Are you prowling over the internet on a hunt for the perfect Tattoo Design? It can feel like a jungle when searching for the exact style you’re looking for.
But worry not, get ready to unleash your wild side as we pounce upon some of the best Tiger Tattoos the internet has to offer.
What Does A Tiger Tattoo Mean
Tiger Tattoos have many meanings based on cultural interpretations and perspectives.
These can include strength and power, protection, independence, royalty and nobility, and even passion and sensuality.
In the Chinese philosophical concept of Yin-Yang, the Tiger represents Yang.
The Yin-Yang concept is centered on the balance of opposites, with the Tiger representing the Yin aspect, which is associated with femininity, darkness, passivity, and the earth.
In Korean culture, the tiger is often seen as a guardian that wards off evil and bad luck.
It is revered as a powerful and protective animal that embodies courage and strength.
While in Japan the tiger is one of the animals that represent the cardinal directions - in this case, the west.
It is also associated with autumn and is one of the zodiac animals in the lunar calendar. The tiger in Japan symbolizes courage, longevity, and strength.
In India, the tiger is closely associated with several Hindu gods and goddesses.
It is perhaps most famously the vehicle (vahana) of Goddess Durga, symbolizing her unlimited power, ferocity, and grace.
38 Tiger Tattoo Designs
Now that you know a little about Tiger Tattoo meanings, let’s take a look at some of the best Tiger Tattoos we could find.
1. Standard Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @sonnyta2
Your standard Tiger Tattoo is just a realistic or stylized-looking Tiger with its normal anatomy, either looking relaxed or having an aggressive expression.
This gorgeous Blackwork Tattoo has a fierce-looking realistic Tiger walking forward with some lovely splatter effects around it.
2. Tiger Flower Tattoo
Photo credit: @marekpawlik_tattooartist
Flowers come with them a variety of symbolism depending on which Flower Tattoo you choose to adorn yourself with.
Unfortunately I’m no botanist, so I can only guess as to what this Flower Tattoo is.
If my guess is correct, and it is, in fact, a Tiger-Lily, it can symbolize themes such as wealth and prosperity, strength and resilience, or confidence and pride.
3. Ginkgo And Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @pittakkm
This Tiger Tattoo shows a Tiger and some Ginkgo leaves.
The Ginkgo tree can live for up to 1,000 years and can survive in harsh conditions, such as polluted air and poor soil.
In fact, four ginkgo trees in Hiroshima survived the atomic blast and are still growing today, leading the Ginkgo tree to have themes of longevity and survivability.
4. Fierce Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @toniangar
If you want your Tiger Tattoo to have an edge to it, then try out this fierce Tiger Tattoo.
This amazing design is by Toni Ángar from Marbella Spain, who primarily focuses on Anime Tattoos.
This super cool design has an added layer of ferocity with flames coming from the paws and beams of light emanating from the Tiger's eyes.
5. Samurai Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @geem_tattoo
If you love Japanese culture, particularly from Feudal Japan, then check out this super cool Tiger Samurai Tattoo.
The Samurai were the warriors of premodern Japan who later made up the ruling military class, which eventually became the highest-ranking social caste of the Edo Period.
This super vibrant Tiger Tattoo pays honor to the Samurai’s ferocious warrior spirit.
6. Tiger And Hibiscus Flowers Tattoo
Photo credit: @hwyl.tattoo
This gorgeous White Tiger Tattoo pays homage to two countries, being Korea and Malaysia.
Both Korea and Malaysia have the Hibiscus plant as a national symbol, and the two pendants in this design have patterns from the Korean and Malaysian flags.
Check out hwyl.tattoo for more incredible oriental ornament work.
7. Tiger Warrior Tattoo
Photo credit: @mike_cruz87
If you want to show off your warrior spirit, check out this super cool Tiger Warrior Tattoo.
This Tattoo Design has a woman wearing a Tiger head as her headpiece.
The level of detailing is phenomenal, and I love the joint blue eyes of both the woman and the Tiger.
8. Butterfly Wings Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @courtneymeerman
If you want to make your Tiger Tattoo a little more playful and cute, add some butterfly wings to it.
This adorable Tattoo Design features a lovely White Tiger that looks like it's flying thanks to its tiny little wings.
9. Shere Khan Tattoo
Photo credit: @illustday
Shere Khan is a Bengal Tiger and the main antagonist of the Jungle Book and its adaptions.
