57 Beautiful Father Daughter Tattoos for Inspiration in 2025
If your dad is your favorite person and you share a special bond, then a father-daughter tattoo is a really special way to honor that. Whether you’re rocking a body full of art or have never even stepped foot in a tattoo shop, you could consider these father-daughter tattoo ideas as a permanent symbol of your love for one another.
The relationship between a father and his daughter is a special one — he sets the bar for any other man that comes into her life. Plus, his influence is vital in more ways than one.
Forbes discusses how a strong father figure impacts his daughter’s life and decisions from money to men and everything in between. The right kind of influence from a strong father leads to happier, healthier women down the line.
If you were lucky enough to have an amazing dad and the two of you want to explore father-daughter tattoos to cement that special bond, this list is full of inspiration. Some of the same ideas could work as mother-daughter tattoo ideas too!
Jump to Section
- Best Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas
- Unique Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas
- Meaningful Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas
- Small Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas
- Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas With Quotes
- Father-Daughter Tattoos FAQs
Best Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas
1. Koi Fish
Not only are koi fish beautiful, but you can count on them not being too prevalent in the world of tattoos. This makes them a beautiful and artistic subject for the best father-daughter tattoo idea. Koi fish come in all shapes and sizes, so you and your dad can each have a unique fish.
2. Two Triangles
While hearts or names might be more common, triangles are one of the best father-daughter tattoo ideas. Not only do triangles symbolize strength, but two overlapping triangles represent an unbreakable bond, like the one between a father and his daughter.
Many people choose to make the top triangle dark and the bottom one light, with the other person having the inverse. This idea is simple and can be made teeny tiny or rather large, whatever you prefer.
3. An Inside Joke
You can’t script this, but if you and your dad share a long-time inside joke, it can make for a funny father-daughter tattoo idea that will always bring a smile to your face. As long as you’re okay with something relatively random on your body, this one makes for a good story.
4. Take My Hand
Similar to the photograph idea, and symbolizing your dad as a source of comfort, one tiny hand holding a few fingers of a larger hand will bring you back to when you were little.
This sweet father-daughter tattoo idea will remind you that Dad was your first source of safety, and he’s always there for you.
5. Butterflies
Not only are butterflies beautiful, but they can also be symbolic. For a daughter who moved away from home, sharing this father-daughter tattoo idea is special. Even done in black ink, it’s striking, but you can go for colors if you prefer.
6. King and Queen Crowns
King and queen crowns don’t just belong to couples. They can make one of the best father-daughter tattoo ideas, too.
A crown, with or without words underneath, conveys it all. You could ask for a princess crown and your mom could get the queen’s crown to involve the whole family.
7. Infinity Anchor
Combine a few classic tattoo ideas into a nice father-daughter tattoo by making an infinity symbol with an anchor. This symbolizes that a father’s love for his daughter is forever, and he is her anchor. You can always incorporate a cursive name in the middle of the symbol too.
8. Your Favorite Flowers
Flowers have been the subject of body art for a very long time, and for good reason. They’re beautiful and aesthetically pleasing while not being too feminine. They are very often symbolic or special to someone too.
A single bloom or a cluster makes for one of the best father-daughter tattoo ideas. Whether it’s each other’s birth month flower or a variation that means something to you, you can’t go wrong.
9. Sunflowers
These big beauties make the best father-daughter tattoo idea that’s special without being too feminine or cutesy. Whether a tiny sunflower blossom or the flower along with the stalk and some special words, it’s fairly unique while still making perfect sense with no explanation required.
10. Favorite Disney Characters
Disney has been making beloved films and shows for years, and the characters have come to mean something to people. Honor this with a nice father-daughter tattoo idea that features your favorite Disney character.
11. Sail Away
For ocean lovers, this father-daughter tattoo is wonderfully whimsical. A minimalist sailboat, heading out to sea. It can be just a shared tattoo, or it can symbolize sailing through life’s challenges with ease.
12. Beachy Sun
Spark joy with this father-daughter tattoo idea that artfully blends the sun and the waves. It adds a nice pop of color, and you can certainly look for the deeper meaning here if you want.
