35 Stunning Anchor Tattoos (With Rich Meaning)

A long time ago, it was believed that anchor tattoos belonged on those who worked in businesses associated with the sea. That could mean sailors, seamen, navy personnel and others who worked in the deep blue seas and sailed on the beautiful and mighty oceans. Recently, the scene has changed and now the anchor tattoo has gained quite a bit of popularity. In fact, the anchor tattoo is no longer always associated with the seafarers.

People in the rock scene have begun to add their own flavor and design to this tattoo and are doing so with a great deal of enthusiasm! It has also become the design of choice with the fairer sex and it looks pretty awesome. It’s also grown in popularity among the Christian circles as a symbol of strength and stability. Lots of missionaries can be found around the world with a small anchor inscribed on their wrist, behind their ear and on their ankle.

The anchor tattoo has meanings that are far greater than just the sea and the ships that it holds steady. In fact, in the past, it was believed that the anchor design was used to camouflage and shelter the symbol of the Holy Cross. This was done to avoid being targeted and persecuted, but at the same time be able to display their faith and what it meant to them. This was a fearless move on their part and they used this clever ruse to keep their faith strong but not have it on full public display. It’s a rather ingenious way to declare their faith while avoiding religious persecution.

Since an anchor is what puts down roots deep into the sea to hold a ship in place, it has been associated with strength and stability. By this association the anchor can be seen symbolically as something that holds you in place and provides you the strength to hold on no matter how rough things get. In a nutshell, an anchor does what an anchor is supposed to do. It’s a reminder for people that no matter what happens, they will get through it. Life can be hard and sometimes you need to have the little ray of sunshine to remind you to hold on through the good and the bad. That’s the beauty of tattoos. Often they that little (or big) reminder of hope or peace.

Many people pick an anchor tattoo design to remind themselves that no matter how stormy and rough things get out there, you need to hold on and keep doing the right thing. Some anchor tattoos are dedicated to the near and dear ones who’ve played this role in your life. Sometimes it’s someone currently in your life, a loved one who has passed on or just someone who has had a profound impact in your life. This person has usually provided you the strength and wherewithal to hold on no matter what comes your way. They’re quite literally your anchor in the storm. It’s really cool to think about someone having that big of a role in your life and what an amazing way to honor them through the anchor tattoo. Each time you look at it or someone asks you about it, it will remind you of that special person and the lasting impact they’ve had on your life.

Check out the awesome quote in that tattoo. “I refuse to sink.” Powerful stuff.

The symbolism and meanings of an anchor tattoo go beyond mere aesthetic appeal. It has spiritual, emotional and practical meanings. Symbolizing a faith that would not give up in the face of abuse and persecution has to be probably one of the most spiritually profound significances of the anchor tattoo.

On an emotional level, it is quite touching when the anchor represents someone in your life who has been the anchor that helped hold you together. On the physical level however, the anchor represents one of the elements of nature that fascinates us the most – the sea! There is something so adventurous and ominous about the great ocean. It holds so much power and strength and yet an anchor is able to withstand the strength of the mighty sea. It holds fast to the ship, never wavering or losing the ship no matter how rocky the waters.

Check out the beautiful Cross beside the anchor on the sides of the finger. Beautiful.

We can be sure that the sea evokes some kind of strong emotion in all of us. Some of us love the ocean and some of us don’t like it all. There are some of us who fear it which is completely understandable! The ocean is very powerful and can be quite intimidating. But one thing we cannot feel towards the sea is complete and absolute indifference. An anchor tattoo is so fascinating because it can withstand the force and power of the sea! It doesn’t let go of the ship, just like that person in your life doesn’t let go of you. Whether it’s calm or choppy seas, the anchor in your life holds you steady.

No matter why you are getting an anchor tattoo, it will carry with it the weight of its meaning and significance at a deeper level. Pick a motif that goes with your beliefs. Choose a location you where you will place the tattoo. Decide if you want it to be in an area where people will often see it and ask questions or if you’d rather have it in a spot that can be easily hidden. You can add more weight to an already significant design by choosing to have a message added around it. This way the world will not have to guess why you got an anchor tattoo in the first place. But just know that people are always inquisitive when it comes to tattoos so being open to sharing your story or reasoning behind it might be a good idea.

“Be the one who guides me but never holds me down.”

Great choice of placement for this anchor! Choosing where to put your anchor is an important decision. Talk it over with your artist and then choose the spot where you think it will be best for you.

Tattoos have such a powerful impact on us, the people around us and our culture at large. It’s amazing to see how people’s tattoos tell a story of what is happening to them and to society as a whole. When choosing your anchor tattoo, think about what you want it to represent and if you want to impact people along the way. Many people are inspired by each other’s stories and struggles as well as their triumphs and victories. Your anchor tattoo is unique to you for a special reason. Consider sharing it with people when they ask about it. Wouldn’t it be cool if your tattoo was the story that inspired someone else?