Greece, the country which played an instrumental role in shaping modern civilization, has a rich mythology. Ancient Greek mythology is filled with heroic characters, Gods and Goddesses, with narratives of their deeds. More than 85 prominent Greek heroes and Gods are known for their supreme power, valour, and strength. For centuries, they have always served as an inspiration to men and women who take them for inspiration. These much-celebrated characters are immortalised by getting them inked on their bodies. This article has featured the best Greek tattoo designs and their significance.

Symbolic Importance Of Greek Tattoos:

Greek tattoos are complex tattoo designs which involve an extreme level of detail. They have deeper meaning associated with them, based on the character etched. One of the popular designs is Achilles from Trojan War, representing great strength with a secret weakness. Other widely opted designs include Apollo-the God of medicine, Athena-the Goddess of War, Hera-the Queen of all Gods. Apart from these, many mythical creatures like Centaur, Arachne and Chimaera are also chosen as tattoos. Read on more to explore some of the famous Greek tattoo designs and meanings:

15 Best Greek Tattoo Designs and Their Meanings:

Check out these fantastic tattoo ideas in the Greek style and their symbolism:

1. Greek Writing Tattoos:

A tattoo that contains a biblical verse inscribed in Greek is a very classy attempt. It becomes meaningful and holds great significance for the one who wears it. These lettering tattoos have been seen chiefly among Christians, especially those who would like to declare their belief in Christianity to society.

This type of Greek-style tattoo is widely famous in America, England and Australia. This tattoo represents the love and honour towards Jesus and the verse he gives. It shows dedication, faith in God, and the feeling of divinity. The Greek tattoo quotes and meanings also arouse curiosity among the viewers.

  • Best Suitable For: Greek Word tattoos are ideal for men and women who admire classical Greek literature.
  • Preferable Ink: Black is the best colour to etch the letters
  • Where: Depending on the size of the message, you can get them done on arms, biceps and even the side of the abdomen
  • Size: Opt for at least a medium-sized image for better visibility
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for all skin tones

2. Greek Dove Tattoo Design:

The dove stands as a symbol of peace, calm and serenity. A tattoo that shows a flying white dove holding a green leaf in its beak with a Greek word underneath it has excellent Biblical significance and meaning. It is a symbol of dry land, the same land that suffered a significant loss for about one hundred and twenty days during the days of Noah.

The best Greek symbol tattoos for girls are widely carried out by the boys who love simple small tattoos and meaningful ones. It also represents the ancient historical period of the rule of Noah. The Green leaf carried by the dove also symbolizes the hope that good is always in the devil. They can also be combined with the Greek name tattoos to express their love for someone special.

  • Best Suitable For: These tattoos are suitable for both men and women who like to keep it low-key yet want to make a meaningful impact
  • Preferable Ink: Choose inks like black, red and white for this design
  • Where: Choose a wider area like the back, neck and shoulders
  • Size: A medium-sized image works well
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for lighter skin tones

3. Achilles, The Greek Warrior Tattoo:

Achilles was the greatest warrior in ancient Greek mythology. He was a hero of the Trojan War and is said to be the central character of Homer’s Iliad. He stands as a symbol of courage, strength and test of patience.

A tattoo portraying the picture of Achilles at war is considered dynamic and beauteous. In the tattoo, the Greek warrior can be seen holding a shield and the word in the other hand. This tattoo symbolizes protection, power and strength. These ancient Greek tattoos are also a tribute to the Greek soldiers. Hence, it is widely opted by the soldiers, army men, wrestlers etc. Such tattoos are a dedication to the ancient soldiers who fought for good. This tops the list of best Greek tattoos for guys.

  • Best Suitable For: Men who are fascinated by the heroics of Achilles in the Trojan war can get this tattoo done
  • Preferable Ink: A combination of black and grey can give you the right look
  • Where: Suitable on back and abdomen
  • Size: Choose a large-sized image to capture all the details well
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for fair skin tones

See More: Best Arabic Tattoo Designs

4. Christ The Conqueror Greek Leg Tattoos:

A tattoo symbolising Christ as a conqueror is a unique design for Greek tattoos. They look beautiful, rich and very appealing to the eyes.

