When Luciana and I decided to get matching best friends tattoos, we knew we wanted a symbol that encapsulated the depth of our bond in the most beautiful way.
We settled on a feather, a lightweight symbol of trust, honor, and freedom, mirroring the essence of our friendship.
Just like us, if you’re scouring the internet for that perfect best friend tattoo, you’re in the right place.
From the infinity symbol that represents the eternal bond of friendship to the delicate pinky promise tattoo that captures the essence of childhood pacts, the world of friendship tattoos is vast and filled with deep meaning.
Whether you’re looking for a small tattoo to commemorate your bond or a creative tattoo that tells your unique story, this list has got you covered.
So, grab your best friend and let’s dive into the best deep symbols of friendship tattoo ideas that are a testament to true friends everywhere.
And, if you want to see our matching tattoo – it’s in the meaning of the feather tattoo blog post, so hop over and check it out.
Beautiful Symbols of Friendship Tattoos
Lets look at some concepts for best friend tattoos, whether you want to get a matching tattoo, a new tattoo with best friend symbols, something to remember your best friend in heaven, your first tattoo or another for your collection… let find the perfect tattoo.
Infinity Symbol
An infinity sign is not just a popular tattoo; it’s a powerful symbol of continuity, eternity, and everlasting love.
The infinity tattoo is a great way to represent the unending bond between good friends. Often inked in black ink, this design can be personalized with different colors or even the names of each friend, making it a perfect best friend tattoo idea.
You could add extra detail to make it more personal, we love this floral one below on the back of the neck.
Heart Tattoos
What better way to symbolize friendship than with the universal symbol of love? Heart tattoos are a classic choice for best friends, offering a range of designs from simple hearts to intricate pieces of art.
You can choose small heart tattoos for a subtle nod to your bond or opt for matching heart tattoos in different placements for a more pronounced declaration of your friendship.
The heart is a classic friendship symbol as well as a symbol for romantic love.
Whether you go for one matching heart each, a set of two hearts each to symbolise friendship, or a heart with angel wings tattoo for a friend who is no longer with us.
These tiny hearts are a super subtle way to commemorate your friendship in ink form
Butterfly Tattoos
Butterfly tattoos are not just beautiful; they symbolize transformation, hope, and new beginnings.
Getting a butterfly tattoo with your best friend can represent your growth together and the beautiful journey of your friendship.
With an array of designs and colors to choose from, butterfly tattoos are an excellent choice for friends who want to celebrate their evolving bond.
Moon Tattoos
Moon tattoos are a great tattoo idea for friends who share a love for the cosmos or those who want to celebrate the different phases of their friendship.
Whether you choose a full moon, a crescent, or a series of moons to represent your cycle of friendship, moon tattoos are a unique way to commemorate your special relationship.
Pinky Promise Tattoo
A pinky promise tattoo is a cute and meaningful way to represent a friendship built on trust and promises kept.
This small tattoo is a good idea for friends looking for a subtle but powerful symbol of their commitment to each other. It’s a perfect reminder of the good times and the promises made to stand by each other no matter what.
Puzzle Pieces
Puzzle pieces are a symbol of connection and fitting perfectly with someone. As a tattoo, they represent how you and your best friend complete each other. This is a great tattoo design for childhood friends or those who feel like they’ve found their other half in their best friend. It’s a simple yet deeply meaningful tattoo that celebrates the unique fit of your friendship.
Anchor Tattoo
Anchor tattoos are a symbol of stability and strength. They make an excellent choice for best friends who have been each other’s rock through thick and thin.
This tattoo symbolizes the strong bond and support you share, making it a great way to honor a friendship that has stood the test of time and great distance.
Celtic Friendship Knot
The Celtic friendship knot is a beautiful symbol of the unbreakable bond and eternal connection between friends. This intricate design is a great tattoo idea for those who share a special bond and want to celebrate their friendship with a piece of art that has deep meaning and historical significance.
Related: 16 Powerful Celtic Symbols for Self Love
Arrow Tattoos
Arrow tattoos symbolize direction, strength, and protection. For friends, matching arrow tattoos can signify moving forward together and protecting each other.
Whether you choose a single arrow or a quiver of arrows pointing in the same direction, these tattoos are a beautiful way to symbolize the journey you’re on together.
An arrow tattoo easily incorporates the feather symbol of friendship, and you can add more details like these arrows with roses below which are gorgeous.
These matching tattoos work for both male or female, whatever your preferences.
Roman Numerals
Roman numerals can be a unique way to commemorate significant dates or numbers in your friendship. Whether it’s the date you met, your favorite number, or a milestone you’ve shared, roman numerals offer a subtle yet elegant tattoo design. It’s a perfect way to keep a special memory close to your skin.
Getting the roman numeral for 2 is also an amazingly minimalist idea for a subtle matching friendship tattoo.
Flower Tattoos
When it comes to embodying the essence of friendship through ink, flower tattoos stand out as a versatile and vibrant choice.