The name Shere Khan has two inspirations, Shere being the Persian word for Tiger, while Khan was a title meaning ruler or chief used by the Turco-Mongol peoples.
This lovely Disney Tattoo has both Shere Khan and Mowgli’s protector, Bagheera the Panther.
10. Tibetan Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @mercerart
The Tibetan Tiger is commonly associated with confidence, power, and protection.
In Buddhist lore, the tiger's prowess and strength symbolize the ability to manage and control one's energy, especially in spiritual practices.
In Tibetan culture, the Tiger is one of the five mysterious animals that represent different aspects of the enlightened mind and the transformative path of spirituality.
11. Korean Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @monkeybob_ttt
The Korean Tiger, also known as the Siberian or Amur Tiger also holds a special place within Korean culture.
In Korean folklore, the tiger is seen as a guardian that drives away evil spirits and brings good luck with it often being depicted as a kind and benevolent figure, despite its fierce appearance.
The Korean tiger symbolizes strength, courage, and longevity and is also associated with mountain spirits, as tigers were once prevalent in Korea's mountainous landscapes.
12. Tiny Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @ovenlee.tattoo
Possibly the cutest Tattoo Design on this list is this gorgeous little Tiger Cub Tattoo.
This beautiful tattoo is so tiny but has a lovely amount of detailing with the Tiger cub playing with some lavender.
Lavender can symbolize love and affection, and by giving lavender to someone you care about, you can convey that you consider them pure and virtuous.
13. Tiger King Tattoo
Photo credit: @joe_exotic
Of course, you can’t have a Tiger list without having the Tiger King make an appearance, or somewhat at least!
The Tiger King was a Netflix series that shed light upon the Illegal Wildlife Trade in the United States and rose figures such as Joe ‘The Tiger King’ Exotic to infamy for his charming yet somewhat unhinged personality.
If you are truly serious about saving Tigers by keeping them in their natural habitat, then consider donating to either the International Tiger Project or the David Shepard Wildlife Foundation.
14. Tigress Kung Fu Panda Tattoo
Photo credit: @simo_goodmornink_
Tigress is one of the Furious Five from the Kung Fu Panda series.
The Furious Five are a kung-fu warrior group who have all achieved the rank of master, having been trained by Master Shifu in the Five Animal Style.
Given up by her parents, Tigress was left at the Bao Gu orphanage where she received help in controlling her strength and temper from Shifu.
Originally skeptical of Po being named the Dragon Warrior, she has since accepted his title and fights alongside Po as a friend and ally.
15. Stretching Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @youngchickentattoo
If you struggle to get up in the morning or if you keep yourself active with Yoga, then perhaps a stretching Tiger is perfect for you.
This cute little design has the Tiger stretching in the typical stretching style you might see your pet dog or cat do, with his rump high into the air, head down low, and front feet stretched far out in front of him.
16. Sleeping Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @foxtrot.tattoo
Even the King of the Jungle needs a nap from time to time.
This cute little Tiger Tattoo shows a little Tiger cub sleeping on the edge of a corner.
Tigers are incredibly sleepy creatures, sleeping up to 18 to 20 hours a day.
This is due to the extremely hot environments they live in, so they like to sleep in shaded areas.
17. Pink Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @crushedclub
If you want to add a little more femininity to your Tiger Tattoo, check out this pretty pink Tiger Tattoo.
This gorgeous Tattoo Design has a playful and cute Pink Tiger surrounded by some Pink Butterfly Tattoos and a few nice sparkle effects.
18. Tiger In Water Tattoo
Photo credit: @ll3.tattoo
Tigers are known for being subtle ambush predators that can sneak up on prey unknowingly.
This gorgeous Tattoo Design pays homage to their elegance, showing the Tiger elegantly tip-toeing across the surface of the water, being ever so careful not to make too much noise.
19. Tiger Snake Tattoo
Photo credit: @sabrinawu_tattoo
The Snake is a creature that has a lot of negativity aimed at it, however, snake tattoos come with them a lot of positive symbolism.
Snake Tattoo symbolism represents themes of rebirth, transformation, or renewal, thanks to the way a snake sheds its skin.
However, this Tattoo Design seems to be a battle between the two creatures.
20. Chinese Tiger Painting Tattoo
Photo credit: @newtattoo_studio
In Chinese culture, the Tiger is a referred animal with a lot of symbolism, including power, strength, protection, courage, and royalty.
According to one Chinese legend, a White Tiger appears only when the emperor rules with absolute virtue or if there is peace throughout the world.
