17 Tattoo Ideas for Christians (With 60+ Popular & Unique Variations)

Share your love of God with some unique ink

Co-authored by Joseph Yoo and Eric McClure

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Fact Checked

Looking for something a little more interesting than a simple flash tattoo of a cross? It may feel like there aren’t a ton of options for interesting Christian tattoos, but you’d be stunned by how much variety you have at your disposal. We’re going to cover a lot of fun options here, starting with the most common and popular options (like crosses!) and ending with the more obscure, subtle, and uncommon ideas.

The Best Christian Tattoo Ideas

The most popular and iconic tattoos for Christians include crosses, the Ichthys fish, Bible verses, saints, and angels. Some more unique ideas include a crown of thorns, a lamb, and an anchor.

1

Crosses

They’re popular for a reason! First, they’re the main symbol of the Christian faith. Second, there are so many different types of crosses in the Christian faith that it’s easy to find a design that really resonates with you.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Joseph Yoo
Pastor and Christianity Expert

Expert Interview} Here are some popular options:
- The Latin cross is what most people picture when they think of a basic Christian cross, but the Celtic cross is a fun and intricate design that translates well to a tattoo.
- Chi Rho crosses combine the Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P) to stand in for the first two letters of Christ’s name in Greek.
- St. Peter’s cross is often mistaken for a Satanist symbol, but it’s really a beautiful homage to Christ’s supremacy.
- The Templar cross is a unique and historically interesting option if you’re a history buff.
- If you’re non-denominational, the Ecumenical cross is a beautiful way to express your belief in the unity of the Christian faith.

2

Fish (Ichthys)

“Ichthys” is the Greek word for “fish.” It sounds a lot like the anagram “IXOYE,” which stood for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.” Back in the early days of the Christian church, Christians were persecuted.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Joseph Yoo
Pastor and Christianity Expert

Expert Interview} They would use the symbol of the fish to identify one another while maintaining plausible deniability. It’s a great Christian tattoo because it plays perfectly off the original reason for the fish symbol in the first place—it’s a way to mark yourself as God’s faithful so that other Christians know where you stand.^{[3]
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- Go with a traditional fish design, or opt for something more modern or abstract.

3

Bible Verses

If you have a specific verse that has really touched your life, why not memorialize it on your skin so that it’s with you everywhere you go? If you don’t have a specific verse, you might be inspired by some of the most iconic and popular options:^{[4]
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- John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
- Philippians 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
- Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

4

Saints

If you’re Catholic, a portrait or reference to your saint name can make a great tattoo. You could also get art based on your country’s patron saint, or the patron saint of your calling (like Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs, if you’re a veterinarian or animal lover). You could also just get art depicting or referencing one of the most popular saints. For example:^{[5]
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- St. Francis of Assisi: Associated with his love of nature and animals, St. Francis of Assisi is immediately recognizable, which makes him a great option for a tattoo.
- St. Catherine of Siena: The patron saint of nurses and Europe, St. Catherine of Siena is a popular figure among mothers, healthcare workers, and women everywhere.
- St. Christopher: Are you a fan of travel? St. Christopher is a popular spiritual guide!
- St. Valentine: The patron saint of love and romance is a great memento for lovers, people mourning a lost love, and people who seek spiritual truth.
- St. Patrick: Associated with Ireland, St. Patrick is also known for getting rid of snakes, which lends itself to some pretty cool tattoo ideas.

5

Angels

According to the Bible, angels can appear as ordinary people, terrifying creatures, or beings of supreme beauty. This gives them a lot of range when it comes to tattoo designs. They’re also frequently associated with protection and closeness to the Lord. You might consider portraits of:^{[6]
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- St. Michael the Archangel: The general of God’s heavenly armies, St. Michael is revered as a defender of the Christian faith.
- St. Gabriel the Archangel: The patron saint of messengers, St. Gabriel is known for serving God diligently and with fervor.
- St. Uriel the Archangel: St. Uriel is associated with knowledge, fire, and passion.
- St. Raphael the Archangel: The patron saint of healers, St. Raphael is popular among doctors, nurses, and social workers.
- Angel wings are another popular way to pay homage to the Lord without specifying any specific angel.

6

Dove

Doves are referenced frequently in the Bible. In Matthew 3:16 and Mark 1:10, the Spirit of God is described as a dove. In Songs, the dove is depicted as pure, unadulterated love. Today, the dove is often seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, since doves are quiet and peaceful.^{[7]
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- Add an olive branch and you’ve got the perfect symbol for peace! The reference comes from the story of Noah.
- Doves are a great option if you want a Christian tattoo that is more on the subtle side when it comes to displaying your religion, since many people may assume it’s a random bird.

