80 Best Butterfly Tattoo Designs and Meanings

Butterfly tattoos appeal to aesthetics and deep meaning. The transformation from an unsightly caterpillar to a beautiful fluttering insect is reflected in the symbolic interpretation. Tattoos with butterflies are associated with lightness, loftiness above the ground, rebirth, and personal development - and this is only part of the meanings. Interpretations are adjusted depending on the styles of drawing, its location on the body and design.

What does butterfly tattoo mean ?

A butterfly is a fragile creature of nature, which many associate with tenderness, lightness and femininity. However, tattoos with the image of these insects have several variants of meaning. The interpretation is related to the metamorphosis that insects undergo in a short period. From an unsightly caterpillar, it transforms first into a chrysalis, and then into a beautiful, gentle creature.

In many cultures, the butterfly symbolizes immortality and the rebirth of the human soul. In Japan, in addition to the spirit, it also represents family happiness. In some cultures, the butterfly is a symbol of carelessness. So, in some tribes, little girls did a tattoo depicting an insect, so that life was easy and joyful.

It matters the tattoo location on the body:

• On the hand symbolizes the beginning of a new stage in life, joy and courageous;
• On the leg means sophistication and emphasizes youth (ideal for young girls);
• On the shoulder a butterfly is placed when you want to emphasize the spirit of freedom;
• On the back symbolizes independence and openness to the world;
• On the buttocks or stomach, a butterfly is "planted" to attract love and family happiness.

A flying insect with wings open symbolizes freedom and openness. A sitting butterfly, as if sitting down to rest, speaks of a desire for inner harmony and balance.

How does a butterfly tattoo meaning related to mental health?

A butterfly tattoo can be a meaningful symbol for mental health because of its metaphorical representation of transformation and growth. The process of a butterfly's metamorphosis from a caterpillar to a butterfly can be seen as a journey of personal growth and resilience, which is an important factor in mental health. Additionally, the colorful nature of butterflies can be seen as a representation of hope and the beauty of life, which can be a powerful message for those struggling with mental health.

 

What does a butterfly tattoo mean on a man?

The widespread belief that tattoos with butterflies are favoured only by girls is a myth. The ambiguous drawing is chosen by bold and confident guys and men with a certain philosophy.

For guys, a tattoo with a delicate insect can have several meanings:

1. Soul immortality and reincarnation. With the tattoo, men emphasize their beliefs about the rebirth of the soul after death. 
2. The memory of loved ones who have died. Such an image conveys love for relatives and emphasizes the connection with them.
3. Courage and freedom. Artists, musicians and just free of stereotypes people often associate their lightness and ability to change with the image of a butterfly.

Men prefer to do tattoos with butterflies in dim colours: black, green and navy blue. 

What does a butterfly tattoo mean on a woman?

For girls, this symbol is one of the most popular. Many people when they are choosing a tattoo with a butterfly are guided by the following meanings:

• Freedom, the desire for self-expression and the search for self;
• Youth, carefree, cheerfulness;
• Harmony with ourselves and the world;
• The desire to find a soul mate.

For adult women, such a tattoo is a way to show their cheerful temper, and the desire to extend their youth and beauty. The image of a pair of butterflies often puts lovers, it symbolizes love, the unity of two souls. 

Girls usually choose bright designs. This makes the picture a body decoration, especially if the composition is complemented by flowers or patterns.

Best Butterfly Tattoo Ideas from Instagram

1. Small Butterflies and Flower Tattoo

A pair of tiny butterflies on a flower is an embodiment of mutual feelings. The pectoral sketch symbolizes loyalty and boundless trust in your partner. Small butterflies on flowers on the forearm become the identification of constancy and fidelity.

Source: @tattooist_solar

2. Beautiful Floral Butterfly

A butterfly, woven from a floral print, highlights the desire for lightness, beauty, and harmony with yourself and the world around you. The insect with open wings on the hand is a symbol of a wide soul and sincerity.

Source: @meeshywaves

3. Half Butterfly Half Flowers Tattoo

A butterfly with a wing of flowers is a symbol of fragility and tenderness. The unusual pectoral image is associated with lightness and eternal youth. Most often, the floral butterfly is placed on the uncovered parts of the body - arms, and shoulders. "Planted" in prominent places insects tell about the ease of their owner.

Source: @lillamystyletattoo

4. Unique Butterfly Ear Tattoo

The stylish butterfly tattoo on the ear cartilage is the choice of extraordinary creative personalities. Unusual tattoo in the ear - a brave decision that indicates the desire of the person to demonstrate to others his/her individuality and non-standard thinking.

