Men regularly get cross tattoos to show their love and appreciation for God. The cross represents the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and if you are not scared to let the world know about your faith, getting a cross tattoo inked on your body will be enough to tell everyone more about yourself and your religion.
Now, while the idea seems simple, there are many models you can choose for a cross tattoo. The possibilities are endless, so whether you want to get something small and cute or a large, bold cross on your skin, you’ll surely find a model to settle for.
In this cross tattoo story…
SBut chances are you haven’t selected your design yet because you don’t know what would work best for the chosen body part. There’s no need to worry, though – below, you’ll be able to find a list of cross tattoos that anyone should consider in 2024.
Minimalist Cross Tattoo
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If you want something small and symbolic, a minimalistic cross tattoo might be the best choice. Besides, something small is always a good pick when it comes to biblical root tattoos. Because it is so straightforward, it will be easy to notice without taking the attention away from the other art pieces you have on your skin – if any.
Jesus Cross Tattoo
To make your tattoo more detailed, but also to create something that is representative of your faith, adding Jesus Christ himself to the cross can make your tattoo more special. This can be done in many ways. You can go with the classic symbol of Jesus on the cross or find other ways to include the savior of humanity in this design.
Wings Cross Tattoo
A cross with wings can be a wonderful way to show your love for God. You can add some uniquely-shaped wings in a tribal design, or go with angel wings. The latter can symbolize the perception of love. Besides, it can serve as a reminder that God is always by your side.
Three-Cross Tattoo
Lately, lots of men have been settling for the 3-cross tattoo, not only for religious reasons but also for artistic ones. It’s up to you to decide what this tattoo means. It could either be a symbol of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit or represent the three crucified men who included Jesus Christ. If one cross is not enough to show your love for God, three crosses will surely be the satisfying option.
Tattoo of a Celtic Cross
You must have seen several people rocking their Celtic cross tattoos, whether in your immediate friend circle or just someone you passed by on the street. Celtic crosses are known for their stylized rings and knots, and you can create very unique patterns. Getting a Celtic cross can also be a way to honour your Celtic ancestors.
Thorn Cross Tattoo
Thorn crosses are another symbol of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. It may represent the thorn crown Jesus was wearing when being crucified. Thorn crosses can tell the world not only that you’re a Christian but also that you are someone who faces life’s challenges with courage and that you were able to overcome many difficulties in the past.
Heart Cross Tattoo
Heart cross tattoos can symbolize love, faith, or both. This design can represent different things depending on the elements you add. For instance, a cross tattoo on arm with a heart cross design could symbolize how faith connected you and your significant other or even the fact that you love God. At the same time, a bleeding heart could show the love God has for humans.
Name Cross Tattoo
If a loved one passes away, getting a tattoo of their name on a cross will show your respect for them. What’s cool is that this design can be placed almost anywhere and still be as impactful. You can keep it on your hand or forearm if you want it to be easily visible or on your back or leg if you want to hide it when necessary.
Rose Cross Tattoo
When you combine a cross with a rose, you automatically make the tattoo design more unique. If you’re English, this can even be a patriotic tattoo for you. However, the rose also symbolizes joy, martyrdom, and purity in Christianity. This can be an excellent choice for cross back tattoos as well.
Infinity Cross Tattoo
Are you looking for a way to show your endless love for God? Then you can go for an infinity cross tattoo design. Getting an infinity cross tattoo is the perfect way to let everyone know your relationship with God is permanent and that you’ll always trust God to show you the way to success. You can turn this into a small, simple piece or make it larger and more complex.
Tribal Cross Tattoo
If you love tribal designs, then you can add this type of element to your cross tattoo. Because the points and curves of tribal models make unique designs, you’ll end up with an original piece if you choose the right artist. This can create a cool cross tattoo with tribal patterns on the arm or wrist.
Folded Hands Cross Tattoo
Prayer connects you to God and lets you rely on Him for help and guidance when you or a loved one deal with difficulties. In this case, a great tattoo for you would be a cross with folded hands. It shows your gratitude, as well as your faith.
Tattoo of an Upside-Down Cross
Don’t worry – getting an upside-down cross on your skin won’t make you an anti-Christian. Upside-down crosses represent St. Peter. According to historical accounts, he asked to be crucified upside down when he was martyred. Therefore, an upside-down tattoo can symbolize your faith and sacrifice. This can be an edgy choice for cross tattoos for men on the arm.
3D Cross Tattoo
3D-effect cross tattoos will look more spectacular and realistic, and you’re bound to fall in love with a piece like this. The tattoo will stand out, allowing everyone to see how big your faith in God is.
