This article about tattoos for single mums was last updated in 2021.

Tattoos for single mums …

Are you thinking of getting a tattoo? They can be a beautifully symbolic way to celebrate a new phase in your life. And more and more women are rocking tats as a way to celebrate single motherhood.

If you need ink inspiration, here are some cute tattoos perfect for single mums loving life.

And, in case you’re wondering who I am …

I’m Lucy, a single mum and the founder of the website you are on. I spend my time helping other single mums embrace independence, redefine their paths and be the best they can be, all whilst being brilliant single mums. You can get more in-depth, personalised support from my “You’ve Got This” Single Mum eCourse, which has already been downloaded by 2k+ single mums from around the world.

30 Tattoos for single mums

1. Beautiful blooms

First-up in our list of tattoos for single mums we have the beautiful blooms. Anything to do with growth and flowers is a pretty and significant way to show how far you’ve come, and we love the way this one fits perfectly around the ankle bone.

Source: Pinterest

2. With pain comes strength

Simple words with such potent meaning. You can have play around with the layout of this powerful sentence depending where on your body you are planning put it.

Source: Pinterest

3. Sparkling stars

Not only do stars make a pretty tattoo but they symbolise truth. Stars shine brightly in the night sky, for this reason they are thought to give hope of a better path in life. One of the most app tattoos to celebrate single motherhood.

Source: Popstart Tats

4. Angel wings

Feeling brave? These wings certainly make a statement. Angel wings are wonderfully spiritual and stand for protection and guidance. This angelic tattoo can be way less stubble too, with small wings in more discreet areas.

Source: Pinterest

5. Free

Such a gorgeous little tattoo that could go almost anywhere … too cute! If you’ve come out of an unhappy, controlling relationship, this simple word says it all. This has to be one of our favourite tattoos for single mums.

Source: Free Tattoo Ideas Designs

6. Mum and child

Show the eternal bond between you and your kid with a mum and child tattoo. Add their name, a sweet phrase or a significant date (like your child’s birthday) to make it even more meaningful.

Source: Pinterest

7. My body my rules

Empowering tattoos like this one are awesome if you want to make a bold statement about who is ultimately in control of your body … you.

Source: Tattooing is an Art

8. Birds

Birds make for a classic statement tattoo. A couple of birds on your ankle, wrist or back are graceful, elegant and timeless. They symbolise vitality, freedom, spirituality and peace.

Source: Pinterest

9. Phoenix rising

Phoenix rising from the ashes represents a complete rebirth and renewal of body and soul. If you’ve ever gone through a particularly difficult time (and who hasn’t), a rising phoenix tattoo is a statement to the world that you have overcome and emerged the winner.

Source: Pinterest

10. Lotus flower

The open lotus flower is a symbol of enlightenment, calmness, peace and focus, while a half-closed lotus means growth of spirit and mind. A beautiful lotus flower tattoo is just the thing if you want to attract clarity and peace of mind.

Source: Pinterest

11. Enough

This one-word tattoo is a powerful and succinct way to tell yourself and the world that you’ve had enough, or that you are enough and you can achieve your goals just as you are. The perfect addition to our list of tattoos for single mums.

Source: FYeah Tattoos

12. Tree of life

This beautiful tree of life tattoo in all its leafy glory symbolises immortality, knowledge, wisdom, strength and protection, as well as growth, abundance and salvation. We love it as a back tattoo, but you can also put a more discreet version on your wrist or ankle.

Source: MyBodiArt

13. Dreamcatcher

The lovely dreamcatcher makes a great tattoo as it represents the circle of life, safety and protection (dreamcatchers catch bad dreams during the night). Choose this tattoo as a talisman against negativity and a symbol of hope for the future.

Source: Pinterest

14. Still I rise

Another empowering, positive phrase for women and single mums, ‘Still I Rise’ is recognisable from a Maya Angelou poem about rising above the struggles and difficulties of life. This tattoo is a great reminder that you have defeated hard times and can beat anything.

