50+ Elephant Tattoo Ideas: Symbolism and Design Inspiration

Elephants have long been revered as symbols of strength, wisdom, and good luck in many cultures around the world. In Hindu mythology, the elephant-headed god Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and the patron of new beginnings. In Buddhist teachings, the elephant is a symbol of mental strength and spiritual growth. In Africa, elephants are seen as symbols of royalty and power.

Elephants are also known for their strong social bonds and their nurturing nature, making them popular choices for tattoo designs that represent loyalty and family. Elephant tattoos can be designed in a range of styles, from small and delicate to large and bold, and can be incorporated into a variety of tattoo designs, including mandalas, nature scenes, and cultural symbols. Whether you are looking for a tattoo that represents your own personal values or a design that pays homage to a cultural tradition, an elephant tattoo can be a meaningful and beautiful addition to your body art.

1. Minimal Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLgr3y4JVMP/

This small and minimal elephant tattoo is perfect for anyone not wanting something massive.

2. Cute Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZPdJXnLv4/

This dainty and cute tattoo is a great way to show your love of elephants.

3.  Elephant and Tree of Life Design

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLryN-pjdOp/

You can add whatever you want to your elephants tattoo.

4. Elephant with Flowers Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLc67QMj-Fw/

Surround your gorgeous elephant tattoo with some flowers.

5. Wisdom Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL94PjcBCgS/

Let your elephant tattoo tell you something.

6. Chakra & Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL93LRTpLpa/

Let this elephant help keep your chakras in line.

7. Elephant Tattoo on Heel of Foot

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL90hweHppU/

A mini elephant is adorable.

8. Medallion Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9uUHMnAJ6/

Let your love for art and elephants show.

9. Dumbo Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9r4FOpDIz/

Disney and elephants pair well together.

10. Elephant Family Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9jX49rZ1S/

Represent your family with elephants.

11. Elephant Tattoo on Thigh

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9no39sut2/

Get a larger piece done with an elephant being center stage.

12. Cartoon Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9Y_lngtyg/

A cartoon elephant is a stunning tattoo idea.

13. Dimensional Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9BL7elqs0/

Adding dimensions to your tattoo is trendy right now.

14. Elephant Tattoo on Arm

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL89QVGoEXv/

This realistic tattoo is amazing and perfect for elephant lovers.

15. Elephant & Lotus Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7_TJInRgI/

An elephant tattoo can always be peaceful.

16. Watercolor Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7yh1WFLQE/

Spruce up your elephant with some watercolors.

17. Half Piece Elephant Design

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7wXEAH9Zi/

You don’t need a full elephant to have a stunning tattoo.

18. Full of Color Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL6yYDXpCRL/

Your tattoo doesn’t have to be black and white.

19. Puzzle Piece Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL6mzCuJSHj/

Piece your elephant together.

20. Meaningful Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL5m2QKDaIy/

Elephant tattoos can mean whatever you want them to.

21. Sketch of Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL5EP0DJvq-/

Have fun with your elephant tattoo and make it uniquely yours.

22. Abstract Elephants

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL4T27mlEnv/

Create your elephants the way you want them to look.

23. Sunflower & Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL3s1-6Hrsy/

Let your elephant hold your favorite flower.

24. Dot Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL3KjY-DkJJ/

Create your elephant with a dot tattoo.

25. Small Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL2GWHLsNNP/

A tiny tattoo is all you need.

26. Creative Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL2Czp0H5D3/

Elephants can have remarkable powers.

27. Heart Shape Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLzjohDHSBY/

Let your elephant tattoo create a stunning heart.

28. Floral Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClMZbNQubd8/

Your elephant floral tattoo will show your love of nature.

29. Nicely Done Dotwork Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiaPYruj4zq/

A combination of black dots is ready to create a cute elephant for your body.

30. Elephants with Fingerprints

https://www.instagram.com/p/Clt-5ulPbmD/

A little elephant family with her family’s finger prints on them is adorable.

31. Floral Elephant Couple Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkoSVY7Nbx6/

The bond between two elephants is quite strong, so let’s get this tattoo.

