101 Cool Father Son Tattoos Ideas and Quotes

101 Cool Father-Son Tattoos Ideas and Quotes

A tattoo can be more than just ink on skin, but a story, a symbolization of a bond, an eternal memory. Tattoos can serve as a way for fathers and sons to celebrate their bond.

There are many different father-son tattoo ideas, from matching tattoos to complementary designs and tattoos that depict a meaningful quote. There are endless possibilities.

In this article, we will introduce you to our 101 father-son tattoo ideas and quotes list. It includes a variety of different tattoos that honor the unique bond between a father and a son.

1. Symbolic Animal Tattoos

The animal we choose can symbolise either our partner or the relationship itself or a given trait of our partner. Of course, this doesn’t mean that meaningful tattoos don’t contain many mistakes and are not sometimes the cause of great regret and anguish – in the end, tattoos are there for life. This list gives a flavour of the different types of animal used:

Lions: Representing strength, courage, and leadership.

Wolves: Symbolizing loyalty, family, and protection.

Eagles: Denoting freedom, vision, and resilience.

2. Matching Anchor Tattoos

Anchors are a very common tattoo that represents steadfastness and roots. Matching anchor tattoos mean that no matter where life takes you, you will always be each other’s anchor.

3. Puzzle Piece Tattoos

Puzzle pieces is a nice way to show that you two fit together. You can design the two tatts so they fit together perfectly.

4. Celtic Knot Tattoos

Celtic knots feature classic curving lines and are thought to symbolise infinity and marriage. A father-son Celtic knot tattoo can be a picture of eternal connectedness.

5. Tree of Life Tattoos

The tree of life is perhaps the most inspiring image of growth, strength and extension of family. The tree with roots and branches is a wonderful way to symbolise your mutual roots and the expansion of your relationships.

6. Meaningful Quotes

A great way to make your tattoo more meaningful or personal is by including a quote about fatherhood. Some popular father-son quotes are:

A father is neither an anchor to keep us from drifting, nor a sail to take us there, but a light whose love shows us the way.

“The love between a father and son is forever.”

“A son’s first hero, a father’s first love.”

7. Sports-Themed Tattoos

If you are a sports fan and have a favourite sport, a sports-related tattoo is a good way to celebrate the team you share a common interest in with your partner. For example, football, basket ball, or baseball fans will find plenty of options.

8. Superhero Tattoos

If you and your dad share a big love of superheroes, then getting matching or complementary superhero tattoos can be a really fun, meaningful way to honour your relationship – whether you opt for classic superhero duos such as Batman and Robin or Iron Man and Spider-Man.

9. Adventure-Themed Tattoos

If you are an adrenaline junkie, a tattoo of the places you explored with your best friend is an amazing option, like a mountain, a compass or a map of a shared destination.

10. Heartbeat Tattoos

Heartbeat tattoos are straightforward – he says that your heart beats with mine or ours heart beats with yours.

11. Handprint Tattoos

Handprint tattoo is a really attractive and uncommon way to capture a moment forever.It can be either a baby handprint or an adult.And it is a special way to show how bonded a father and son are.

12. Quote Tattoos

A notable father-son quote could give your tattoo a touch of personalization. Here are some good ones:

“Like father, like son.”

“My father, my hero.”

“A son’s first hero, a father’s first love.”

13. Portrait Tattoos

Carry your day-to-day relationship to the next level with a portrait tattoo of each other (which can include your kids too) for a beautiful and artistic way to honour your relationship. Do be sure to find the right artist for the project.

14. Music-Themed Tattoos

Got a love for music to show? Get a music tattoo. A musical note or lines of poetry or music lyrics can remind yourself and your partner of your shared love. Choose musical notes or your favorite instruments that make a special song or tune.

15. Family Crest Tattoos

A family crest tattoo is a classic way to honour your heritage as well as your family history, tradition that just never goes out of style.

16. Roman Numerals

A tattoo based on Roman numerals could be the perfect way to make it a bit more palatable. Have the date of your child’s birth, or the day you joined the band, or your own birthday, for example.

17. Infinity Symbol Tattoos

The infinity symbol tattoo, symbolising eternity and an unbreakable bond between father and son, is a popular choice.

18. Cultural Symbols

A cultural tattoo can have special meaning to you through the use of your own heritage – consider Native American, African tribal, or even Asian character tattoos, to name a few.