This concept allows for both matching tattoos and individualized designs that complement each other. Imagine you and your best friend showcasing the unique flowers that resonate most with each of you—creating a harmonious blend of personal significance and shared connection.
A particularly meaningful choice is the yellow rose, a symbol of friendship’s warmth and joy. Opting for a yellow rose tattoo can be a beautiful way to eternalize your bond, offering a timeless reminder of the light you bring into each other’s lives.
Related: 26 Beautiful Flowers with Meanings of Self Love
Ying and Yang Tattoos
The yin and yang symbol, representing harmony and balance, makes for a profound friendship tattoo. Ying and yang tattoo signifies how you and your best friend complete each other, balancing out differences and creating a perfect whole, even if you may be the complete opposite. This design reflects the idea that in every friendship, there’s a balance of strengths and weaknesses, and together, you form an unbreakable bond.
Sun and Moon Tattoos
Celebrate the contrast and complementarity of your friendship with sun and moon tattoos.
This design idea embodies the notion that even though you and your best friend may have different personalities or paths, you are connected in a deep, cosmic way—much like the sun and the moon share the sky. It’s a poetic reminder of how your differences illuminate and enhance your bond.
Moon and Saturn Tattoos
Drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s song “Seven,” moon and Saturn tattoos encapsulate the depth of childhood friendships and the promises of eternal love and support.
The lyrics “love you to the moon and to Saturn” can translate into a unique tattoo idea that celebrates your friendship’s journey and the adventures that await. It’s a creative way to honor a bond that feels as vast and enduring as the universe itself.
Related: 55+ Best Minimalist Taylor Swift Inspired Tattoo Ideas For Every Swiftie
Buzz Lightyear and Woody Tattoos
For those who cherish the nostalgia of childhood and the timeless stories of loyalty and friendship, Buzz Lightyear and Woody tattoos offer a playful and heartwarming option. By each choosing one of these iconic Disney characters, you celebrate the adventures you’ve shared and the unshakeable support you provide each other, just like these beloved best friends from “Toy Story.”
Claddagh Tattoo
The Claddagh symbol, known for its representation of love, loyalty, and friendship, makes for an evocative tattoo design. Much like the Claddagh ring, a tattoo of this symbol serves as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of your friendship. It’s a reminder of the special relationship you share, marked by love, respect, and the promise to stand by each other through thick and thin.
Key Tattoo
A key tattoo can symbolize the idea that your friend holds the key to your heart or secrets. This design can be deeply personal, representing trust and the unique access you have to each other’s lives. Whether identical or styled to each person’s liking, key tattoos unlock a narrative of connection and trust.
Bird Tattoos
Bird tattoos can soar with meanings of freedom, perspective, and the spirit of exploration. Matching bird tattoos or even birds that differ but fly together in the design can symbolize the journey you’ve embarked on together, highlighting your friendship’s growth and the heights you’ve reached side by side.
Matching Pictures of Yourselves
For a truly personalized touch, consider tattoos based on pictures of yourselves. This could range from realistic portraits to more abstract or cartoonish renditions. It’s a creative and unique way to celebrate your friendship, capturing a moment or essence that is meaningful to both of you.
Getting a friendship tattoo is a beautiful gesture that symbolizes the deep connection and special relationship you share with your best friend. Whether you opt for matching tattoos or choose designs that complement each other, these symbols of friendship are a great way to celebrate your bond. Remember, the best friendship tattoo ideas are those that hold personal significance and celebrate the unique story of your friendship. So, choose a design that best represents your bond, and wear it proudly as a symbol of your unbreakable friendship.
Choosing the perfect best friend tattoos is a journey of creativity and expression, guided by the expertise of your chosen tattoo artist.
Whether you lean towards small, cute tattoos that whisper your bond or unique, striking designs that shout your camaraderie from the rooftops, the options are as limitless as your friendship.
From the delicate intricacy of wrist tattoos to the bold statement of body art in more visible places, each tattoo design—from key tattoos symbolizing the unlocking of hearts to cartoon characters celebrating your shared laughter—serves as a testament to your bond.
Opting for tattoos in small sizes or exploring the vast canvas of your body for a more elaborate piece, the key is finding a design that resonates with the essence of your connection.
With friendship tattoo designs that incorporate everything from beautiful quotes in stunning fonts to symbolic celtic symbols and lotus flowers, or even the playful secret of an inside joke captured in permanent ink, the best friend tattoo ideas are those that reflect your unique journey.
The good news is, with such tattoos, you’re not just marking your skin; you’re etching your shared experiences, laughter, and the unbreakable bond you have into the tapestry of your lives. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the kindred spirits you are, making these tattoos not just art, but a piece of your story together.
If you’re not sure – try the what tattoo should I get quiz?
More Tattoo Inspiration
We hope these designs helped inspire you to come up with some ideas for unique friendship tattoos to celebrate your strong friendship, whether you’re looking for matching tattoos or similar tattoos.
We have tonnes more tattoo symbol ideas here at On Your Journey, so if you’re still hunting for the perfect placement and tattoo design then check out some more of our tattoo ideas.
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Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.