Source: @peachyansley

5. Butterfly and Roses Tattoo

The tandem of butterflies and rose tattoos symbolizes boundless feminine love and passion. The flowers add sexuality to the composition and the fluttering butterflies add lightness and spontaneity. Placed on the wrist, the image will be a symbol of elegance and the pursuit of women’s perfection.

Source: @marytattooer

6. 3D Blue and Purple Butterflies Tattoo

A beautiful 3D-style butterfly in a state of flight tells about spiritual openness, freedom, and desire to share a sense of joy and love with others. The violet-blue shade of the tattoo is associated with mysticism, it shows a desire for unity with the divine forces.

Source: @hwyl.tattoo

7. Blue Butterfly with Hawaiian Flowers

The blue butterfly in hawaiian flowers demonstrates affection and love for the partner, it tells of fidelity. The composition indicates constancy of nature, honoring family values. The delicate sketch on the side adds sexuality to the body, and emphasize sensuality and piquancy of its owner.

Source: @tatuagem.incrivel

8. Monarch Patch Tattoo

A tattoo patch in the form of a monarch butterfly emphasizes the idea of mind control. The image tells about the person's desire to change, to look for new solutions to change his life. Located on the shoulder, a tattoo with a monarch butterfly indicates the independence of its owner and the tendency to self-development.

Source: @ksuarrow_tattoo

9. Butterfly and 3d Rose Tattoo

A butterfly with a wing of roses in a three-dimensional 3D technique symbolizes femininity. The design can emphasize a person's passion, to accentuate his sensuality and sexuality. A butterfly with roses without thorns on the arm can be a symbol of a heart open for love.

Source: @andreba19

10. Simple Red Butterfly

The red-inked butterfly represents powerful energy, sensuality, and the desire for ardent love. The red insect depicted on the hand is a symbol of beauty and emotionality. The sketch is suitable for people who want to demonstrate their confidence and steadfastness to others.

Do you like this one? Look also at these red butterfly tattoos for more inspiration.

Source: @likinghoney

11. Black and Red Flying Butterflies

Several fluttering butterflies are a sign of a lonely person who seeks freedom, thirsts for interaction and is open to new friendships. The application of flying insects on a prominent place - wrist, forearm, shoulder - is a way to emphasize the desire for independence from circumstances.

Source: @mauraparkesart

MAKE YOUR OWN BUTTERFLY TATTOO:

12. Butterfly with Skeleton Tattoo

A butterfly in combination with a skeleton represents rebirth. A butterfly in the form of a skull or skeleton represents rebirth. A butterfly with a wing in the form of a skeleton indicates the successful overcoming of lingering difficulties. A drawing placed on the forearm can be a symbol of the immortal soul.

Source: @east_end_tattoo

13. Butterfly Outline Tattoo on Stomach

The butterfly depicted under the sternum demonstrates a person's willingness to take risks, and adventures, in particular sexual ones. The design, placed on the sternum of young women, complete with patterns and decorative elements, hints at the lightness and romanticism of nature.

Source: @dan_tattooer

14. Butterfly with Sunflowers and Cross

The memorial tattoo of a butterfly with sunflowers in combination with a Christian cross is a symbol of the memory of a deceased loved one. The image on the hand represents rebirth, the immortality of the soul and its eternal quest for light.

Source: @hktattoo_tina

15. Small Butterfly and Rose Tattoo

A small butterfly flying toward the blue rose is a symbol of bereavement, grief and sorrow. Most often the image is put on the hand as a memorial tattoo as a sign of respect for a bereaved loved one.

Source: @dearyouth_ink

16. Simple Black Butterfly Tattoo

A black butterfly tattoo on the forearm indicates a desire for harmony and balance. Wrist drawing tells about the desire to constantly evolve, to explore themselves to achieve inner balance.

Source: @breadloaf___

17. Semicolon and Butterfly Tattoo

A butterfly and a semicolon tattoo tell of a person's anxiety, unstable psyche, the tendency to depression and daily struggle with these weaknesses. An image in watercolor technique symbolizes the opposition to suicidal thoughts, the desire to find mental health and the desire to feel the brightness of life.

Source: @carolla_deville

18. Colorful Traditional Butterfly Tattoo

Tattoo butterflies in the traditional style combine simple lines, bright colours, clear outlines and the absence of small details. The body image symbolizes the pursuit of life and immortality.

