30+ Penguin Tattoo Design Ideas That Are Cute and Meaningful

Penguin tattoos are a great way to show your love of these flightless birds while also showing off a bit of your personality. Whether you want to get a simple, minimalist design or a complex tattoo that shows off your creativity, there are plenty of options out there for you.

The best part about penguin tattoos is that they’re totally customizable! You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns to find the one that works best for you. You can also choose which type of penguin you want in your tattoo: Emperor penguins, King penguins, or Gentoo penguins. No matter what you decide on, you’ll love how much fun it is to wear your own personal penguin tattoo.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out these awesome penguin tattoos:

1. Little Penguin Tattoo

A penguin wearing a batik T-shirt sound weird but you know, there is no limit for imagination. Go for this fun and creative tattoo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChxtBxbJBQK/

A penguin wearing a batik T-shirt sound weird but you know, there is no limit for imagination. Go for this fun and creative tattoo.

2. Cool Penguin Tattoo 

The penguin above looks like a rockstar, doesn't he? If you are fond of rock music and style, you can turn your penguin into a rockstar.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcRtedmD45A/

The penguin above looks like a rock star, doesn’t he? If you are fond of rock music and style, you can turn your penguin into a rock star.

3. Penguin Head Tattoo

If you want to get a tattoo that will make you laugh and have fun, the penguin tattoo above is a must to go for.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCJXTXD1cp/

If you want to get a tattoo that will make you laugh and have fun, the penguin tattoo above is a must to go for.

4. Black and White Penguin Tattoo 

Are you addicted to coffee? Then, why not a penguin is addicted to it? Let's have fun with your penguin tattoo like the one above.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgFbwXFux74/

Are you addicted to coffee? Then, why not a penguin is addicted to it? Let’s have fun with your penguin tattoo like the one above.

5. Cute Penguins Tattoo

If there is something cuter than a little penguin, it is three little penguins. Every time you look at your tattoo design, it will make your heart warm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdglaTXMwzD/

If there is something cuter than a little penguin, it is three little penguins. Every time you look at your tattoo design, it will make your heart warm.

6. Warrior Penguin Tattoo

Penguins can fight, too! Show that they are the true warriors by using some colorful inks to make your tattoo lively.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiSv7C0NSLz/

Penguins can fight, too! Show that they are the true warriors by using some colorful inks to make your tattoo lively.

7. Smoker Penguin Tattoo

Smoking is a bad habit but a penguin with a cigar on his hand looks cool. Plus, his hat rocks!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfJCREAJzPD/

Smoking is a bad habit but a penguin with a cigar on his hand looks cool. Plus, his hat rocks!

8. Cartoon Penguin Tattoo 

Do you remember the cartoon called 'Pingu'? It was broadcasted in 90s and it was so popular back then. Noot noot!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd56ltMt6L0/

Do you remember the cartoon called ‘Pingu’? It was broadcasted in 90s and it was so popular back then. Noot noot!

9. Japanese Penguin Tattoo 

How does 'a penguin bowl' sound? In this colorful and unusual tattoo, a Japanese penguin is waiting for you to melt your heart.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfv-NSZACW7/

How does ‘a penguin bowl’ sound? In this colorful and unusual tattoo, a Japanese penguin is waiting for you to melt your heart.

10. Happy Feet Penguin Tattoo 

Being a popular computer-animated comedy film, Happy Feet is all about penguins! If you like the movie, you can get a tattoo of one of the penguins in it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CedadX6IRPx/

Being a popular computer-animated comedy film, Happy Feet is all about penguins! If you like the movie, you can get a tattoo of one of the penguins in it.

11. Cute Penguin Tattoo 

If penguins live in the cold, maybe we can use them as ice cubes to make our drinks cooler. Because why not?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgIPXwPPFuJ/

If penguins live in the cold, maybe we can use them as ice cubes to make our drinks cooler. Because why not?

12. Happy Penguin Tattoo

In this tattoo design, the penguin holds some colorful balloons and it seems like it is enjoying them a lot. Maybe all you need is a cute tattoo like this.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgWFH6LDeFq/

In this tattoo design, the penguin holds some colorful balloons and it seems like it is enjoying them a lot. Maybe all you need is a cute tattoo like this.

13. Feathers McGraw Penguin Tattoo

Here is a popular character: Feathers McGraw. It looks like a menacing penguin but it won't hurt you, for sure.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfw4KDlIPrH/

Here is a popular character: Feathers McGraw. It looks like a menacing penguin but it won’t hurt you, for sure.

14. Sailor Penguin Tattoo

A little and cute sailor penguin is all you need to smile. If the size of this tattoo is too big for you, you can get a smaller one of it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Chg13L1lKpY/

A little and cute sailor penguin is all you need to smile. If the size of this tattoo is too big for you, you can get a smaller one of it.

15. Couple Penguin Tattoo

Did you know that the female and male penguins continue to mate with each other for most of their lives? We, as humans, have a lot to learn from them.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg6SSx1Irh-/

Did you know that the female and male penguins continue to mate with each other for most of their lives? We, as humans, have a lot to learn from them.

16. Mini Penguin Tattoo

Here is a creative and unique design for you. Unlike most of the penguin tattoos, this tattoo is sure to give you a different look that others will notice.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfmeaCmLcAw/

Here is a creative and unique design for you. Unlike most of the penguin tattoos, this tattoo is sure to give you a different look that others will notice.

