow Tattoo

Cross Arrow TattooImage: Source

The cross arrow tattoo represents a special connection between two people. It symbolizes the connection between friendship and complicated relationships. 

If you are looking for a tattoo showcasing your love for your friends or lover, a cross-arrow tattoo can be a good choice. 

7. Small Anchor Tattoo

Small Anchor Tattoo

An anchor tattoo represents stability, as an anchor is used to hold the ship in place. Anchor tattoos are also masculine, as they are strong and provide safety. 

If you love marine life and even Popeye, it’s an excellent choice. 

Jokes apart, an anchor tattoo is a good choice for men. It symbolizes strength that can withstand unpredictable situations like the ocean. 

8. Abstract Sinking Ship Tattoo

Abstract Sinking Ship TattooImage: Source

The sinking ship tattoo symbolizes multiple things, one of the most important being a troubled past. A sinking ship can represent your life if you have gone through some rugged face. 

Abstract sinking ship tattoo is one of the most popular choices for easy tattoo ideas for men

If you have struggled in the past and overcame like a hero, you should try this tattoo. It is small and simple but has a meaning. 

9. Japanese Ocean Waves Tattoo

Japanese Ocean Waves TattooImage: Source

Japanese ocean wave tattoos are incredibly artistic depictions of the ocean. They have various meanings and can be monochromatic, simple designs, and full-sleeve-length depictions. 

If you are an art lover, this simple small ocean wave tattoo is a good choice. Ocean waves represent strength and constant efforts in life. 

Ocean waves represent spiritual growth, and similar to a yin-yang tattoo, it also means destruction and reconstruction. The ocean is unpredictable and can be furious when needed. 

10. Abstract Tribal Art Tattoo 

Abstract Tribal Art Tattoo

Abstract tribal art tattoos are among the most common small tattoo designs for men. They can have a meaning, depict an art piece, or represent a cultural connection. 

Tribal art tattoo symbolizes community and strength. If you are looking for something tribal art with a meaning, go for it. Abstract art makes it more captivating. 

11. Classic Compass Tattoo

Classic Compass Tattoo

A classic compass tattoo symbolizes a reminder of a set goal. Tattoos are intended to provide clarity and focus in life. 

The compass tattoo represents navigation through tough times. If you are searching for a small tattoo with purpose and meaning, go for this small, compact art tattoo. It is also a symbol of talisman for protection. 

12. Waves & Half Moon Tattoo

Waves & Half Moon TattooImage: Source

The waves and half-moon tattoos have multiple meanings. The moon represents the passage of time, and the waves represent the unpredictable nature of the ocean. 

It symbolizes the balance between two elements of the universe, just like yin and yang. The moon flows life and prosperity, and waves are energetic and unpredictable. 

This tattoo represents the spark and enthusiasm of life. If you find this tattoo a perfect depiction of your life, go for it. It is small and straightforward. 

13. Two Thin Lines Around A Forearm Tattoo

Two Thin Lines Around A Forearm TattooImage: Source

Two thin lines are simple and easy tattoo ideas for men. The tattoo’s meaning depends upon how it’s been done and where it’s depicted on the body. 

These two lines of tattoos are of ancient Persian and Egyptian importance—these fine lines of tattoos depict status in society.

Two fine lines or thick lines in a tattoo can represent a loss of love. They are cool and simple, like abstract tribal tattoos. 

14. Water Animal Tattoo

Water Animal TattooImage: Source

Water animal tattoos can also have multiple meanings. For example, the meaning of a Japanese koi fish tattoo depends on its color.

A red koi fish tattoo symbolizes bravery and love, white represents rebirth, and black and blue represents masculinity. 

Sea horse tattoos are tiny and cute. These sea creatures symbolize patience and contentment. It can be a good choice for small, simple tattoos

15. A Cross Tattoo

A Cross Tattoo

A cross tattoo has a religious impression. It looks aesthetic and simple, so it can be a good choice for a starter tattoo. 

Cross tattoos can be depicted in various forms, like simple cross tattoos on a finger or wrist. You can select more aesthetic and mystical designs.

It is a good choice for a tattoo for simplicity and to show your spirituality. 

16. Abstract Pattern Geometry tattoo

Abstract Pattern Geometry tattooImage: Source

Minimalist abstract pattern geometry tattoos showcase clarity of mind. They can be small or more detailed depending on where you want them to be placed. 

These abstract geometric pattern tattoos are popular and give sci-fi appeal. 

Abstract geometry tattoos can be in circles, triangles, and various shapes and colors. They represent balance and harmony and look super cool. 

17. Flying Bird Tattoo

Flying Bird Tattoo

Flying bird tattoo reminds us of freedom and clarity of mind. 

The peace and happiness a bird feels while flying in an open sky are similar to those we experience when we are free from stress and the dark side of life.

These tattoos show your perspectives on life. A flying bird tattoo symbolizes joy and optimistic aspects of life. If you feel connected to this tattoo, then go for it. 

18. Chinese Calligraphy Tattoo

Chinese Calligraphy Tattoo

Chinese symbols and calligraphy tattoos are popular these days. Every symbol represents a specific meaning. 

If you are not Chinese, learn the meaning before choosing an artistic Chinese symbol tattoo. 

You can say I don’t know the meaning, but I like the design; that sounds dumb. 

Knowing the meaning behind every symbol, whichever the language is, is good. These tattoos look incredible.

19. Maa (Mother In Hindi) Tattoo 

Maa (Mother In Hindi) TattooImage: Source

Maa in hindi means mother. This tattoo is the best choice if you greatly respect and love your mother.

Get this tattoo as a birthday present or a Mother’s Day unique to show your deep respect and love for your mother.

This tattoo is a good choice if you want something meaningful but in a different language. 

20. Abstract Snake Print Tattoo

Abstract Snake Print Tattoo

Abstract snake tattoos symbolize wisdom, power, and rebirth. It represents the transformation of life. 

This is the perfect choice if you have come through a sour face and want to show your struggle and victory. 

The snake sheds its skin and emerges as new, similar to when a person grows after a bad face. It shows rebirth and transformation. 

Take Away

We have reviewed a list of popular and good choices for small tattoo ideas for men. Whatever you choose for your first simple tattoo, find the one that connects with you.

Every tattoo tells a story. Show your story with the right tattoo with a significant meaning behind it. 

Disclaimer

Discovery does not own the images used in this blog; the copyrights of those images belong to the respective owners only.

Nisha Patwa

Hi guys, this is Nisha. I am a content writer with a passion for crafting engaging and insightful articles. With a background in SEO and digital marketing, I specialize in creating content that not only captivates readers but also ranks high on search engines. Over the years, I have written extensively on various topics, from lifestyle and travel to technology and business.

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