The cross is one of the most iconic and meaningful tattoo designs, rich with symbolism and history. As a tattoo, the cross can represent one’s faith, sacrifice, redemption, or memorialize a loved one. Its simplicity lends itself well to artistic renditions, allowing for beautiful and personalized variations.
A cross tattoo can be rendered in many sizes and placed nearly anywhere on the body. Small crosses work well on the wrist, hand, finger, or behind the ear, while a larger rendition could decorate the chest, upper back, shoulder blade or calf. The estimated cost depends on size and intricacy – small simple crosses could start around $50-100, while a more detailed full chest piece may cost upwards of $300.
The cross’s central meaning remains, but its depiction can be tailored with embellishments of flowers, lettering, portraits, or any imagery that honors its significance to the wearer. Scroll on to see thirty stunning cross tattoo ideas with notes on their symbolism.
1. Antique Cross Tattoo
Want to convert your back into a piece of art? Then, you should definitely get an antique cross tattoo. It looks like it comes from the Middle Ages. To feel this old vibe on your back, there is no better choice. The size of it is also amazing. Big tattoo lovers and of course religious ones will adore it.
2. Minimal Cross Tattoo
To show your love of Christianity, cross tattoos are always ready to make you feel this love. The one above is a minimalist and creative one. The shading used in this tattoo makes it look like it’s dimensional. Because of the effect underside, we see the cross as stuck. Let’s turn your wrist into a piece of art!
3. Floral Cross Tattoo
Flowers always bring us joy and happiness. When something has a floral design, it can’t look bad. Just look at this floral cross above. Flowers surround a thin line cross with their beauty here. To praise your God, flowers will be a great choice!
4. Blackwork Cross Tattoo
To make your religious tattoo full of meanings, you can mix related things. For example, on a wooden cross, you can place the barbed wire crown that Jesus wore during crucifixion. He was forced to wear it before his death, so it is a special representation of the Christian faith.
5. Cross & Lion Tattoo
Throughout history, many cultures have featured lions in their texts and many artworks can be seen featuring lions. It’s because these animals are a symbol of strength, courage, and fearlessness. Combining a lion tattoo with a cross is a good idea for that since all these meanings above can be associated with Jesus. The red cross symbolizes the blood from his crucifixion.
6. Dainty Cross Tattoo
Let’s turn your chest into an art piece with this beautiful dainty cross. The sharp edges of this cross give it a perfect look. When people look at you, one of the first things they will notice will be your religious tattoo. Try it out.
7. Old-School Cross Tattoo
This animated Jesus tattoo is for those who like things that are animated. Plus, all of this design has an old-school vibe because of the colors used and flowers below the Jesus. If you want to get a detailed cross tattoo, this is the one to go for.
8. Elegant Cross Tattoo
Want to get a big cross tattoo on your arm? The cross above is full of nice motifs inside. Plus, it has a 3D effect. This effect makes it look like it has depth. The blue sign in the middle of the cross offers an extraordinary look. You need to give it a shot.
9. Rose & Cross Tattoo
Being one of the most iconic designs for tattoos, roses are so popular. You know that roses symbolize love and romance and this meaning is what they are mostly associated with. To show your love for your religion, why don’t you get a cross tattoo with roses behind?
10. Cross Tattoo on Forearm
Here is another design of a cross tattoo. Covering up your forearm can be a great idea if you like big-size tattoos. With its thin lines, this cross is sure to offer an elegant look for everyone who gets it. Every bit of it is drawn in a perfect way.
11. Cross Tattoo on Neck
An ancient cross tattoo is ready to make you feel like you live in the Middle Ages. This middle-size cross above has perfect shading effects, so it offers a realistic look. As a nice detail, you can have your birth date or your loved one’s death date written below it.
12. Heart & Cross Tattoo
We pray to God for our loved ones all the time, right? Praying for their health, happiness, and peace makes us relieved since it feels like talking to God. In order to symbolize your prayers for your loved one, a heart shape in the middle of a cross is a nice idea. Plus, you can write the name of this person inside the heart.
