Some fathers and sons are fortunate enough to have incredibly close bonds. Their relationship goes beyond the boundaries of being familyโฆtheyโre best friends. These are the kind of people who genuinely enjoy spending time together and are there for one another through thick and thin.
To memorialize their unique connection, they do something extraordinary โ they get father-son tattoos. That way, they always have a reminder of who truly has their back and loves them unconditionally. These 30 tattoos are so special, you canโt help but to admire what these fathers and sons share.
Some of these match, others are similar but yet different, and then some are inked on just the father or the son.
1. A touching story
While growing up, one son didnโt know anything about his father. Instead, his grandpa served as his fatherly figure until his mom married his step-dad. The two built a remarkable relationship. As a reminder of their eternal love, they got these matching tattoos.
2. Hear them roar
Although these tattoos are slightly sized and shaped differently to properly cover each manโs arm, the lions are mirror images of each other. These tattoos represent the powerful bond shared by a father and his son.
3. Strong and bold
This side view of a lion is stunning. Thereโs so much detailing that you have to look at it for several minutes to take it all in. This particular father-son tattoo speaks volumes for the kind of relationship shared by two people.
4. Shared passion
From this design, itโs easy to see that this duo loves to fish. Well into the future, they can look at their tattoo and remember spending quality time together doing what they both enjoyed as father and son.
5. A beautiful heritage
While these tattoos are different, they have the same meaning. This father and son are of Irish heritage and theyโre proud of it. So, they wanted something that embodied that along with their special relationship.
6. Something extra
There might be a lot of โlike father like sonโ tattoos but this one includes something elseโฆthe type of work they both do. Although the design is relatively simple, thereโs a wonderful meaning behind them.
7. These say it all
These father-son tattoos also have a simplistic design but by adding their last name before the word โstrong,โ thereโs no doubt these two are dedicated to weathering lifeโs storms together.
8. Perfect for veterans
For fathers and sons who both served in the military, this would make an excellent choice. That way, they can support the love they have for their country and each other. This tattoo would show a unique bond and level of respect.
9. A remarkable expression
As these tattoos show, every heartbeat of both father and son is filled with love for each other. Although theyโre identical as far as the design goes, one of them opted to have the tattoo done on the shoulder while the other one had it placed on the arm.
10. Protecting each other
The combination of those warrior tattoos and muscles, we get the feeling that no one will mess with these two. Theyโre diehard fans of each other and as it appears, one anotherโs biggest supporter.
11. Stunning watercolor design
Itโs a shame that more father-son duos donโt go for a watercolor tattoo. While these might not be as strong as others, theyโre still manly and meaningful. Typically, arrows indicate going in or finding a new direction. As a father and son, their love is on track.
12. Deep history
These tattoos have a cool backstory. The artist completed the fatherโs tattoo 20 years prior. But then on his sonโs 18th birthday, he gave him the same one. Now, their bond is forever symbolized in a simple yet meaningful design.
13. Extra special
While a lot of father-son tattoos come later in life, it was different for this dad. You see, his boy has a feeding tube. So, to show him 100 percent support and to help him feel more โnormal,โ this dad got a tattoo that matches the feeding button.
14. A shared moment
For this father and son, they wanted a tattoo of a special time spent together. They now have a treasured memory that they can look whenever they want. Only they know the full extent of what that trip entailed.
15. Music fans
Of all the Grateful Dead fans in the world, this father and son might be at the top of the list. They have a strong connection to music and this particular group. So, having these tattoos done is more than just ink added on the body for them.
16. Just amazing
The awesome thing about this tattoo is that a father can get it for himself or if wanted, the son could get the same one or something similar. Either way, this shows that from a very early age, a dad and his boy connected on a deep level.
17. A forever bond
The detailing on this tattoo is fantastic. But it also indicates that for the rest of time this father and son will walk hand-in-hand. No matter what comes their way, they have someone they trust to fall back on. This is simply beautiful.
18. Young or old
While some father-son tattoos focus more on when the boy was young, others capture a special bond as adults. This is a perfect example of that. Even as grown men, this is ideal for a father and son whoโve remained the best of friends.
19. Heartwarming
Hereโs another awesome father and son tattoo that shows with age, the special bond they share hasnโt and wonโt ever waver. This man got his chest inked although this would also look great on the back or upper arm.
20. Remember the date
In this case, the pair chose Roman numerals. Although we donโt know the meaning behind these particular numbers, they do. Whatever they stand for, these tattoos are symbolic for a father and his son.
21. Connecting through faith
Cross tattoos are among some of the most popular. But when a father and son get the same one, it takes on a much greater meaning. We get the feeling thereโs a story behind this cross design but whatever it is, itโs easy to tell these two have a strong connection.
22. Beating heart
Not all father-son tattoos have to be big and elaborate. Sometimes, the smaller, simpler ones have more of an impact based on the twoโs relationship. Of course, with this design, the artist could change the age of the boy.
23. Carrying on the last name
Rather than just have the last name of a father and son tattooed, this is a great idea. It adds just enough color and depth to make it interesting. And it reminds the son that he carries on his fatherโs last name. So, itโs important for him to do things thatโll make his dad proud.
24. Same career
Similar to a father and son who share a hobby, they can get a tattoo that represents their line of work. For example, two fishermen could get something like these. While theyโre different, they still show the bond between the two even while on the job.
25. Tiny yet impacting
For men who arenโt particular fond of tattoos yet they want to get something with their father or son, this is an idea. Itโs symbolic yet whimsical at the same time. And due to the size and location on the inside of the wrist, itโs not something thatโs easily visible.
26. Showing a funny side
A lot of dads and sons have an incredible bond that includes a great sense of humor. Some even go as far as playing pranks on one another. But for tattoos, something like these would be perfect. Theyโre distinct and funny.
27. Independently bonded
At a quick glance, you might think these tattoos are identical. But upon closer inspection, youโll notice theyโre different. Father and son tattoos can be similar but also individual while representing a uniquely close relationship.
28. Another shared hobby tattoo
Considering this father and son love classic cars, it made perfect sense for them to get a tattoo that represented that amazing connection. So, they came up with a matching design for their โgear headโ passion.
29. Same love but different personalities
This is another way for a father and son to get tattoos to memorialize their love for one another but without sacrificing their personal preference. Perhaps the dragons signify just how protective they are of each other.
30. Secret meaning
Some father-son tattoos arenโt obvious. For a duo who wants something extraordinary and all about their unique bond, this is an amazing possibility. Most people would simply see a lion and his cub. But in reality, it represents a father watching out over his son while the son looks at his dad with admiration.