Unique Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas
13. Pinky Promise
If you’re considering this unique father-daughter tattoo idea, it’s probably because your dad has come through for you more than once. Knowing you can always count on him to keep his promise is a really special thing and this unique tattoo of two hands interlocking pinkies is a cute way to symbolize that.
14. A Special Moment
Take a look back through the old family photo albums and you just might find a really sweet moment that you want to remember.
That photo of you on your dad's shoulders when you were little turns into a beautiful and unique father-daughter tattoo idea. And you can make it as big or as small as you like.
15. Nickname
If you and your dad always have a special pet name for each other, it can make for a great father-daughter tattoo idea. Take it a step further and have your dad write it in his handwriting, and vice versa.
16. Harry Potter Lovers
If you and your dad love watching Harry Potter over and over, you can find inspiration for a unique father-daughter tattoo idea. Whether it’s a small lightning bolt, a tiny pair of wire glasses or the symbol of the deathly hallows, it’s something that the two of you can share.
17. Half of a Lion
This unique father-daughter tattoo idea works great on the inside of your forearms, where you can complete the image when together. Dad gets half of a male lion’s face, and his daughter gets half of a female lion’s face.
18. Connecting Scissors
Tattoos that are incomplete without the other half are always cool, and this father-daughter tattoo idea is a great way to pull that off. On the side of your hand, next to your pinky finger, each of you gets half of a pair of scissors.
Ideally, one of you gets the left hand and the other the right so that when you stand next to each other, your tattoos complete one another.
19. Hunting and Fishing
If you and your dad bond over hunting and fishing, then this unique father-daughter tattoo idea makes perfect sense. An infinity symbol made out of an antler and a fishing hook is symbolic of your shared hobbies but still packs a deeper meaning.
20. Pair of Giraffes
Don’t worry. Just because giraffes are massive in real life doesn’t mean this father-daughter tattoo idea has to be. Using minimalist lines, get matching big and little giraffes with your pops.
The ankle is a great location, but you can put them anywhere. Even if the whole design is no bigger than two or three inches, you’re sure to love it.
21. Two Flying Geese
While a goose might not be the typical bird you would select for a father-daughter tattoo idea, there’s something cute and unique about it.
Plus, if you live in a state with lots of Canada geese, it just makes sense. Geese fly together, and you and your dad can rock two geese flying in synchrony somewhere on your bodies.
22. Star Trek Symbols
Anything that you and your father shared a love for would make a great father-daughter tattoo idea. If you bonded over Star Trek, then this simple but symbolic design is great. A series of intergalactic symbols or planets in a line. This is perfect for the back of your calf or your forearm.
23. Star Wars Inspired
One of the best things about the Star Wars movies is that they are beloved across generations. If you loved watching them with your dad growing up (and maybe even now), then this father-daughter tattoo idea will make perfect sense to you.
It’s minimalist yet meaningful — a circular design that’s half Millennium Falcon and half Death Star.
24. Deer
This father-daughter tattoo idea is a little extra meaningful if you’re into hunting, but you can use it even if you’re not. Dad gets a buck deer with antlers, while his daughter or daughters get a pretty little doe.
Meaningful Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas
25. Mountains
Whether you grew up in the mountains or vacationed there every summer, it’s a nice reminder of beautiful memories shared. This father-daughter tattoo idea involves a small image of some mountain peaks that are important to both of you.
26. Photograph-Turned-Line Drawing
If you have a beloved photo of you and your old man, then with a little help from your tattoo artist, it can become one of the most meaningful father-daughter tattoo ideas.
Simplifying the photo down to just lines makes it much easier and cleaner to tattoo on you while still resembling that special moment.
27. State to State
If you no longer live in the same state (or country!) as your parents, it’s the perfect excuse to get this meaningful father-daughter tattoo idea. A tiny airplane and a dotted line connect their home state to your new one and vice versa for dad.
28. Celtic Knot
Even if you’re not Irish or Celtic, the Celtic Knot makes for a meaningful father-daughter tattoo idea. These beautiful, intricate designs symbolize eternity and connectedness, just like the bond you share with your father.
The best part is that there are tons of designs so you can choose the one you like best.
29. Wishbones
There’s no question that wishbones are a symbol of good luck, but you should consider them for a small father-daughter tattoo idea as well.
There are plenty of inspo pics online to show your artist so they can nail the ideal shading that ensures it depicts a bone and not some weird version of the letter Y.