7

Jesus Christ

A depiction of Jesus is a great way to showcase your love for the Lord. There are also a ton of different ways to stylize or design a tattoo of Jesus, which gives you a lot of flexibility.
- Jesus on the cross can be a great way to remind yourself of Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice for you.
- Jesus in a manger or Jesus with Mary can be a sweet way to honor Jesus while paying homage to the importance of family or parenthood.
- Jesus carrying a cross can be an interesting option if you tend to look for guidance from God during troubling times.

8

The Virgin Mary

Mary is an essential figure in the early Christian church, and she’s still frequently depicted in Catholic settings. If serving God is your calling, it’s hard not to identify with Mary. She was called on to raise Jesus directly by God, and she rose to the occasion. You could consider getting:
- Mary praying. This is a common tattoo option as it depicts Mary in a moment of reverence and serves as a reminder to always seek God.
- Mary at the foot of the cross. A powerful option to remind yourself that Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate price to pay for our sins.
- Mary with rosary beads. Mary is associated with the rosary, so depictions of Mary are often combined with rosary beads.

9

Christian Words

Instead of getting a specific verse or distinct reference, you could get a tattoo of your favorite religious idea. A simple tattoo of a word will be subtle, but powerful. There are so many terms that we float around when talking about God, and reminding yourself of the true meaning of one of these words can do wonders for your spirit (and skin!). Popular options include:
- Faith
- Praise
- Pray
- Grace
- Believe
- Life
- Truth
- Divine
- Eternal
- Righteous

10

Crown of Thorns

Before His crucifixion, Jesus was mocked. He was beaten, wrapped in a purple robe as a joke about His “kinghood,” and set with a crown of thorns. This potent and powerful symbol is a strong reminder that honoring God will not always be easy. Doubters and skeptics may poke fun at you. You will face trials. But God will be there with you through all of it!^{[8]
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- You could get a crown of thorns that wraps around your wrist or arm, or just get a length of thorns somewhere on your body.

11

Lamb

Jesus is often seen as the “Lamb of God” because lambs were a traditional animal to sacrifice to God prior to Jesus’ arrival. Given the Son of God’s sacrifice, it’s easy to see how he’d be revered as a “sacrificial lamb.”^{[9]
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- A simple illustration of a lamb can serve as a powerful reminder of God’s sacrifice.
- You could get multiple lambs to remind yourself that you’re one of God’s flock.
- A lion and a lamb can be a great combo. One signifies God’s purity and love, while the other reaffirms God’s supremacy and strength.

12

Alpha and Omega

The final passages of the Bible include the phrase “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13). This language has always stood out among believers as a potent way to describe God’s eternal power. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, while Omega is the last.^{[10]
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- You could simply get the initials in uppercase (Α and Ω) or lowercase (α and ω).
- The initials themselves also work as subtle flourishes you could add to a larger piece.

13

Triquetra

Also known as a Celtic knot or a trinity knot, the triquetra is a 3-point, triangular design. The points stand for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It was a popular design among Pagans in the British Isles, but early Christians adopted the symbol as an alternative to the cross.^{[11]
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14

Praying Hands

Hands clasped together in prayer are an iconic and elegant image that’s popular among the tattooed. It’s one of those simple and classic tattoos that are instantly recognizable.
- You could add rosary beads if you’re Catholic, since people will often maintain the praying hands posture when they pray the rosary.

15

777

666 is considered the Mark of the Beast in the Bible, and 777 is viewed as the opposite. It’s a simple way to communicate that God is always above Satan. The three digits represent the Holy Trinity, and the number 7 is also connected to the seven days of the week that God created in the first Chapter of Genesis.^{[12]
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- 333 is another popular alternative! It represents the Holy Trinity and God’s supremacy over evil.

16

Anchor

Anchors are a popular image in Christianity because they’re symbols of strength and resilience. In the same way that God anchors us in our spiritual journey, an anchor tattoo can remind you that God is always by your side.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Joseph Yoo
Pastor and Christianity Expert

Expert Interview}
- Anchors are also associated with St. Clement, who was martyred by having an anchor tied around his neck before being thrown overboard.

17

Burning Bush

A lot of the tattoo ideas we’ve floated thus far have been more on the docile, peaceful, and reflective side, but this is an option with a lot of visual spice and energy. God appears to Moses as a burning bush in Exodus 3. It can be a powerful reminder that God can manifest anywhere at any time, and the flames can make a super cool design for a tattoo!
- Other popular icons from the Bible that can make an interesting tattoo include:
  - Mustard seed. The parable of the mustard seed appears in the Gospels. It’s a story about how a tiny bit of faith in God can grow into something magical.
  - Rainbow. After He flooded the Earth, God displayed a rainbow for Noah as a way of saying that He’d never flood the Earth again. It’s a powerful moment of peace and restoration.
  - Whale. Jonah’s faith is tested when he’s swallowed by a whale. It’s a cool tattoo design and an underrated story from the Bible.

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Don’t worry, tattoos are okay in God’s eyes. They are condemned in Leviticus, but the New Testament makes it clear that belief in Jesus is the only prerequisite to being saved.

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