Source: @girlsandrosespdx

19. Black Traditional Butterfly on Chest

A tattoo of a black butterfly in the traditional style is a symbol of reincarnation, a belief in life after death. A large image on the entire chest is chosen by brave and decisive natures.

Source: @deepforesttattoos

20. Old School Butterfly on Hand

A bright, detailed tattoo of a butterfly in the old-school style emphasizes the freedom-loving person, his desire for independence and his tendency to take risks. Drawing on the brush is relevant for goal-oriented people who are used to go their way and do not listen to the opinion of others.

Source: @patrickkamminga_tattoos

21. Butterfly Tattoo with Heart

The butterfly, heart and rose in the same plot symbolize loyalty to the loved one, and reverence for family values. The composition is often placed on the hand as a symbol of passion, and affection.

Source: @mexicantattooartist

22. Yellow Memorial Butterfly with Words

A yellow butterfly with a death inscription is a symbol of soul pain and grief for a person who has passed away. The sketch is often inscribed on the shoulder as a remembrance of a great loss, an irretrievable loss. The yellow colour of the butterfly indicates a strong spirit, the ability not to break under the blows of fate.

Source: @kayv__ink

23. Butterfly Wings Tattoo on Back

The wings of a butterfly on the back are identified with the soul, they tell about the predominance of spiritual values over material prosperity. The interpretation of the butterfly tattoo with outspread wings comes down to the desire for freedom, and rebirth of the soul.

Source: @marchewa_ink

24. Polynesian Butterfly on Rib

The Polynesian butterfly symbolizes the thirst for flight, being constantly on the move. The outspread wings indicate a person's openness to everything new. The impressive Polynesian style tattoo is the preference of aesthetes who want to express their individuality through a body image.

Source: @islandtat

25. Feminine Tribal Butterfly Tattoo

Behind the image of a butterfly in the ethnic style hides the freedom of flight of thoughts. The insect with open wings shows the generosity of the soul and his desire for self-knowledge and spiritual growth.

Source: @lizlunaink

26. Black Monarch Butterfly on Flower

The desire to improve, grow spiritually and change your life for the better - all these qualities are symbolized by the black monarch butterfly. The sketch on the hand demonstrates the pursuit of freedom and craving for discoveries and knowledge. It is worn by resolute and ambitious people who love to travel and comprehend the unknown.

Source: @bloodclubb

27. Cute Butterflies Behind the Ear

Small fluttering butterflies behind the ear emphasize the lightness of character and positive attitude. The sketch tells about femininity and tenderness. Several butterflies fluttering nearby is a sign of a good-natured person, his readiness to communicate and make new friendships.

Source: @noran_ink

28. Purple Butterflies on Shoulder

The image in the form of a purple butterfly perched on the shoulder declares the original thinking of the person and his outstanding creative qualities. Tattoos in the purple colour scheme are chosen by individuals who seek to find inspiration and attract fortune.

Source: @vane.tattoo_

29. Flying Monarch on Forearm

A tattoo monarch on the forearm in flight is a symbol of spiritual growth. A body image tells about the strength and determination of the person, about his ability to set and achieve goals and to strive to be always on top.

Source: @ricardovillalobostattoo

30. Matching Butterfly Tattoos

"Together and forever" - that's how the paired image of multicoloured butterflies is interpreted. Tattooed by lovers to emphasize the sincerity of the relationship, devotion and fidelity to each other. Butterflies are often placed in prominent places - on the wrists and hands to show others the depth of feelings.

Source: @mytattoofamily

31. Minimalist Butterfly on Hand

Simple butterflies in a minimalist style - a combination of precise and smooth lines, uncomplicated, no details. This kind of body image is chosen by people who appreciate the content in everything, not the shell.

Source: @milan_maya

32. Tiny Butterfly on Finger

A small butterfly on the finger indicates a person's desire to take life into their own hands and become independent. Often a butterfly is "put" on the index finger to indicate decisiveness, on the middle finger - to express one's superiority over society.

Source: @roji_tattooer

33. Red Watercolor Butterfly on Arm

The red watercolour butterfly is the choice of art-loving people who strive for self-improvement. The image on the hand symbolizes inspiration, an expression of love for creativity.

Source: @amanda.mypreciousink

 

TEMPORARY TATTOOS:

34. Colorful Butterfly with Flowers

A fragile multicoloured butterfly with flowers is identified with tenderness, charm, pursuit of beauty and harmony. This image is often applied to visible areas of the body to reflect femininity, grace and elegance.