30. Nancy Drew Inspired
If you share a love of Nancy Drew with your father, then this father-daughter tattoo idea will be fun and meaningful.
A keyhole with Nancy’s outline in the center. It can be made big or small, and you and Dad can rock the exact same one.
31. Honor Your Heritage
If your parents or grandparents immigrated to wherever you live now, honor your family heritage with this meaningful father-daughter tattoo idea. Whether a small flag of another nation or another important symbol, this idea is timeless.
32. Family Crest
Having a family crest used to be common way back in the day, but now it just makes for a special father-daughter tattoo idea. If you actually have a family crest, use that, but you can also make your own with a little help from the internet.
33. Musical Notes
Maybe you got your love or music or even musical talent from your dad, in which case this meaningful father-daughter tattoo idea makes perfect sense. A treble clef or bass clef are versatile, but you can get something that means something to both of you.
34. Latitude and Longitude
Everyone will instantly recognize that that series of numbers coincides with a location, and only you and your father will know where that is (unless you tell people).
This meaningful father-daughter tattoo idea is popular because it’s so easy to honor any given place without having to decide on a special symbol or a fancy way to display the dates for example. Whether it’s your hometown or the place where your daughter was born, it’s a classic.
35. Anchor and Compass
The symbolism is pretty clear with this meaningful father-daughter tattoo idea. Dad is probably your anchor and your guiding force, but either one of you can be whichever object you prefer.
36. Pet Portrait
If you were lucky enough to grow up with pets, you know how special they are. So it shouldn’t take any convincing to get their face for a sweet family tattoo idea.
There are plenty of variations with paw prints and names, but a good ol’ photo of their face should do the trick.
Small Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas
37. Tiny Hearts
It might sound simple (and it is), but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be special. This small father-daughter tattoo idea is more about the memory of getting the tattoos together.
On your next family vacation, get a tiny heart somewhere on your body together. This keeps costs low and it’s less time under the needle, which also means less pain.
38. Sun and Moon
Just like the sun and the moon are forever tied together, this small father-daughter tattoo idea is a cute way to symbolize your relationship. While you might not always be together, you’re forever connected.
A small crescent moon and a tiny sun with rays can be hidden behind an ear, inside a wrist or down near your ankle if you prefer subtlety.
39. Birth Years
Keep it simple with this small father-daughter tattoo idea: each other’s birth year. Choose any font and any location you like to signify this special year someplace on your body.
This tattoo idea works for a lot of special relationships, whether it’s the year you were married, had a kid or got your first puppy.
40. Fingerprint Hearts
With a bit of extra effort, you can rock this small but meaningful father-daughter tattoo. Make a heart out of your two fingerprints with their name underneath.
You wear dad’s fingerprints and he wears yours. Simple but sweet!
41. Bumble Bee
Maybe bees have a special meaning to your family, or maybe they’re just ideal for a cute and small father-daughter tattoo. Either way, they’re adorable and easy to make big, small, hidden or on full display.
42. Minimalistic Lions
Rather than committing to a massive dark and detailed lion portrait, this small father-daughter tattoo idea captures the same vibe but smaller. A tattoo artist can help you nail down a line drawing or outline of a big male lion and a smaller female one.
43. Hakuna Matata
Did you know there’s a symbol that means “Hakuna matata”? Yep, and it’s dainty and beautiful (without being too girly). This makes a great small father-daughter tattoo to remind you not to worry too much.
44. Teeny Tiny Flames
The actual flames might not necessarily be meaningful, but it’s a fun and tiny little symbol for a small father-daughter tattoo. For ultimate discretion, have the tiny icon placed on the side of your finger so it’s easily hidden.
45. Waves
Whether it’s a reminder to ride the waves of life or simply a shared love of the beach, this small father-daughter tattoo idea is ideal for a minimalist. It’s commonly placed on the side of the forearm, the side of the foot or even just outside the pinky, but you can put it anywhere you want.
46. Baby Sea Turtles
These tiny and adorable creatures are often underestimated and can make for a lovely small father-daughter tattoo idea. Turtles are strong and resilient, escaping great challenges out in the open ocean.
Even if you didn’t grow up near the ocean, getting an ultra-mini matching sea turtle tattoo would make you smile.