The cross in circumference with the four Greek symbols looks modern and enchanting to the one who sees the tattoo. They can be worn on the leg as well as any other part of the body. This Greek symbol tattoo gives a deep meaning related to Lord Jesus. They are small so can be carried on the wrist or arm. Not only have the Christians, but other people also carried this kind of tattoo. This is one of the simple Greek tattoos.

  • Best Suitable For: Men and women who are firm believers in Jesus Christ can opt for this tattoo
  • Preferable Ink: Choose a black coloured ink for this design
  • Where: Suitable on the leg, arms and wrist
  • Size: Choose a small to medium-sized image
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for wheat and fair skin tones

5. Greek Armband Tattoo:

Well-designed Greek arm tattoos, complemented with a good pattern, speak for a stylish interpretation of ancient Greek history. Getting one of these tattoos inked will give you a distinct and attractive identity.

The various Greek tribal tattoos also inspire the dark border around the tattoo. This kind of Greek tattoo is a message to the people. Such dark black tattoos are also carried on the wrist as a wrist band tattoo. Girls also get such tattoos inked on their waist. Such Greek lettering tattoos are also carried to show their devotion to the bible.

  • Best Suitable For: These artistic tattoos are ideal for both men and women to adorn their hands and wrists
  • Preferable Ink: A plain black coloured ink would be suitable
  • Where: You can get these bands done on arms, wrists and even legs
  • Size: Depending on the size of the wrist or arm, you can opt for a suitable size
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for wheat and fair skin tones

6. Greek Mythology Tattoos:

A tattoo that portrays Greek Mythology is guaranteed to look ethnic. It will bring out the life, the colourful and amazing stories that are a part of its history. They make an excellent choice for Greek tattoos. The Greek tattoo meaning of the tattoo is slavery, power, and strength. The tattoo shows a horse captured in the chain, indicating slavery.

The various colours used in the tattoo make it more attractive. A monster is also inked, which symbolizes evil. Wrestlers widely carry such tattoos. The tattoo also glances at the famous monsters that captured many people and kept them as their slaves. Such tattoos show the dangerous personality carried by the person wearing them. This is one of the top Greek tattoos for men.

  • Best Suitable For: Such elaborate tattoos are suitable for men who have a broad body to get all the details inked
  • Preferable Ink: Choose multi-colours to capture the true beauty of the picture
  • Where: Shoulders and arms are the ideal spots for this tattoo
  • Size: This is an extra-large image with a cluster of small details
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for lighter skin tones

7. Greek Symbolical Tattoo On Arm:

Those who want to keep their Greek tattoo simple yet fashionable should use the Greek symbolical tattoo. Just like its name, it contains the portrait of a Greek symbol surrounded by a well-shaped black circle. It looks neat, pleasant and attractive.

This is one of the small Greek tattoos that symbolizes truth, honesty, love and care. Such tattoos are also known as Greek tribal tattoos. The dark black colour makes the symbol more attractive. Such tattoos can also be inked on the neck, wrist, leg and chest. Different symbols give different meanings. People select one of the various symbols which also resemble their nature. They are often inked in dark black thick ink to give a deep impact. Some also get inked thin and small to provide a simpler effect.

  • Best Suitable For: Suitable for both men and women who believe in the concept of less is more.
  • Preferable Ink: Black coloured ink is ideal for this picture
  • Where: Arms and shoulders are perfect spots to get this design inked
  • Size: A medium to large-sized image works well
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for almost all skin tones

8. Greek Angel Tattoo On Side:

Angels have played a significant role in Greek mythology. The word angel comes from a Greek word named “aggelos”, which means messenger. A Greek angel is portrayed as classy; its gigantic wings and the possession of a sword will give it an exquisite posture.

This is one of the best Greek tattoos seen to date. Such an angel tattoo is also known as a Guardian angel tattoo. Just like a father or mother saves his/her child and fights against evil, this tattoo conveys that the father or mother was an angel for the wearer who cared for and protected him. Boys also carry this Greek tattoo for girls on their back or chest. The Angel with as word also indicates the victory of truth over evil. Such tattoos are carried with a different pride by the wearer. The people who lost their parents while protecting these Greek girls’ tattoos are also inked.