21. Leaping Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @85tattooer
Tigers are known for their ability to pounce on unsuspecting prey, so check out this super cool Tattoo Design of a leaping Korean Tiger by 85tattooer.
Check out 85tattooer to see a lot more of his beautiful Korean Tiger Tattoo Designs, as well as much more.
22. Tiger And Dragon Tattoo
Photo credit: @huangjimmy
Within Yin-Yang, the Tiger and Dragonrepresent the two opposing yet complementary forces.
The Dragon being yang, representing power, strength, and masculine force, while the tiger is associated with yin, standing for courage, fierceness, and feminine force.
This Dragon Tiger Tattoo is phenomenally done in a traditional Chinese art style.
23. Tiger And Phoenix Tattoo
Photo credit: @koizhou_tattooist
Phoenix Tattoos are often associated with rebirth, renewal, and resilience.
They symbolize the idea of emerging stronger from adversity or challenges, much like how the mythical Phoenix rises from the ashes.
This Tattoo is beautiful, with the Phoenix and Tiger in a delicate dance with one another.
24. Tiger And Lion Tattoo
Photo credit: @zofiaart
While the Lion is often touted as the King of the Jungle, the true King is actually the Tiger.
This is because Lions don’t exist in Jungles and rather live on the vast savannah plains and sometimes even deserts of Africa.
This Tiger and Lion Tattoo is really great, with the two beats facing off.
25. Hodori Tattoo
10 points to whoever remembers who Hodori is.
Hodori was a Tiger mascot specifically designed for the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea.
He was designed to embody the friendly and hospitable nature of the Korean people, who symbolized the strength and energy of the athletes participating in the Games.
26. Tiger Beer Tattoo
Photo credit: @yan_tattooist
Living in Southeast Asia, I often encounter the Singaporean brand Tiger Beer.
While I wanted to find someone with the logo of Tiger Beer itself, unfortunately, I couldn’t, so I settled with this cute rendition.
The real Tiger Beer is currently produced by Heineken Asia Pacific, which produces several brands of beer.
27. Hand Poked Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @pierrotpokes
Hand Poked Tattoos are a method of tattooing that doesn't involve the use of machinery or electricity.
This technique is a contemporary adaptation of traditional tattooing methods that has gained popularity for its simplicity and unique aesthetic.
This lovely Hand Poked Tiger Tattoo has a cute little Tiger resting on some clouds.
28. Richard Parker Tattoo
Photo credit: Facebook
Richard Parker is a Bengal Tiger from the Life of Pi novel and film.
He got his name due to a clerical error that switched his true name with that of his human captor.
In the book, Pi is left stranded on a lifeboat after the ship he was on sank. During the time they are adrift, Pi conditions the Tiger to be submissive to him, eventually leading them to be able to share the boat together.
29. Hobbes Tattoo
Photo credit: @laurenwinzer
Hobbes is a sardonic Tiger who is the best friend of Calvin, a mischievous and adventurous 6-year-old from the Calvin and Hobbes American comic strip.
It is never explicitly stated, but it is believed that Hobbes is actually just an imaginary friend and a stuffed toy that Calvin carries with him wherever he goes.
30. Tiger Shark Tattoo
Photo credit: @bloodyreigntattoos
Ok, so I know you wouldn’t let me get away with putting the actual Tiger Shark on a Tiger list, but what about a shark with the colors and pattern of a Tiger?
This super cool Neo-Traditional Tattoo Design has the shark with a harpoon through its torso as if it is being hunted itself.
31. Tiger Oriental Fan Tattoo
Photo credit: @offtattooer
If you can’t get enough of the oriental Tattoo Designs, then you’ll love this beautiful Oriental Tiger Fan Tattoo.
This amazing Tattoo Design has a White Tiger crashing through some waves as the pattern on the fan, with the fan itself boasting lovely blue and red colors and great use of negative space.
32. Rajah Tattoo
Photo credit: @kevinfurnesstattoo
Another Disney Tattoo, Rajah, is a supporting character and loyal, protective pet tiger of Princess Jasmine from the Aladdin franchise.
Once a circus cub, Raja escaped his circus performing group and found his way to the Sultan's Palace, where he was discovered by Princess Jasmine.
Jasmine believed the cub to be a gift from her late mother and named the Tiger after a ‘star’ named Raja, who her mother told tales about.
33. Rainbow Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @tattoo_ciaociao
If you’re really looking to add some vibrancy to your Tattoo Design, them check out this funny rainbow Tiger Tattoo.