13. Memorial Cross Tattoo
Death is unstoppable and it comes when we are not prepared. Losing someone we love is painful but you can keep them alive on your body thanks to tattoos! A cross with a sign of birth and death date looks great with some colorful flowers. Especially, this bird is ready to protect the cross.
14. Camargue Cross Tattoo
The cross of Camargue is a symbol that is created with an anchor and a cross. It represents the most important three values of humanity, which are hope, faith, and love. These powerful meanings it carries make this symbol great. Let’s cover your arm with it.
15. Quirky Cross Tattoo with Skull
Skull tattoo lovers will adore this tattoo a lot. A scary skull is placed in the middle of a cross. The colors used take this tattoo to a whole different level. In the cross, black and red shades offer a strong look while yellow and blue shades used in the skull are fun.
16. Cross Tattoo on Hand
Hand tattoos are those that are bold since it is a part of the body that is most seen. In this tattoo, a relatively big cross is used. Can you spot these white thin lines inside of it? They make the cross gorgeous as well as the light shades behind it.
17. Winged Cross Tattoo
Interested in getting some ink for your religion? To demonstrate this love, matching a cross with wings is a super-creative way. Well, what is the meaning of this tattoo? Christianity may make you feel like you are a free spirit, so these wings will symbolize that.
18. Well-Designed Cross Tattoo
Some people choose simple tattoos while others prefer to have ornamented ones. The cross above looks super-gorgeous with its decorations. To feel the royalty to the fullest, you need to get this tattoo as soon as possible.
19. Splash Art Cross Tattoo
Color splash tattoos are a great way to bring back magical imagination. For your cross tattoo, you can be creative like the one above. The red heart splash is matched with a thick black splash of cross. Go and find a talented tattoo artist for it as soon as possible.
20. Ruby & Cross Tattoo
A ruby is a pinkish-red gemstone that is one of the most expensive stones. This beautiful and precious gemstone is placed in the middle of the cross above. For the upper and lower parts of it, little rubies are added and when you look at the whole design, it is pure perfection.
21. Old-School Memorial Cross Tattoo
Memorial tattoos allow people to keep their loved ones on their bodies forever. In order to symbolize that you send your loved one to heaven, let’s get a cross tattoo with a red rose and honor them in a perfect way.
22. Celtic Cross Tattoo
The Celtic Cross is a traditional cross that is created with a circle around the intersection of arms and stems. It has also powerful meanings such as strength and knowledge. Give this fabulous cross a shot.
23. Praying Hands & Cross Tattoo
To signify your faith in a perfect way, there are two great signs: Praying hands and a cross. So, why not get two of them in one tattoo? Your upper forearm will be full of a medium-sized cross and praying hands which are placed in the middle of it.
24. Tiny Cross Tattoo
Are you for minimalist tattoos? Focusing on only the basic design of a cross is a great way to show your love of your religion. Now it is time to get a simple cross tattoo near your wrist to look amazing. Two basic lines will be enough to create this tattoo.
25. Realistic Cross Tattoo
The tattoo feels like if you touch your arm, you will feel the cross in your hands, doesn’t it? It’s definitely a tattoo from a talented artist because not everyone can create something like this. Ancient cross lovers will adore this white cross with a red ruby inside of it. Let’s give it a shot.
26. Cartoon Cross Tattoo
This giant purple cross goes through a scary skull in this tattoo. Those who can’t give up having scary and dark designs should definitely try it out. The colors used are basically amazing and they take this cross tattoo to a different level. As a nice detail, yellow blood drops and a red heart in the middle of the cross are used.
27. Cross Tattoo on Side Rib
A wooden cross is where Jesus was hanged during the crucifixion and it is a renowned symbol of Christianity. Plus, barbed wire on this wooden cross is what they wrapped around his head. Get these two symbols together in just one amazing tattoo.
