A Beginner's Guide to Anchor Tattoos: Symbolism & Designs

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Learn all about these historical nautical tattoos

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 Fact Checked

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Anchor Tattoo Meanings

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Historical Anchor Meanings

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Anchor Tattoo Designs

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Anchor Tattoo Placement

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Tips

Sailors and fishermen have been getting anchor tattoos to symbolize their careers for over a century, but in more recent years, anchor tattoos have become popular with the general public, as well. These tattoos often represent strength, hope, and stability for the wearer. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the general and historical meanings of anchor tattoos, plus design and placement tips so you can have the anchor tattoo of your dreams.

The Meaning of Anchor Tattoos

For some people, anchor tattoos simply represent the sea. For others, they’re a reminder to stay grounded and represent strength and stability. Anchor tattoos also symbolize hope and commitment, and sometimes represent a person’s career in the Navy or Marines.

Section 1 of 4:

General Anchor Tattoo Meanings

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Stability and strength Anchors are used to stabilize and hold ships in place, so many people incorporate this usage into their tattoo’s meaning. They may get one to celebrate reaching a stable point in their life or to symbolize their emotional strength.^{[1]
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- This meaning could also extend to those who have faced abuse or discrimination. They may get an anchor to symbolize the strong will and mentality they had to endure and overcome their situation.
While some might get an anchor tattoo to represent the strength they’ve already proven, others get them as encouragement to find that strength. Anchor tattoos often symbolize hope and remind the wearer that good things will come their way.^{[2]
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Because anchors hold ships in place, many people get anchor tattoos to remind themselves to stay grounded. These designs serve as a reminder to live in the moment and not get caught up in unimportant matters. This is especially true when the tattoo is placed on the ankle.^{[3]
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Connection to the sea If someone has an anchor tattoo, they may simply love the ocean or sailing. They may have been a sailor themselves or have fond memories spent on the water or the shore.^{[4]
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- These tattoos can also symbolize a sense of adventure and exploration not necessarily related to the ocean.
Because anchors hold ships steady, someone may choose an anchor tattoo to represent a steady relationship or to symbolize commitment. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a romantic relationship, though it can also represent fidelity. It can also be a situation or event the wearer is determined to see through.^{[5]
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When we call someone our “rock” or our “anchor,” it means they’re someone we can always rely on. Someone may get an anchor tattoo to honor someone important to them. This person could have been a sailor or they are a source of hope and strength to the person getting the tattoo.^{[6]
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Sometimes, anchor tattoos symbolize the relationship between the land and the sea; the two must exist in harmony for the world to continue to develop. With this in mind, anchor tattoos serve as a reminder to pause and breathe rather than rush into conflict and create negative repercussions.

Section 2 of 4:

Historical Anchor Tattoo Meanings

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Sailors used to get an anchor tattoo after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Sailing across the Atlantic was a long, treacherous journey for many seamen, so when they crossed it the first time, they’d often get an anchor tattoo to commemorate the occasion. It served as a rite of passage. Other sailors sometimes got an anchor tattoo at the end of their sailing career to symbolize “putting their anchor down” one last time.
- Some also got the tattoo to help them stay calm during strong storms or other crises.
- Later, the United States military branches of the Navy and Marines also adopted anchor tattoos.
- Pirates may have also sported anchor tattoos, though the skull and crossbones are more frequently associated with them.
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Christians used the anchor as a hidden cross. Sometimes called the “Cross of Hope,” this tattoo often incorporated a Christian cross into the top of the anchor to represent the wearer’s faith. This symbol likely stems from the Romans’ persecution of Christians, in which the Christians used the anchor as a hidden symbol. Someone might get this tattoo if they needed to hide their beliefs but still wanted to connect with them and find other Christians.
- This idea may come from Hebrews 6:19, which states, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.”
- St. Paul also once said, “One must anchor one’s soul in Christ as the only way of avoiding spiritual shipwreck.”