17. Leg Penguin Tattoo

Those who want to get a simple penguin tattoo may try this one out. Plus, you don't have to make it big that much but try a smaller one.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChVXsryuMP_/

Those who want to get a simple penguin tattoo may try this one out. Plus, you don’t have to make it big that much but try a smaller one.

18. Wrist Penguin Tattoo

A cute little penguin listening to music will cheer you up for the rest of your life. Plus, you can get it together with your bestie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg2G5eZo9T0/

A cute little penguin listening to music will cheer you up for the rest of your life. Plus, you can get it together with your bestie.

19. Fun Penguin Tattoo

What if we bring white wine with a little penguin in one tattoo? Standing behind the glas, the reflection of the penguin is so funny.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfnWCWHvjxN/

What if we bring white wine with a little penguin in one tattoo? Standing behind the glas, the reflection of the penguin is so funny.

20. Overlayed Penguin Tattoo in Antarctica 

Overlayed in Antarctica, the penguin is in his happy place since we understand because of his smiley face. You should give this tattoo a try.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgW623RP3Lz/

Overlayed in Antarctica, the penguin is in his happy place since we understand because of his smiley face. You should give this tattoo a try.

21. Northern Lights with a Penguin Tattoo

If one of your dreams is to see the Northern lights with your girlfriend or boyfriend, here is an inspirational penguin tattoo for you. Everytime you look at your tattoo, you will do your best to make your dream come true.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CifgJO3gAdc/

If one of your dreams is to see the Northern lights with your girlfriend or boyfriend, here is an inspirational penguin tattoo for you. Everytime you look at your tattoo, you will do your best to make your dream come true.

22. Dotwork Penguin Tattoo

Here is a splendid dotwork penguin tattoo to get. It look so simple but the beauty is in simplicity, isn't it?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CidcPZyvxXf/

Here is a splendid dotwork penguin tattoo to get. It look so simple but the beauty is in simplicity, isn’t it?

23. Penguin Tattoo on Ankle

Sometimes it is really interesting to see how realistic some tattoos are. This realistic and shady penguin tattoo is ready to make you shine.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CidEtzYLQuM/

Sometimes it is really interesting to see how realistic some tattoos are. This realistic and shady penguin tattoo on your ankle is ready to make you shine.

24. Colorful Penguin Tattoo

The Hawaiian vibe is all about flowers, colors and music. To reflect your love of Hawaii in your penguin tattoo, there is no better choice than the one above.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiaHSchAOcT/

The Hawaiian vibe is all about flowers, colors and music. To reflect your love of Hawaii in your penguin tattoo, there is no better choice than the one above.

25. Orca and Penguin Tattoo

How amazing the color palette is in this tattoo! The combo of Orca and a penguin will take your tattoo to a different level.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiV281pv17A/

How amazing the color palette is in this tattoo! The combo of Orca and a penguin will take your tattoo to a different level.

26. Rockhopper Penguin Tattoo

Being traditionally treated as a single species, rockhopper penguins are super-cool creatures. If you like this specific type of penguin, you should definitely try it out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiSYcvpIP9k/

Being traditionally treated as a single species, rockhopper penguins are super-cool creatures. If you like this specific type of penguin, you should definitely try it out.

27. Abstract Penguin Tattoo

You don't have to get a realistic penguin to look gorgeous. Abstract tattoos are quite nice, so why not applying it with on a penguin?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CiLACY7Id4u/

You don’t have to get a realistic penguin to look gorgeous. Abstract tattoos are quite nice, so why not applying it with on a penguin?

28. Cool Big Penguin Tattoo

It is so hard to resist this cool penguin head design, isn't it? Its color palette will take your tattoo to a whole different level and everyone will come closer to check it out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch3RMj1sEas/

It is so hard to resist this cool penguin head design, isn’t it? Its color palette will take your tattoo to a whole different level and everyone will come closer to check it out.

29. Baby Penguin Tattoo

There are just a few things that are absolutely cute in this world. One of them is definitely baby penguin. Go for it if you are looking for a cute tattoo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChrfWdhtjX9/

There are just a few things that are absolutely cute in this world. One of them is definitely baby penguin. Go for it if you are looking for a cute tattoo.

30. Penguin Magician Tattoo

In order to have fun with your penguin tattoo, there are a lot of designs. How about a magician penguin? It sounds weird but just look at how cool it is.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Chf_GLVhkh7/

In order to have fun with your penguin tattoo, there are a lot of designs. How about a magician penguin? It sounds weird but just look at how cool it is.

31. Bright-Colored Penguin Tattoo

The penguin breaks the ice with its warming heart in this tattoo. Bright and colorful inks allow this tattoo to shine out in the crowd.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChWx1NOLEg9/

The penguin breaks the ice with its warming heart in this tattoo. Bright and colorful inks allow this tattoo to shine out in the crowd.

32. Tiny Penguin Tattoo

Do you like Korean vibes in anything? If you do, you can show your love in your penguin tattoo. Give this tattoo above a shot.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChPkDPVL49m/

Do you like Korean vibes in anything? If you do, you can show your love in your penguin tattoo. Give this tattoo above a shot.

33. Penguin with a Balloon Tattoo

A lonely penguin holding a heart shaped flying balloon looks like a great tattoo. If you feel like this penguin, don't wait too long to get it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ChAW840oare/

A lonely penguin holding a heart shaped flying balloon looks like a great tattoo. If you feel like this penguin, don’t wait too long to get it.

Penguin tattoos symbolize good luck and they are so cute, too. There are different types of penguin tattoo ideas as you saw above. Which one is your favorite? We’re looking for your answers!

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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.

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