Trying to decide on what tattoo you want to get can be SUPER stressful. I know when I was considering my first tattoo, I had about ten different ideas that all seemed great, but were just not perfect – or “me” – enough to commit to.
I eventually got something I was happy with, but now that I am starting to save up some cash for my next tattoo, I’m feeling that indecision creep up on me again.
One kind of tattoo I’ve always been fond of is the one word tattoo.
One word tattoos can make a HUGE statement, or mean something really deep and important, especially if it really captures your personality or being.
That said, actually thinking of a word that’s original and personal enough to put on your body can be a long process, so I recommend giving yourself a good few months to really toss around some ideas before you settle on one.
It can be easy to want to get a one word tattoo that you see everywhere online, much like it seems like a good idea to get a butterfly or infinity loop simply because everyone has one, but finding that one perfect word to get tattooed on your body is what will take it from ordinary to totally you.
And trust me when I say that it’s better to wait a year to find that special word instead of getting overexcited and getting something done tomorrow.
Being the giant book nerd that I am, a great place to start when looking for the perfect word (or quote) for your next tattoo is your favorite book (or movie or song if that’s more your thing).
Books and songs are great because they can have totally unique words that only mean something to you (and the person who wrote them, of course).
Another thing that’s important to remember about finding the perfect word for your next tattoo is that it doesn’t have to be in English – or any language you speak, for that matter. Though it does help to know what your tattoo means before you get inked.
There are so many words out there in other languages that invoke a feeling or describe a situation that could take you a paragraph to explain in English, which, in my opinion, can be more special than just choosing any word.
And if that doesn’t make a meaningful statement or complement your complex personality, nothing will.
Plus, no matter what word you choose – in English or otherwise – it’s a great conversation starter and will probably be one of the more memorable tattoos you get.
To help get you started, here are the best one word tattoo ideas to inspire your next ink.
1. Smile tattoo
Under the arm on the ribs.
2. Breathe tattoo
Something sweet and simple on your wrist.
3. Trust wrist tattoo
To remind you who to trust... and who not to.
4. Power thigh tattoo
Both feminine and powerful.
5. Loyalty tattoo
To remind you where you stand.
6. Free tattoo
Simple way to show how you choose to live your life.
7. Happiness tattoo
For when you're feeling down.
8. Freedom arm tattoo
To remind yourself of what you're working for.
9. Faith tattoo
In times of doubt.
10. Decide tattoo
To help push you in the right direction.
11. Hope wrist tattoo
To remind you that there's always a bright side.
12. Unconditionally collarbone tattoo
To remind you of the type of love you deserve.
13. Enough tattoo
It's okay to say "no".
14. Appreciate tattoo
To remind you to be grateful of the things in your life.
15. Purity tattoo
For when you need it most.
16. Fearless arm tattoo
To give you courage.
17. Bellissimo white ink tattoo
Beautiful.
18. Saudade arm tattoo
A Portuguese word that means "a feeling of longing, melancholy, or nostalgia".
19. Smile tattoo
To remind you to smile.
20. Happiness finger tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
Sometimes we all need a little reminder to be happy.
21. Self finger tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
This tattoo is perfect for all of the self-aware people who want a reminder of what's most important.
22. Believe arm tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
Good things happen when you believe, so why not get it tatted where you can see it every day?
23. Live back tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
A "live" tattoo right on your ribs? VERY deep.
24. L'espoir arm tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
This tattoo means "hope" in French, which is both super romantic and super mysterious.
25. Dream wrist tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
What I love most about this tattoo is that your dreams are almost always crazy and over-the-top, so your tattoo of the word should be the same, right?
26. Joy elbow tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
This tat is both dainty and straight to the point, and is perfect for anyone who always has a smile on their face.
27. Fearless foot tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
Having a tattoo that says "fearless" might just be the trick to actually make you feel more fearless - plus, the placement is really flattering.
28. Free hand tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
This placement reminds me of Lana Del Rey and the word will remind you to never tie yourself down.
29. Beautiful arm tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
At first glance, this looks like it's just a rose tattoo with a fancy stem, but it really says "beautiful," which it really beautiful.
30. Soul arm tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
Whether your soul is most important to you or you just want a little more soul in your every day life, this tattoo is for you.
31. Ohana collarbone tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
Of course, everyone knows that Ohana means family, thanks to Lilo and Stitch, but it's still an important thing to remember.
32. Wanderlust wrist tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
Love to travel or wish you could be traveling the world right now? Then this is your next tattoo.
33. Courage wrist tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
Courage is important to have, but sometimes, we could use a little reminder when times get tough.
34. Namaste foot tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
If you're a yoga fan or you just need some balance and a peaceful word, a "namaste" tattoo is perfect for you.
35. Brave elbow tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
People are brave for a lot of different reasons and sometimes, you just need the word right on your body to be that reminder when you're not feeling so brave.
36. Family wrist tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
If Ohana isn't your thing, then this "family" tattoo will be. Plus, having the cursive flow into a heart is extra special.
37. Resilience back tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
Being resilient means being able to get back up after being knocked down, so if you're a tough cookie, this should be your next ink.
38. Peculiar hip tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
We're all a little strange, or peculiar, so why not let the world know you're not afraid to be yourself?
39. Adventure tattoo
Photo: Pinterest
If you're always looking for adventure, whether that's through travel or life experiences, this is perfect for you.
40. Minimalist arm tattoo
Okay, so "let it be" may not be one word, but you can make it look like one!
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve got the best quotes to share and savor. For quotes from the most inspiring celebs, activists, and poets, look no further! You might even find the quote that motivates the best parts of your life (and love!) forever.