19. Adventure-Themed Tattoos

An adventure junkie will feel they’ve made the right choice if they get that shared experience mapped on their body, as a reminder of a free spirit, maybe a mountain, a compass or even a map of that place you went on your first big adventure together.

20. Constellation Tattoos

Constellation tattoos are a gorgeous way to represent your bond: pick an actual constellation that has meaning for both of you, or create a made-up symbol with elements of each of your sun signs.

21. Arrow Tattoos

Arrows are a common tattoo, because they show direction, point and shape everything. Couples of arrows match as the idea that shows you are never lost when you walk together.

22. Feather Tattoos

Feathers can be symbolic of freedom, strength and courage. Choose a feather design that’s meaningful to the two of you or one that combines components of your favourites.

23. Anchor Tattoos

An intuitive choice at a tattoo parlor is an anchor, a classic symbol that represents steadfastness, a kind of rooted-ness. Twin anchors can indicate that you will always be anchors to each other, no matter where life takes you.

24. Skull Tattoos

Skull tattoos make for a sleek and badass way to represent your relationship. Get something that has significance tied to both of you, or design one that’s an amalgamation of skull images that both of you love.

25. Nature-Themed Tattoos

If you’re both nature lovers, then get a tattoo with a green theme to share your love of the natural world. Trees, flowers or animals that you both regard as special can be incorporated into your design.

26. Religious Tattoos

If you’re spiritually inclined and have a deep and abiding faith, a religious tattoo might be a great way for you to express your respect and gratitude, in addition to feeling connected. Crosses, angels and other symbolism can be quite touching when used in this regard.

27. Sun and Moon Tattoos

The sun and moon are universal symbols of balance and duality, and wearing matching sun and moon tattoos can symbolise that the two of you are like two halves of a whole.

28. Compass Tattoos

A compass tattoo is ideal for the directionally challenged. Matching compass tattoos or different ones joined at the points could indicate that you’ll always follow each other home.

29. Nautical Tattoos

For those that love the sea, nautical tattoos can commemorate your mutual love: consider ships, anchors, or even lighthouses.

30. Zodiac Sign Tattoos

Another great way to use your zodiac sign tattoos to represent your loving bond is to have one design featuring special touches of both of your signs, or perhaps one a customised design just for the two of you.

31. King and Prince Crowns

A tattoo of a king and prince crown express your relationship roles. The king is your father. The prince is your son. The legacy and leadership is reserved for your bloodline.

32. Key and Lock Tattoos

Key and lock tattoos are great to signify that you are the key that unlocks each other’s hearts. These can be designed in a myriad of styles from fine detailed vintage styles to modern minimalist but equally impactful styles.

33. Nautical Tattoos

For the sea lover, a nautical tattoo captures your shared passion; think ships, anchors, lighthouses with a special significance.

34. Heartbeat Tattoos

Heartbeat tattoos can be simple: featuring, for example, filled-in dots designed to resemble the beats of your hearts hammering in unison.

35. Travel-Themed Tattoos

If you both love to travel, a travel tattoo could be a nice way to celebrate that bond with passports, maps or famous monuments or buildings that mean something to you as a couple.

36. Movie Quotes

If your dad is a big fan of a particular movie and it’s also your favourite, a tattoo quote of that movie could be the perfect way to celebrate a shared interest and commemorate a touching memory.

37. Date Tattoos

Tattoos with dates, including birthdays, wedding or anniversary dates, or just a date that relates to an important event, can be an easy way to remember things that matter.

38. Wildlife Tattoos

If you’re wildlife enthusiasts, include a tattoo in the animal, plant or landscape realm.

39. Shield and Sword Tattoos

Tattoos of shield and sword can represent protection and ferocity, such as when you have the father with the shield and the son with the sword, where the shield represents protection and the sword represents bravery.

40. Music Notes

If you both like music, why not get music note tattoos? If you have a keen interest in music, you can get notes, instruments, or words from a special song you both like.

41. Star Tattoos

A star tattoo can stand the test of time as a meaningful reminder of guidance, hope and ambition in an image. Matching star tattoos show that you’ll always be each other’s North Star.