28. Cross Necklace Tattoo
Wearing a cross necklace is common in Christianity, but what if you wear this necklace on your body? This sounds much more creative, doesn’t it? Above your hand, get a cross necklace tattoo and keep it there forever with you.
29. Cross Tattoo on Arm
Typical cross tattoos are not unique but this tattoo is. It is highly decorated with all of these detailed lines and designs inside the cross. Stone details make the cross look richer than it is. If you want to mesmerize everyone around you, you should go for this tattoo as soon as possible.
30. Botanical Cross Tattoo
Are you ready to cover up your arm starting from your shoulder? If your answer is yes, let’s do it with a cross and some flowers. These types of botanical tattoos represent love and endurance for someone. So, love of Christianity can be shown to them in a great way. The vivid colors are also in the foreground.
31. Realistic Cross Tattoo on Back
Can you spot all these beautiful details in this cross tattoo? On a black ink cross, a yellowish color is used to make it stand out from the edges. Also, show your love of decoration with some colorful and shiny stones inside the cross. Let’s turn your back into an art piece.
32. Cross Tattoo on Thigh
The biblical Judah is an ancestor of the Tribe of Judah and it is represented with a lion. Since Jesus descended from this tribe, using a lion image inside a cross can be a creative and meaningful religious tattoo on your thigh.
33. Cross Tattoo with Angel
The rising angel is placed inside the cross here. Angel figures symbolize one’s spirituality. Since they are the messengers of god, mixing a rising angel with a cross is a great idea. There are some sentences falling down from the angel and probably they symbolize some messages for humanity.
34. Floral Cross Tattoo
Did you know that in ancient cultures, flowers were used as a symbol of god’s contentment? This meaning makes it a perfect choice for a cross tattoo. A thin line of cross is decorated with flowers above and it looks adorable. Go for it.
35. Cross Tattoo On Thighs
Cross tattoos hold strong cultural and historical ties, primarily representing the Christian faith. This gorgeous tattoo is going to look amazing on your thighs.
36. Cross Tatto For Men On Neck
Cross designs come in a diverse range, from Celtic crosses to Latin crosses and more. This neck tattoo is going to suit you if you wish to stand out and if your job allows you to rock such dominant pieces.
37. Cross Tattoo With A Rose Symbol
A rose and cross tattoo symbolizes the delicate balance between love and faith, where the rose represents love and beauty, and the cross signifies faith and spirituality.
38. Cross Tattoo Design On Arm
A cross tattoo on the arm is a visible expression of faith and devotion, often serving as a personal and symbolic statement for the wearer.
39. Tattoo Artwork Chest Cross Design For Men
Chest cross tattoos for men are a bold and prominent symbol of their faith, strength, and personal beliefs.
40. Unique And Artsy Cross Tattoo
A cross tattoo, along with an apple and a boxing glove, can symbolize the intricate balance of faith, knowledge, and strength, representing a journey toward spiritual growth and personal empowerment.
41. Cross Tattoo Idea For Women On Shoulders
People often get cross tattoos to remember loved ones or significant religious milestones. Does this apply to you as well?
42. Big Black Cross Tattoo On Chest
Cross tattoos appeal to both men and women, making them a universally popular choice. This piece is going to look amazing over your entire chest.
43. Unique And Artsy Cross Tattoo Idea
Many public figures, including celebrities, athletes, and musicians, proudly display cross tattoos. You can recreate their designs or try out this unique print yourself.
44. Black Cross Forearm Tattoo For Guys
The meaning of a cross tattoo is profoundly personal, often carrying unique significance to the individual wearer. What do they represent to you and in your case?
45. Small And Minimalistic Cross Tattoo On Forearm
Small cross tattoos provide a minimalist and understated way to carry one’s beliefs with them. This tattoo is also a fun and affordable piece that anyone can go for.
With its profound symbolism and endless design options, the cross makes for a deeply personal and meaningful tattoo. Whether delicate or bold, minimalist or ornate, this iconic symbol endures as a versatile tribute to faith, sacrifice, and remembrance. Let these inspirational designs help craft your own commemorative cross tattoo.