  • Best Suitable For: Guardian angels are generally suitable for those who wish to keep their insecurities at bay. They are one of the best Greek tattoo designs for women.
  • Preferable Ink: Opt for a good blend of black and brown coloured inks
  • Where: Get this done on your abdomen for a unique look
  • Size: A large-sized image is just perfect
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for lighter skin tones

See More: Best Tribal Tattoo Designs

9. Medusa Mythology Greek Tattoo Sleeve Design:

According to Greek mythology, Medusa was a monster with a hideous face and poisonous snakes instead of hair. She is a classic character, and getting a tattoo by a professional tattoo artist who depicts her in her original way can be an excellent idea for a Greek tattoo design. The mythological story about Medusa highly inspires such Greek tattoo ideas.

It is believed that such a tattoo, when carried in your body, saves you from the evil deed one wants to do with you. Such tattoos are said to be protected from the evil known as black magic. It also defines the historical story of Medusa and how he died. Medusa’s eyes are always drawn facing down as it is said that if anyone peeped in them, they would turn to stone. This is one of the best Greek mythology tattoos.

  • Best Suitable For: Suitable for both men and women who believe in Greek Goddesses and their supernatural powers
  • Preferable Ink: A blend of black, grey and blue coloured inks
  • Where: Arms are the perfect spot for this tattoo
  • Size: A medium to large-sized design is ideal
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for fair skin tones

10. Realism Greek Shoulder Tattoos:

Realism tattoos feature subjects and objects drawn such that they are lifelike. The images drawn in these tattoos are so realistic that they look like portraits of the characters. Realism tattoos are often used in drawing Greek gods and goddesses.

The realistic look of the tattoos allows one to see the subjects’ physical characteristics and observe the emotions that the issues are conveying and feeling in the tattoos. They can be done in colour, black or grey designs. Combining black and grey with red colour gives the tattoo divinity. Realism tattoos are generally medium to large-sized and can be worn by both men and women. Such Greek roman tattoos symbolize divinity, truth, purity, love and victory of good over evil.

  • Best Suitable For: Ideal for men and women who wish to eternalise their love for Greek heroes by etching them on bodies
  • Preferable Ink: Go for a combination of black, blue and grey colours
  • Where: The entire length of the hand can be used for perfect detailing
  • Size: A large-sized image is preferable
  • Skin Tone: The fine details of the design make it suitable only for fair skin tones

11. Illustrative Greek God Tattoo Designs On Hand:

Illustrative Greek tattoos are full of colour. They look like the illustrations given in books and comics. The tattoos are true to life, and we can see that the subjects convey emotions by looking at the tattoo. The subjects in these Illustrative Greek Tattoos are Gods, Goddesses, and inanimate objects like apples, weapons, spears, and armour.

Illustration tattoos are from medium to large sizes, usually drawn in places where they will fit properly and show off the tattoo easily. As the tattoos are very colourful, they are excellent to flaunt as body art. Both women as well as men can wear it.

  • Best Suitable For: If you adore and worship Greek Gods, this fantastic Greek hand tattoo works well whether you are a man or a woman
  • Preferable Ink: Choose rich and brighter hues like blue, green, yellow and black
  • Where: Arms are perfect spots to flaunt this beautiful tattoo
  • Size: A large-sized image can give you the right look
  • Skin Tone: As it involves colours like green and blue, this is suitable for fair skin tones

12. Black And Grey Greek Tattoo Design On Chest:

As the name suggests, these Greek chest tattoos are drawn in black and grey colours. These tattoos generally are not done with vibrant colours such as red or blue. These tattoos have images of Greek people or gods with expressions of emotions of courage, anger, loss or escapism. They are also drawn such that they have the proportions of real-life humans.

These tattoos are also very realistic. Greek black and grey tattoos are often medium or large. Thus, they are drawn on the upper arms, forearms, full back, abdomen or chest. These Greek tattoos are unisex, ideal for people who want the tattoo to have real meaning. This is one of the best Greek tattoo designs.