42. Feather Tattoos

Feathers are often used as symbols of liberty, strength and courage. Pick a feather image that is meaningful to both of you, or a custom design you put together from your favourite feathers.

43. Religious Symbols

If you are a religious person and share the same values with your dad, a tattoo of your religious symbols might be a perfect symbolic choice that could help you pass your dad test successfully. A cross, prayer hands and other religious pictures might serve as great tattoos.

44. Family Tree Tattoos

One of the more popular body tattoos for women is the family tree tattoo, which they use to honour their heritage and important family ties. These tattoos can be simple or elaborate, often featuring the names of family members.

45. Matching Quote Tattoos

A great way to personalise your tattoo is to add a special quote to it. Some popular quotes for father and son tatoes include:

“Like father, like son.”

“My father, my hero.”

“A son’s first hero, a father’s first love.”

46. Heart Tattoos

Heart tattoos are forever and immortality. Heart tattooes are favourite and sweet choice.It can be made simple or complicated, but it always symbolises our love and affection.

47. Chess Pieces

If you and your father like to play chess, matching or complementary chess pieces could make a cool tattoo. Kings and queens are obvious choices, of course; but just about any chess piece could represent different aspects of your bond.

48. Anchor and Ship

An anchor tattoo paired with a ship can represent someone who is looking for something grounding and steady (the anchor) and something adventurous (the ship). One parent might get the anchor and the other can get the ship and, when the children ask why, they can say: ‘The anchor centres something all the while it keeps something steady and grounded …. the ship moves, but it keeps on moving.’

49. Warrior Tattoos

For example a warrior tattoo can represent bravery, strength and overall a sign of being able to overcome a hardship. Preferably choose a really meaningful design or you can make your own based off of a mixture of warrior designs that particularly speak to the both of you.

50. Clock Tattoos

If you want your ink to signal that your life is finite, consider a clock tattoo. They’re great opportunities to point out the passage of time. Specifically, you could point out what that means to you – date and times of previous appointments or upcoming obligations could be incorporated into the design.

51. Native American Symbols

Adding Native American elements to your tattoo design will make it more related to you personally – as Native American symbols can symbolise deep and lasting spiritual beliefs. This type of tattoo design will demonstrate your ancestry proudly.

52. Nautical Stars

A nautical star is a great nautical tattoo – like you’ll get by one another, will always guide each other and be there to protect.

53. Lighthouse Tattoos

Lighthouse tattoos symbolise light, direction, safe passage and protection. It’s an ideal choice for a father-and-son tattoo, with the father the lighthouse, and the son the light or person being guided.

54. Lock and Key Tattoos

Lock and key tattoos are a good way to represent that you have the key to each other’s hearts. These can be done in many different styles, from a vintage look to a minimalist option.

55. Celtic Cross Tattoos

Characterized by their intricate, ornate design and their association with faith, heritage and eternity, the Celtic cross tattoo can exemplify the eternal bond you share with your son.

56. Roman Numerals

Roman numerals might instantly give your tattoo some elegance. The date of your birthday, for instance, or the day you first became a father.

57. Warrior Tattoos

Warrior tattoos can represent strength, bravery and tenacity. Choose the warrior design that is most meaningful to the two of you, or get creative and blend aspects of your respective favourite warrior designs.

58. Arrow Tattoos

Arrow tattoos are a popular idea. They represent direction, but they can also represent direction as a duo – yep, true love. Another sign of ‘you and me against the world’ are matching arrow tattoos. It symbolises a solid sign of shared goals.

59. Infinity Symbol Tattoos

The infinity sign is a popular tattoo as you know, since it is the sign of infinity.So I did not know that The father and son tattoo symbolises the eternal and overwhelming father-son bond.

60. Religious Symbols

On the other hand, a tattoo with religious symbolism (like a cross, or prayer hands) makes a strong statement about faith – accomodating for both you and your dad’s strong belief.

61. Family Crest Tattoos

A family coat-of-arms tattoo is a beautiful and cherished memory of where you got your start.An ancient tribal design, a coat-of-arms is a powerful way to carry on your family’s legacy and your own familial bloodline.

62. Handprint Tattoos

It’s a fantastic momento captured through a handprint tattoo, whether a baby handprint or adult handprint. The tattoo captures the lifelong bond shared between father and son.