This funky design has an elongated Tiger's body with some nice floral and fire effects surrounding it.
The Tiger also has all the visible colors of the rainbow present on its body, starting with red at the end and ending with violet and the tail.
34. Playful Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @courtneymeerman
If you’re someone with a playful and energetic spirit, you will love this playful Tiger Tattoo.
This Design has a realistic Tiger enjoying some play time as it looks like it is tumbling down while still stretching its claws out to try and catch something.
35. Tony The Tiger
Tony the Tiger is an advertising anthropomorphic Tiger used as a mascot for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes/Frosties cereal.
Designed in 1952 by Eugene Kolkey, Tony went on to become a cereal icon, with his design coming from a group of former Disney animators.
This Tattoo is really well done, and just like every other Tattoo Design on this list, They’re gr-r-reat!
36. Blue Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @jin_qchoi
While a Blue Tiger doesn’t actually exist in nature, it may represent a spiritual or mystical aspect of the tiger, possibly connecting it to celestial or divine elements.
This Blue Tiger seems to be more of a malevolent being, with vicious-looking eyes and a snake for a tail.
37. Tiger Butterfly Tattoo
Photo credit: @chenjie.newtattoo
Butterfly Tattoos have many symbolic meanings, including transformation, freedom, beauty, femininity, and hope.
They also symbolize life cycles and how change is a natural part of life or how change and transformation are possible.
This nice Tattoo Design shows a Butterfly gently flying with a Tiger looking at him from within his frame.
38. Tigger Tattoo
Photo credit: @kevinjtattoos
Tigger is a stuffed Tiger belonging to Christopher Robin, who first appeared in Disney’s animated feature Winne the Pooh and the Blustery Day.
Tigger is simple-minded and boisterous, and he loves to bounce around on his tail.
His ego is massive because he is the ‘only Tigger around,’ making him believe that he is significantly handsome and the greatest bouncer around.
Where To Put Your Tiger Tattoo
Design is one thing, but the placement of your Tiger Tattoo is another consideration before going under the needle. So, let’s check out some of the best Tiger Tattoo locations.
1. Tiger Tattoo On Back
Photo credit: @japanese.ink
If you’re serious about wanting a Tiger Tattoo and want the most imposing and striking one you possibly can get, try inking your Design on your back.
A Back Tattoo is perfect for the most intricate of Designs, as your artist has a lot of space to work with, but keep in mind that you will be on the chair for a long time the bigger your design is.
2. Forearm Tiger Tattoo Idea
Photo credit: @mike_cruz87
If you want to show off your Tiger Tattoo as often as possible, there probably is no better Tattoo than a Forearm Tattoo.
This cool Forearm Tattoo is of a Tiger’s eyes. The detailing on this Design is incredible, and the Tiger has formidable looking emerald eyes that look like they stare right through you.
3. Hand Tiger Tattoo
Photo credit: @lucasportotattoo
Another great spot that allows you to show off your Tattoo as often as possible is a Hand Tattoo.
While you can show off your Hand ink as often as you like, it will be difficult to cover for jobs that require you to hide your tattoos during working hours, so approach with caution.
This cool Tiger Tattoo has the Tigers face splashing out of the water.
4. Tiger Tattoo On Foot
Photo credit: @jin_qchoi
A Foot Tattoo can be quite discreet, allowing you to showcase your ink only when you choose, which is great for those in professional settings.
However, even outside of professional settings, a foot tattoo still isn’t easily shown off in its full glory, as most footwear will probably interrupt the design somehow.
Also the foot is one of the most painful places to get inked, so deeply consider before going ahead with it.
5. Thigh Tiger Tattoo Design
Photo credit: @tiggytattoos
Lastly, a Thigh Tattoo is a great location, particularly if you’re looking to increase your sex appeal.
The thigh is a great place, particularly for first-timers, as the thigh offers a lot of fat and muscle that helps dull the pain, but remember, thigh tattoos aren’t easily shown off unless it’s in a private setting or if you frequent the beach or poolside quite often.
Conclusion
Now that we've prowled through the dense underbrush of designs and emerged with a trove of tiger tattoos, it’s time for us to stealthily return to the dense forests until our next tattooing hunt.
But hey, if Tiger Tattoos haven’t inspired you, you can check out even more Animal Tattoos, for more spiritual Tattoo Designs, check out these Kitsune Tattoos or for something a little different, check out these cute sunset tattoo ideas.
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