47. Hedgehogs
Whether or not hedgehogs are symbolic to you, they are objectively adorable and can make for a unique father-daughter tattoo idea.
Two hedgehogs together, or make it a full family moment and add more for each sibling and your mom. Since they’re small creatures, you can make this body art big or little, depending on your preference.
48. Lifeline
Since dad has been your lifeline from day one, consider honoring that with this small father-daughter tattoo idea.
You can use his actual heart rate if he’s been to the doctor recently, otherwise, a symbolic version, along with a heart, can be made pretty slim and placed in a discreet location.
49. A Single Bloom
Add a touch of beauty to your father-daughter tattoo idea by getting a super small rosebloom with dad’s name. He will get the same as yours, of course! If a rose seems overdone, consider a small leaf or a single tulip stem.
Father-Daughter Tattoo Ideas With Quotes
50. See You Later, Alligator
This father-daughter quote tattoo idea is infused with humor and fun. One person rocks a gator with the words “see you later” as the body, while the other has a similar design that says “after a while” (crocodile). It’s a playful greeting that just might be really special to you.
51. Favorite Song Lyrics
Whatever your favorite album or song with your dad is or was is going to make for a great father-daughter tattoo idea with quotes. A few lines from the chorus of the song you always sing together will always be special.
If you don’t like the idea of words, you can capture this same idea by using a little image or graphic that embodies the album, song or artist.
52. Love You
While it might just be two words, having it done in the other person’s handwriting makes this father-daughter tattoo idea all the more special. “I love you” really says it all and is a nice reminder when placed on your wrist or your ribcage.
53. Love Always
Did your dad love to handwrite you cards and letters? Maybe he even had a special way of signing off, like “Love always” or “I’ll be seeing you!”.
Transferring his words, in his handwriting, makes for a special father-daughter tattoo. You can do the same for him, signing your special signature from the letters you wrote back.
54. Best Bible Quotes
Bible quotes are one of the most popular tattoos, and it’s not hard to figure out the tattoo meanings. There are more than a few verses in the bible that might inspire or guide you, and it can make for a meaningful father-daughter quote tattoo idea.
55. My Family is My Strength
If you’ve got the real estate for this father-daughter tattoo quote idea, it’s beautiful. Scrolling letters that read “My family is my strength and my weakness. Through them I rise, and only through them shall I fall”.
56. A Prayer
If you’re religious, you probably pray for the safety and well-being of your loved ones. And as a father, you almost certainly pray for your kids.
So get this father-daughter tattoo quote idea as a daily reminder. It can be your own prayer or an existing prayer or verse that you like to recite regularly.
57. A Good Reminder
If Dad was always coaching you to step out of your comfort zone or give it your all, his words can become a beautiful father-daughter tattoo quote idea. Especially if you can have it done in his handwriting, it will serve as a great reminder to take his advice every time you see it.
Father-Daughter Tattoos FAQs
What Symbol Represents Father and Daughter?
There’s no one universal symbol for a father and daughter, which means you can make your own. The Celtic Knot is a popular family tattoo due to the strong symbolism, but even more obvious things, like a big and small giraffe, are pretty clear.
What Is a Powerful Father-Daughter Quote?
Depending on if you’re religious or not, there are tons of great and powerful father-daughter quotes for a tattoo. A prayer or a bible verse is great, but anything written in the other person’s handwriting, whether a note or a few words, will be extra special.
What Are Basic Tattoos to Avoid?
Basic is in the eye of the beholder, and tattoos are very subjective to begin with. There are plenty of common tattoos, like crosses, roses or bible verses but that doesn’t mean they aren’t right for you.
It’s all about the meaning behind it, and if you want something silly and “basic” to make you laugh, then go for it!
If you want to surprise your dad with the ultimate Father’s Day gift, get a special father-daughter tattoo. His face or the words he has always spoken to you can live forever on your skin. Plus, if you’re old enough to get a tattoo, you’re past the age where you are making kids’ Father’s Day painting ideas and a tattoo is like the adult version of that.
Whether you get a tattoo or not, you know your dad is always with you and you know the influence he’s had on your life. Getting a matching tattoo is just an artistic and powerful representation of your love and relationship.
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