32. Cute Elephant Siblings Design

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClihXgctwpY/

Wanna cheer up with a tattoo? Baby elephants are waiting for you.

33. Tiny Cute Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl66Rq0o0Gq/

Here is a fun way to show your love of elephants without making the commitment of getting a huge one.

34. Black & Grey Origami Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClxHYOjpcx_/

An origami elephant tattoo is a simple design that represents the symbol of strength and wisdom.

35. Maori Elephant Tattoo Design

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl1822_MZQf/

If you like Maori tattoos, you should give it a shot to this gorgeous elephant tattoo.

36. Dreamcatcher & Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClmwAGWpX40/

A dream catcher and elephant combo is a beautiful symbol of strength, loyalty and family.

37. Rose-Shaped Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb9yQKFPVBC/

Go for a creative elephant tattoo design with purple ink to stand out.

38. Mandala Elephant Tattoo on Neck

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQfkelUlonV/

The elephant is perfect for a mandala! Being a sacred animal in Buddhism, you will express your spirituality.

39. Tiny Elephant on Side Rib

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce1IGWZrEuR/

Get a minimalist elephant tattoo on your side rib to catch everyone’s eye.

40. Elephant Family on Neck Design

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZTpMEns8SA/

An elephant family tattoo is a perfect way to show how much you love your family.

41. Elephant & Lion Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/B40E1JwjaBD/

Be brave like a lion and be strong like an elephant! Let’s go and get this tattoo.

42. Cool Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmD_ZzlsR2a/

This cool elephant with sunglasses will make your back shine with its amazing color palette.

43. Cute Elephant Design

https://www.instagram.com/p/CljWfJgo72I/

An elephant holding an umbrella with his trunk is a cute tattoo idea for those who like fun tattoos.

44. Vivid Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRRzwNCL4h6/

With its perfect shading, two elephants above look quite realistic. Cover up your arm with it!

45. Daisies & Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ogCsSn0aM/

Wanna have a feminine tattoo? Go for an elephant with daises.

46. Linework Elephant & Lion Tattoo on Back

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl6jTqzo5nQ/

Line tattoos are simple but they look so attractive just like the one above with an elephant and a lion.

47. Elephant Tattoo for Ladies

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClkvLbLKPuY/

Elephant face is taken to a different level with nice details such as lotus flowers.

48. Artistic Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkrN_TJrpux/

Realistic tattoo lovers will adore the one above! A mother and her child symbolize affection.

49. Realistic Mandala Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CePh2S8jIg2/

An elephant and mandala tattoo is waiting for you. Let’s honor your spiritual side!

50. Couple Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CS1mDG1Mz4G/

Show your dedication to each other with a colorful elephant couple tattoo.

51. Savage Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7_109tlBrK/

If you like dark and savage tattoos, give it a shot to this elephant with red eyes.

52. Realistic Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CivTB_YL88n/

Look at how realistic this tattoo looks! You are sure to rock with it.

53. Cute Dotwork Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmEPSydMOoN/

Baby elephants are adorable creatures, so why not getting one of it as tattoo?

54. Traditional Art Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkYizx1sgUk/

The traditional elephant tattoo is full of great details. Plus, the colors are eye-catching.

55. Stylish Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbIjfudJ_SV/

Why not trying something different? With this elephant tattoo, nobody will take their eyes off you.

56. Classy Dotwork Elephant Tattoo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmEiKfoN2rL/

If you want to make a bold and strong statement with your tattoo, go for this creative elephant tattoo.

57. Floral Elephant Tattoo for Ladies

https://www.instagram.com/p/Clorzp6pTQP/

Let’s turn your arm into a colorful garden! Your love of nature can be best shown with it.

Elephant tattoos are amazing! Not only do they make for great designs, but they also have a lot of meaning behind them. From the list above, which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Avatar photo
Soheil Khaledi

I've been a tattoo artist for over 13 years, working in 35 states and abroad. My art is prominent in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii. I also tattoo on military bases in foreign countries. I share my inspirations on my blog.

Articles: 252

Leave a Reply