Dragon Cross Tattoo
Dragons are fierce, and while they’re not typically the type of creature you’d think can be mixed with a cross, they can make your cross tattoo look more spectacular overall. Dragons symbolize power and luck; with a cross, they are bound to keep away negative energy and evil spirits.
Necklace Cross Tattoo
Are you tired of forgetting to put your cross necklace back on, or do you feel uncomfortable wearing something around your neck all the time? Choose a necklace cross tattoo instead. It’ll be there permanently, representing your faith and proving that you’re so dedicated to religion that you are willing to get a permanent cross on your skin.
Sleeve Cross Tattoo
You don’t have to settle for something small if you don’t want to. A cross sleeve tattoo will do a great job of proving that you’re one of God’s followers. In this case, you can use the cross as part of a larger design incorporating more religious symbols or connect it to a different type of sleeve that includes nice shapes and flowers.
Wrist Cross Tattoo
Perhaps you want a religious cross tattoo that is easier to reveal when you want to show off your love for God. In this case, a wrist cross tattoo is perfect. You can place a simple cross on your wrist or get a rosary to surround your wrist. If you’re creative, you can easily adapt the cross to fit this small area.
Lion Cross Tattoo
Cross tattoos on your chest can be combined with different animals, such as lions. A design of this sort will easily show to the world that you are a strong man who believes in God, and a leader ready to spread love and faith around him.
Hand Cross Tattoo
Cross tattoos on your hand may be tricky because they are always visible unless you wear gloves, but they have become popular and quite mainstream. A cross on your hand ensures you always wear your faith proudly.
Dove and Cross Tattoo
The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. So, it’s only fitting that it is added to a cross tattoo behind the ear design, especially when you want the religious message to be more clear when people see the art piece. Doves can also represent love, innocence, and peace.
Forearm Cross Tattoo
The forearm is a popular placement for a small cross tattoo because it fits perfectly in this area. Moreover, the forearm is great for a large cross tattoo that you can complement with different other elements over the years.
Angel Cross Tattoo
If you want a religious cross hand tattoo but don’t want it to be too simple, you can add an
angel to it. The angel can be next to the cross or it can even hold the cross. Whatever you choose, an angel will make the design more spectacular.
Arm Cross Tattoo
Undoubtedly, the arm is one of the best spots for a simple cross tattoo. What makes it so great is that it’s ideal for multiple designs, whether they’re small or large. The back of the arm is trending now for small, meaningful tattoos, so a small cross can fit perfectly there.
Cracked Cross Tattoo
Cracked crosses look very cool regardless of the placement. They look good in black ink, as well as in color. The significance is that evil cannot harm the strength and love of Jesus Christ.
Finger Cross Tattoo
If you want to go for something small and more subtle, you can choose a finger tattoo. Plenty of men get cross tattoos on their fingers nowadays. The right ring finger is a common placement because it can represent commitment.
Anchor Cross Tattoo
United Methodist Church missionaries use the anchor cross tattoo the most to remind them how they should do their work with faith, hope, and love. But you don’t have to be a member to get this tattoo, as it can still have the same impact on any person who wears it.
Chest Cross Tattoo
Since chest tattoos are so close to your heart, adding a cross in this area could mean that religion is very dear to you. On top of being a great way to show your love for God, the chest also makes a great canvas for this type of tattoo because it’s flat and wide.
Eye Cross Tattoo
For a cool effect, you can get an eye with a cross inside of it tattooed on one part of your body. It could be a way of saying that whatever you do or whatever decisions you make, you always look towards God for the best advice.
Back Cross Tattoo
The back is a wide area that allows you to tattoo any type of cross design in any size you want. This area is great for complex cross tattoos that incorporate various elements.
Crown Cross Tattoo
A crown with a cross on top of it not only looks cool but is also a symbol of victory. It could mean that you’re looking up to heaven and the rewards that come after going through life and its difficulties.
Neck Cross Tattoo
Due to being so visible, neck cross tattoos for men are considered rebellious. But they are more popular today, and if you want your faith to be known to everyone who meets you, the neck is a great placement for this tattoo design. Plenty of men get cross necklaces tattoos on their fingers nowadays.
Face Cross Tattoo
Face tattoos are a bolder move that not everyone is willing to make. But if you love God enough, you won’t back away from this. People often have misconceptions about those who get tattooed on their faces. Nevertheless, if you’re brave enough, something small like a cross on your temple won’t look out of place.
Ankle Cross Tattoo
TAnkles give you many options for small tattoo designs, with the cross being one of the most common. You can easily display it or hide it, depending on the case. If you have a lot of faith in God and you’re a grounded person, show it off with a cross tattoo.