Source: @tattooist_color.b

35. Flying Butterflies Tattoo on Hand

Butterflies fluttering on the arm is a symbol of freedom. The image symbolizes independence and positions the wearer as an outspoken person, striving for acquaintances and filling life with vivid impressions.

Source: @inkedmag

36. White Ink Butterfly tattoo

Depicted in white ink butterfly favourably emphasizes the mental innocence of its possessor, the purity of her thoughts, and the desire for harmony. The tattoo of an insect with its wings folded indicates the poise of man and his aversion to spontaneous decisions.

Source: @noaholinger

37. Butterfly Infinity Tattoo on Wrist

The sign of the infinity or inverted figure of eight paired with a butterfly represents the desire for freedom. The tattoo emphasizes the idea of the soul's ability to be reborn and becomes a symbol of its immortality.

Source: @calli_tattoo

38. Two Flying Butterflies

A butterfly duet is a sign of conjugal happiness. Bright, beautiful, fluttering as if in a dance insects hint at the harmony of the union, and emotional attachment to the partner. Tattooed on your hand will be a symbol of respect for your loved one.

Source: @forest__tt

39. Butterfly Tattoo with Quote

A butterfly with a quote depicted on the body is interpreted clearly - the semantic meaning is determined by the lettering. Most often, people put text in foreign languages, sayings from religious books, words from songs, and names. Next to the butterflies, quotations about the world and creation, and inspirational and motivational phrases are often placed.

Source: @tatuagem.incrivel

40. Blackout Butterfly with Eyes

The unusual and fascinating design of the blackout butterfly tattoo with eyes tells about the ability of man to look deep into his personality. Located on the shoulder sketch will be a symbol of wisdom and develop an intuitive vision for the owner.

Source: @nataliam.tattoo

41. Lily Flower and Butterfly Tattoo

Lily flowers with butterflies are identified with peace of mind and emotional harmony. An artistic ornament on a woman's hand emphasizes the poise and confidence of its wearer.

Source: @female_tattoo_artists

42. DreamCatcher and Butterfly Tattoo

The composition with the image of a dream catcher and butterflies has an esoteric meaning. It becomes for the owner a powerful protection tattoo against nightmares and bad thoughts. Air butterflies give their owner ease and help him tune in in a positive way.

Source: @tattooist_color.b

43. Caterpillar to Butterfly Tattoo

The transformation of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly is a popular subject for hand sketches. Such butterfly metamorphosis symbolizes evolution, the formation of the soul. It is believed that the tattoo helps the owner feel elated and avoid spiritual desolation.

Source: @andreanna_i

44. Purple Butterfly with Ribbon

The image of a cute butterfly and a ribbon tied in a bow tells about the uniqueness and uniqueness of its owner. A tattoo in purple will be a good choice for naive lovers of romance and belief in magic.

Source: @arona_tattoo

45. Butterfly Moon Tattoo

Owners of the moon butterfly are not afraid of change, they are open to new insights and the desire for perfection. The moon in the composition represents a satellite that helps illuminate the difficult roads of life and overcome obstacles on the way.

Source: @aliceb_tattoo

46. Small Butterflies on Collarbone

The image of a cute little butterfly on the collarbone gives away an extrovert. A winged insect in a prominent place will tell others about the mental beauty of its owner, his openness and his desire to communicate. Several fluttering butterflies point to the loneliness of the person and his desire to find a soulmate.

Source: @yeobaeg_tattoo

47. Half Sleeve Butterfly Tattoo

The tattoo with butterflies, which begins on the wrist and ends on the forearm, demonstrates the determination of the person, his desire for freedom and the fight against stereotypes.    

Source: @zajawatattoo_kato

48. Mandala and Butterfly Tattoo

The mandala has a sacred meaning - the image helps to achieve the wisdom of consciousness and harmony in everything. The butterfly woven into the pattern reinforces this meaning.

Source: @sebastian_tattoo

49. Butterfly with Knife Tattoo on Spine

The combination of the butterfly and the knife symbolizes a person's non-subjugation to the transience of time. The image with this design on the spine has another meaning as well - the drawing symbolizes love for a partner until death.

Source: @miakono.tattoo

50. Shining in the Dark Butterfly Tattoo

The luminous inked butterfly is designed to attract attention to its wearer. The tattoo is often placed on the hand to declare a desire for improvement and to demonstrate an openness to change.