63. Sun and Moon Tattoos

The Sun and Moon, as classically recognised celestial symbols of balance, have become tools for demonstrating duality. Two individuals with tattoos mimicking the Sun and Moon can indicate that you are the perfect ying and yang for one another.

64. Shield and Sword Tattoos

Shield tattoos represent defence, and sword tattoos represent bravery, so kinda like some kind of cute bond – dad should have the shield, and young son should have sword.

65. Tree of Life Tattoos

It is a symbol of growth, strength, and family that can represent your roots, your reach, and your support by way of a tree trunk with roots and branches twining together.

66. Heartbeat Tattoos

Heartbeat tattoos are elegant simplicity. They can be symbolic of ‘our hearts beat together’, expressing the unity of your hearts.

67. Zodiac Sign Tattoos

A Zodiac sign tattoo is a great option for turning your bond into body art, since it can be just as unique and personal as you and your partner are. Pick a design that reflects both your signs, combining aspects of each, or create your own unique custom piece, designed just for the two of you.

68. Puzzle Piece Tattoos

Tattoo puzzle pieces are great because they represent that you complete each other. The designs can literally be tailored to fit the other perfectly.

69. Nature-Themed Tattoos

If you and your loved one share an appreciation of our natural world, a nature-themed tattoo could be the perfect way to mark the occasion of your marriage: a great bouquet of flowers; a familiar tree; or your favourite animal.

70. Matching Anchor Tattoos

Anchor tattoos are a time-honoured choice, often depicting constancy and steadfastness. Twin anchor tattoos could mean that no matter how far away you drift, you’ll always be an anchor to each other.

71. Constellation Tattoos

Constellation tattoos, meanwhile, are unique and attractive in representing your connection. Find a constellation that’s meaningful to you, or create a tailor-made cosmos with elements from each of your astrological signs.

72. Feather Tattoos

A feather tattoo can symbolise things like freedom, power, courage and independence. Pick a feather tattoo that holds any or all of these meanings for both of you, or design a custom design based on the parts of each of your favourite feathers.

73. Sun and Moon Tattoos

The best reflection of this is perhaps the sun and moon as archetypical symbols of balance and duality, with balanced sun and moon tattoos reflecting the idea that you’re perfectly intertwined.

74. King and Prince Crowns

A king and a prince crown tattoo may suggest roles in the relationship, the father being the king, the son the prince, taking over the leadersp.

75. Heart Tattoos

Heart tattoos are one of the oldest decorations because they are timeless. Everyone likes them. They can be big, small and with different embellishments to fit the person. They can be black and white , or colorful.

76. Skull Tattoos

Nothing says, ‘You’re my bone,’ like getting matching skull tattoos. Make yours edgy through your design, choose one that both of you like, combine elements from both your favourite skull designs.

77. Arrow Tattoos

Arrows are a popular tattoo choice and can mean that you’re going ‘origin to destination never without a sense of purpose’. So matching arrows can signify that you’re ‘going in the direction together’.

78. Infinity Symbol Tattoos

The infinity symbol is the other most common choice, making reference to the Greeks’ belief that their union is eternal, and to their commitment to one another – father and son crafting themselves as one being.

79. Sports-Themed Tattoos

For example, having a sports-related tattoo about your favourite sport can pay homage to a common bond if you share an interest in it, whether it’s football, basketball, baseball or otherwise.

80. Music-Themed Tattoos

If you both like music, a music-based tattoo can be a perfect way to mark this. Perhaps one of you plays an instrument or sings? You could have the music played be written down as notes, and then either tattooed or tattooed side by side in symmetrical form (this last point is entirely unnecessary, but kinda cute). You could also tattoo song lyrics and have them be the same lyrics, or have separate song lyrics tattooed, one to represent each member of your couplehood.

81. Cultural Symbols

A tattoo reflective of your own heritage or from another world culture is a great way to give your tattoo that real personal meaning. You can have a Native American symbol, or an African tribal tattoo, or get tattooed in Chinese, Japanese, or any other Asian alphabet.

82. Adventure-Themed Tattoos

For adventure lovers, your ink can depict something shared, such as mountains, compasses, or a map of your favourite destination.

83. Roman Numerals

Use Roman numerals and your tattoo will look more elegant. Think of the date of your birthday or the day you became a dad.