Shoulder Cross Tattoo
Many people get shoulder tattoos to show them during the hot season. A cross on your shoulder will symbolize your strong faith in God and the fact that He always watches over you.
Faith Cross Tattoo
Another unique way to include the cross in your tattoo piece is by getting the word “Faith” inked onto your skin, with the “t” resembling a cross. It’s cool and subtle and can work anywhere on your body. It’ll surely show how strong your faith in God is.
Hope Cross Tattoo
Just like in the case of the “faith” tattoo, you can get the word “hope” tattooed somewhere on your body, continuing it with a simple cross. This will show how God gives you hope as He guides you through life, and it can be a less obvious tattoo that can be easily hidden.
Guns N’ Roses Cross Tattoo
Cross tattoos don’t always have to be religious. If you’re a rock fan, you can get the famous Guns N’ Roses band cross, with each band member’s head on each end and the lead singer’s head in the middle. What better way to show your devotion to the band or rock?
Cross Shadow Tattoo
For a cool effect, you can make your cross tattoo invisible, with only the shadows of the cross being inked. It will still be clear what the tattoo represents, but it’ll be a more minimalistic design that will stay easily hidden when necessary.
Coffin Cross Tattoo
Are you a fan of Halloween? Nothing says it better than this coffin cross tattoo. The design can depict a cross on a coffin, representing life and death, but also being an excellent design that will put you in a spooky mood. This work of art can also include more elements, like leaves, flowers, skeletons, and other details.
Conclusion – What Are the Best Cross Tattoo Designs?
It can take some time to settle on a cross tattoo design, but we hope you’ll find this article inspiring. We’ve shown you a few ideas to make your skin look amazing and show your love for God so that you can find some inspiration here. With enough creativity, you’ll end up with a fantastic tattoo design.
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3-Cross Tattoo
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This tattoo features three crosses placed side by side in a horizontal row. Each cross carries its unique significance, typically representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the two thieves alongside him. It is a visual reminder of the crucifixion scene, reinforcing the message of hope, redemption and sacrifice central to Christian beliefs.
Inverted Cross Tattoo
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The inverted cross has been historically associated with various meanings, often evoking contrasting interpretations. An inverted cross has been associated with a symbol of St. Peter’s crucifixion. It has also been adopted as a symbol of rebellion or opposition to traditional religious norms. The cross may be rendered with bold lines, geometric shapes or fine linework.
Baseball Cross Tattoo
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This tattoo is a symbol of faith and a passion for the sport, making it a meaningful and personal tattoo choice for baseball enthusiasts. It showcases the fact that their passion for the game is not separate from their spiritual beliefs, but rather, it is an integral part of who they are.
Wooden Cross Tattoo
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The cross is illustrated with clean lines and a straightforward design, symbolizing the simplicity and humility of faith. To create the wooden effect, the tattoo artist uses expert shading and detailing techniques to mimic the appearance of wood grain. The cross is given a textured and weathered look, resembling aged and weathered wood.
Catholic Cross Tattoo
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The crucifix depicts Jesus Christ on the cross, a representation of the ultimate sacrifice and redemption in Catholic beliefs. You may choose to incorporate rosary beads, saints, stained glass, a cathedral silhouette and even eucharistic symbols to enhance the theme.
Skull Cross Tattoo
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The primary element here is the skull, often expressed with menacing features like hollow eye sockets and a toothy grin. The cross is carefully integrated into the design, often positioned behind the skull or rising from its forehead. It can be weathered or rugged, contributing to the overall gritty and gothic appearance of the tattoo.
Snake Cross Tattoo
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Based on preference, this tattoo can be crafted in various artistic styles, ranging from realistic to illustrative or neo-traditional. It explores themes of temptation and spirituality, the eternal struggle between good and evil. The size of the tattoo can be adapted to fit the chosen location and the level of intricacy desired.
Braided Cross Tattoo
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A beautiful and symbolic design that combines the traditional Christian cross with the complexity of braided patterns. It is a meaningful expression of faith and unity. The tattoo can be rendered in a variety of styles, from classic black and grayscale to more elaborate colour palettes.
Mexican Cross Tattoo
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This design blends the symbolism of the cross with elements of Mexican folk art and heritage. The tattoo may incorporate floral elements, such as marigolds (Cempasúchil), which hold significant cultural importance in Mexican tradition, especially during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.
Wrist Cross Tattoo
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Some individuals prefer a minimalist cross design executed in fine lines while others may opt for one that wraps around the wrist like a tiny cross wristband. The size of the wrist allows for smaller designs and discretion. Overall, the tattoo effortlessly blends spirituality with style.