Section 3 of 4:

Anchor Tattoo Design Ideas

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People have been getting traditional-style tattoos for decades, so you wouldn’t have to worry about your anchor tattoo going out of style with a traditional design. Plus, if you’re a sailor yourself, this is also a great way to acknowledge your profession’s history.^{[7]
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Add a meaningful quote to personalize your design. Many people choose a quote like “I refuse to sink” or “Sink or swim” to accompany their anchor and remind themselves to stay strong, but you can choose anything that’s special to you. Try incorporating the quote into a ribbon that wraps around the anchor or place the text above or below the design.^{[8]
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- You can also get a specific date or set of dates in place of a quote, especially if you’re getting a memorial tattoo.
Jonathan “JONBOY” Valena, Celebrity Tattoo Artist

Tattoos can signify a meaningful moment in time. "Each one of my tattoos has some kind of meaning or even just like a memory of where I was in life."
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Get an anchor with an eagle to represent service in the Marines. Globes are another popular symbol that can represent military service. Of course, you don’t have to be a Marine to add these symbols to your anchor tattoo, but if you are, they can be a good way to signal your status to others who have served.
- If you don’t want an eagle or haven’t served in the Marines, doves can accompany an anchor to represent freedom at sea.
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Add a compass or a mermaid for a nautical theme. If you’re a sailor or just really love the sea, add other designs to your anchor for a more personalized, detailed tattoo. Try adding waves, rope, a ship, or even some tentacles.
- Ropes and anchors are also a popular symbol for those who’ve served in the Navy.
- Arrows are another popular choice to add to an anchor tattoo, as arrows point the way home. Many prefer to get these symbols in a tribal style, as well.
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Go for a fine-line anchor if you prefer the minimalist look. Not all tattoos have to take up your whole arm. If you prefer something smaller, an anchor can easily be condensed to a simple shape.^{[9]
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- In general, fine-line tattoos are considered more feminine, so if you want to lean into the femininity, you can also add flowers to accompany your anchor.
Many people admire realism tattoos’ ability to make a 2-D drawing look 3-D. If you’re one of these people, an anchor is a great design to get. You can also add some chains or rope to make it look even more realistic.
Anchor tattoos have traditionally been associated with masculinity, so adding watercolor can give them a more modern, feminine touch. Usually, these tattoos involve a black and gray anchor with a bright and colorful watercolor background.^{[10]
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If you’re a Christian, pay homage to your religion’s past by adding a cross to your anchor’s design. While times have changed and you likely don’t have to hide your religion, this is a reminder to stay steadfast in your beliefs.

Section 4 of 4:

Where to Get an Anchor Tattoo

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There is no right or wrong place to get an anchor tattoo. It’s entirely up to you and where you think it would look best on your body. When preparing for your tattoo appointment, it’s best to have a general idea in mind (like your bicep or your calf, for example), but don’t be afraid to ask your artist to move the stencil a few times so you can be positive you’re choosing the right spot. Here are a few ideas for you to consider:^{[11]
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- Get a small, minimalist tattoo on your ankle, wrist, or behind your ear. These locations can all be easily hidden if you don’t want your tattoo to be visible 24/7.
- If you want a large anchor tattoo, opt for the chest, stomach, or back. Since these are the largest flat areas on your body, you’ll likely be able to get the exact design you want without having to compromise too much.
- Forearms, biceps, calves, and thighs are all common areas to get a tattoo, especially if it’s your first one.
- If you’re really daring, you can get an anchor tattoo on your neck or hands. Make sure you’re fully committed, however, as these areas are very painful to tattoo and still come with a lot of stigma.

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Tips

You don’t have to have a specific meaning to get an anchor tattoo. If you simply like the design, that’s a good enough reason!

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Be sure to eat a good meal and drink a lot of water before your tattoo appointment so you don’t get lightheaded or pass out.

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Always follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions so your new tattoo heals properly.

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