84. Family Tree Tattoos

A family would be proud to share a tattoo with one of their peers and to have such a permanent symbol of their heritage This resonates with the idea of family tree tattoos, which serve as a way to commemorate your family history and paying respect to the tightness of your family bonds, either through reality action or the appearance of it. Family tree tattoos are often intricate, so you can have a lot of input as to what you want included. They usually include various inscriptions and names.

85. Warrior Tattoos

Warrior tattoos represent strength, bravery, and fortitude. Pick a design that both you and your special someone can relate to — or design your own that incorporates elements from both of your warrior designs.

86. Handprint Tattoos

A wonderful way of marking a moment, and thus immortalising something, is to get that child’s handprint tattooed. You can use the baby handprint, or one of the dad’s own hand, showing the close relationship between father and son.

87. Clock Tattoos

Clock tattoos are often chosen for the sentiment they can embody – of time moving on, making the most of every opportunity, and they can be lent extra meaning when you add dates or times.

88. Religious Symbols

Together with your dad, you guys strongly believe in something and a tattoo of religious symbols is to express your faith. Crosses, praying hands, a falcon or religious symbols are the perfect subjects for a religious tattoo.

89. Nature-Themed Tattoos

If the two of you share a deep love and affinity for nature, celebrating that love with a nature-themed tattoo is a terrific way of incorporating your ethos into your shared lives. Trees, flowers or animals that you love and find resonance with are all viable options.

90. Heartbeat Tattoos

Heartbeat tattoos are easy and effective. You could each get one as a way to communicate that your hearts beat in unison.

91. Quote Tattoos

Tattoo parlours fill with proud sentiments as they add meaningful quotes to an otherwise catchy design. Here are some of the most popular father-son quotes:

“Like father, like son.”

“My father, my hero.”

“A son’s first hero, a father’s first love.”

92. Shield and Sword Tattoos

A tattoo of a shield and a tattoo of a sword can mean protection and strength. That’s why sometimes a father is tattooed on his arm with a shield saying that he is protecting his child, and a son is tattooed on the other arm with the sword saying that he is brave enough to fight and not back away.

93. Nautical Tattoos

Naust, nautical tattoo, lovebirds, galleon, anemone, and lighthouse – these are ideal for couples who share a passion for the sea.

94. Feather Tattoos

If you have a particular affection for the plumage of a feather – whether for its association with freedom, strength, courage or otherwise – use that as inspiration for your design, or take inspiration from both of your favourites and create something completely custom.

95. Family Crest Tattoos

If it’s family history or heritage that’s important to you, a family crest tat might be a fitting tribute. As far as timeless designs go, they don’t come much surer than a crest.

96. Tree of Life Tattoos

The tree of life is a popular image chosen by many couples. The tree is a strong, towering symbol of ancestry, a family connection, and is figuratively strong and rooted for its mate. A tree with branches and roots signify a shared ancestry and an ongoing relationship.

97. Cultural Symbols

Incorporating symbols from your own culture can make it look more special and personal, like a warped version of your own birthmark. You could go for a Native American symbol, a tribal African design, or any symbol from Asia (speaking of which, symbols written in Asian characters are lovely too).

98. Heart Tattoos

Hearts tattoos are very popular among both girls and boys. Those are simplistic, but always attractive and reliable symbols of love and affection.

99. Music Notes

If you have a fondness for music, think of music note tattoos as a fun way to express mutual appreciation – think notes, instruments, or lyrics from a song that you both love!

100. Star Tattoos

Stars are an old-school tattoo motif, good for those days when you feel you need a lighthouse, a north star, a sprinkle of shimmery dreams over the bland evenings. Matching star tattoos can signify you’ll always be each other’s North Star.

101. King and Prince Crowns

It is possible for two men who love each other to ink identical tattoos of a king and a prince crown, with the father as the king and the son as the prince, symbolic of the lineage and guarding the legacy and leadership imparted.

Conclusion

A father-son tattoo can be incredibly meaningful and an excellent way to remember that special bond you share and may even choose to have your tattoos match or to at least be complimentary. You and your dad could also choose a quote that has particular meaning for the both of you. There is a multitude of options really. The important thing is that your father-son tattoo is something that you both love and get along with. Take the time to choose the right design for you, and discuss your choice with your tattooist to ensure your tattoo is exactly how you want it to be.