Source: Conscious Ink

15. Family

We know family is all important, and you can show it on your body with this simple but gorgeous tattoo. Whatever family means to you (it can be the one you came from or the one you create), this tattoo will remind you daily of your ‘why.’

Source: TattoosBag

30 Tattoos for single mums (cont.)

16. Mum and children

This simple tattoo lets you ink on your body an image of the people you love the most. This one will remind you why you work hard and push through when the going gets tough.

Source: Inksplosion Tattoos

17. Crown

Nothing’s better than a crown tattoo to keep you empowered and positive. A crown symbolises leadership, authority and also good luck. As single mums, we wear our crowns everyday, and with this tattoo, you really will!

Source: Tatuajes Geniales

18. This too shall pass

When you’re in the midst of overwhelming difficulty, the ‘This too shall pass’ tattoo reminds you that there’s nowhere to go but up. So dust yourself off and pick yourself up because this will pass and the sun will shine again.

Source: Pinterest

19. Celtic new beginnings

This popular Celtic tattoo supposedly symbolises new beginnings, and the original artist claimed to have received it from the angels. Feel free to attach your own meaning and let it inspire you to create the life of your dreams.

Source: Pinterest

20. Bow and arrow

This pretty bow and arrow tattoo is both trendy and deeply meaningful. Arrow designs are connected to the Sagittarius zodiac sign that represents love, power, strength and a good sense of direction.

Source: Ranker

21. Feather and birds

It’s obvious that we love bird tattoos! This feather and birds one looks so beautiful on the arm, symbolising truth, courage, bravery, freedom and travel. Feathers can also mean messages from the spirit world as well as spiritual protection.

Source: Pinterest

22. I am not afraid to walk this world alone

Single mums and single women who need reassurance that they are enough should get this empowering tattoo. ‘I am not afraid to walk this world alone’ is a statement from the soul, a mantra for living bravely and fearlessly.

Source: PrettyDesigns

23. Butterfly

The butterfly is known as a symbol of growth and rebirth. As human beings we are always in flux, and this wonderful butterfly tattoo reminds us that personal transformation is a process, sometimes long, but worth it in the end.

Source: Pinterest

24. Take these broken wings and learn to fly

From the famous Beatles song, these pretty words have a power of meaning behind them, especially if you are picking yourself back up after heartache or hurt.

Source: Oddee

Our final Tattoos for single mums

25. Dragonfly

The dragonfly is the butterfly’s less popular but equally symbolic and beautiful cousin. Dragonflies symbolise deep thoughts and a higher subconscious, and a dragonfly tattoo reminds us of the importance of the spirit world and things we cannot touch.

Source: Pinterest

26. Love me for who I am

The words in this tattoo are simple but powerful: Love me for who I am. For anyone who’s ever questioned their worth because of someone else’s callousness or cruelty, this tells the world that you are worthy of love just as you are.

Source: Candystarz

27. Mandala

A pretty mandala tattoo can mean anything depending on your culture, religion or personal beliefs. The mandala in Hinduism and Buddhism represent the universe and a search for completeness and self-unity.

Source: Bokainktattoo

28. Sometimes you need to let things go

This tattoo is perfect for people who tend to hold on to things they should let go of, whether it’s a bad relationship or a soulless career. Get this tattoo and let it go.

Source: InkedMag

29. Peace dove

The peace dove tattoo represent calm, tranquility and all things that comfort you when things go awry. The graceful peace dove is a reminder that some things are not worth it if they destroy your inner peace.

Source: Shannon Wages

30. Perseverance

Last but definitely not least on our list of tattoos for single mums .. we love this elegant script tattoo and its meaning. When we persist in doing something despite difficulty, success is easier to achieve. Let this tattoo keep you determined to never to give up on yourself, your loved ones and your dreams.

Source: Hector Daniels

We hope you love our list of tattoos for single mums. If you need more inspiration, this article will continue to fire your senses: 100 Mantras for mums to help you make it through the day.