  • Best Suitable For: These tattoos are generally for men, as they involve etching the chest portion
  • Preferable Ink: Muted colours like grey and black are best
  • Where: The chest portion can give you the required area for this design
  • Size: Opt for a large-sized image to capture the details well
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for lighter skin tones

13. Golden Apple Greek Tattoo Designs:

The Golden Apple has significant importance in Greek mythology. Three stories are associated with the golden apple and Greek mythology: Race of Atalanta, Garden of Hesperides and the Golden Apple of Trojan war fame.

As the Greek tattoos give a lot of importance to inanimate objects, the apple forms an important subject for a Greek tattoo as other objects like weapons and armour. In this particular Golden Apple Greek tattoo, a beautiful Greek verse is a tattooed indie, the golden apple. One can get this tattoo done for the inspiring mythological stories of Greek culture.

  • Best Suitable For: This is a unisex tattoo with biblical importance.
  • Preferable Ink: Gold with hints of black and grey are used
  • Where: Spots like arms, back and even the neck area are suitable
  • Size: A medium-sized image looks good
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for all skin tones

14. Athena Greek Back Tattoos:

Athena is a popular goddess from Greek mythology. It is hence a popular choice when it comes to Greek tattoos. Being a Goddess, she has that aura among her and has a charming look. Also known as Minerva, she is the goddess of wisdom. She is generally dressed as a warrior. Usually seen with an owl, she is the epitome of cleverness, culture, freedom, spirits and Greece mythology.

  • Best Suitable For: This amazingly artistic tattoo is suitable for men who have an eye for detail
  • Preferable Ink: Blue, brown and black coloured inks are suitable
  • Where: This intricate design can be done on the back for optimal coverage
  • Size: Large-sized image works well
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for lighter skin tones

See: Best Australian Tattoo Designs

15. Centaurs Greek Tattoo Design:

Centaurs are half-man, half-horse creatures in Greek mythology. They have the body of a horse and the chest, head and arms of a man. They are the children of Ixion, king of the Lapiths, and Nephele, a cloud made in the image of Hera. Centaurs are violent and fierce. They usually depict untamed minds, virility and animal instinct as half horses. Centaurs are often seen with a bow as they are warriors. This mythical Greek horse tattoo is for people who want to show their personality’s courage and valour side.

  • Best Suitable For: This tattoo is for all the braveheart men and women who do not budge from taking risks in their lives.
  • Preferable Ink: A combination of black and brown with hints of white is ideal
  • Where: Choose the arms for better visibility
  • Size: Go for a large-sized image
  • Skin Tone: Suitable for fair skin tones

Tips To Follow Before Getting a Greek Tattoo Inked:

If you are planning on a Greek tattoo, these tips can certainly help you get the design of your dreams:

  • Greek tattoos are highly complex, and not every artist can do justice to the design
  • IF you are planning on choosing a message involving Greek alphabets, it’s important to get the lettering done perfectly
  • Not all Greek Gods and warriors symbolise positivity! So, be wise to learn about them in detail before deciding on the design.
  • Opt for designs that involve clear detailing, as they can get distorted over some time
  • Be sure to follow the after-care instructions of the tattoo to ensure the longevity of the design.

Overview:

We hope these tattoos are not all “Greek” to you! They are intricate and artistic, with the background of ancient Greek mythology. Greek tattoos are rich in symbolism and are not mere pieces of art. The artists give each Greek god and goddess a different appearance to indicate their qualities. It’s not uncommon for people to believe that etching them on the body can help pass some of their supernatural traits. So, what are you waiting for? Choose your favourite from these unique Greek tattoo designs, and get ready to slay!

Rk Bh

About Krishna

Meet Krishna, our experienced tattoo designs writer. He explores the captivating world of tattoos, sharing their stories, meanings, and the latest trends to inspire your own tattoo journey. Join him on an exciting adventure into the world of tattoos.
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3 comments on "15 Best Ancient Greek Tattoo Designs And Their Meanings!"

  • pooja

    Simply put I really like the Greek Tattoo Designs you have and your Styles At Life is definitely set up great I really would certainly like to share your articles if you don’t mind thanks a ton.

  • jyothsna

    very nice and beautiful designs thanks for the share

  • suji

    Really nice and I’m very interest Beautifuli artist. Thank you so much

Comments are closed.