Source: @michelle_gomez_tattoo

51. Big Butterfly and Rose Tattoo

A large image of a butterfly paired with a rose is associated with passionate love to the point of no memory. A flower without thorns tells about mutual feelings at first sight, with thorns - a hint of unrequited love, and suffering.

Source: @magik5tattoo

52. Butterfly with Skull Tattoo

The bold union of a butterfly and a skull as a body image is interpreted in different ways. The design created symbolizes grief for a departed person. The tattoo can also express the concerns of its wearer about the life of the soul after the death of the body.

Source: @patchworkartstudio

53. Three Blue Butterflies Tattoo

Several butterflies flying nearby symbolize freedom, and easy desperation. The blue colour indicates windiness, filled with dreams and hopes. The design is suitable for people filled with a thirst for life.

Source: @bau_hontattoo

54. Sleeve Butterfly Tattoo

The full arm begins at the shoulder and ends at the wrist. The full arm tattoo with butterflies is chosen by brave and determined people who crave freedom and do not tolerate restrictions, or prohibitions. The stuffed sleeve will be a symbol of internal protest against stereotypes and rules.

55. Butterfly with Tiger Print Tattoo

The tandem of a butterfly and a tiger realized in a body image emphasizes the duality of personality. The tattoo tells about the combination in one person of several contradictory qualities: tenderness, romanticism, aggression, and a hidden desire for power and domination.

Source: @soy.sausse

56. Geometric Butterfly Tattoo

A butterfly in geometry is a popular design. A tattoo with insects woven into the rectangle tells about a person's desire for mental balance, harmony and measured life.   

Source: @zeeyeart

57. Two Rainbow Butterflies Tattoo

Two cute butterflies in rainbow colour on the hand position their owner as an open, sociable and cheerful person. He sees life in bright colours, has no fear of the unknown and does not bend under the blows of fate.

Source: @songe.tattoo

58. Outline Rainbow Butterfly

The rainbow butterfly in the contour technique expresses the life position of its owner - a positive attitude, and the desire for inner consistency. A simple minimalist tattoo on the shoulder is perfect for fragile girls, it emphasizes their tenderness and delicacy of the soul.

Source: @needles_riri

 

PROFESSIONAL TATTOO SETS:

Examples of butterfly tattoo locations on the body

59. Unique Black Butterfly on Thigh

"To be unlike others" - the motto of the admirers of unusual butterflies on the leg. The tattoo of shark jaws design like butterfly wings helps to make a loud statement about your individuality or to keep silent, hiding the image under your clothes - the owner of the tattoo always has a choice.

Source: @dakum_blk

60. Black Butterfly on Hand

The gloomy black butterfly on the brush is an attribute of strong and decisive personalities, a symbol of freedom. Supplemented with a spider web sketch declares the desire of the owner to protect their interests, even if it will have to show aggression.

Source: @maia_forster

61. Floral Butterfly on Leg

A cute butterfly with open floral wings testifies to girlish lightness, naivety and mental simplicity. The sketch on the foot is often placed by young people who have not yet found their place in life, they are just beginning to build a line of destiny.

Source: @violaine_tattoo

62. Simple Small Butterflies on Ankle

Small uncomplicated butterflies on the ankle will emphasize women's sexuality and desire for harmonious relationships. For married ladies, the sketch becomes a talisman to attract family happiness in life.

63. Unique Magic Butterfly on Arm

It is believed that the mysterious and sacramental magical butterfly is capable of giving strength to the wearer, increasing his creativity. The image is often stamped on prominent parts of the hands to attract good luck and achieve harmony.

Source: @theartoftattooingofficial

64. Realistic Monarch Butterfly on Thigh

The realism-style monarch butterfly is a bright, detailed sketch that is eye-catching and mesmerizing. The image will be a symbol of transformation, the desire to overcome boundaries, and activity.

Source: @sempertattoo

65. Colorful Butterflies on Back

Airy bright butterflies on the back symbolize carefreely, they indicate the passion of the owner of the tattoo of life, and his desire for new knowledge. Fluttering from flower to flower ephemeral beauties suggest that the person is still in search of himself. He is full of bright hopes and open to adventure.

Source: @needles_riri

66. 3D Pink Butterfly Tattoo

Tattoo with a pink butterfly in the 3-D technique - the embodiment of tenderness and girlish sensuality. The detailed image will reflect all the versatility of its owner: simplicity, dreaminess, and a tendency to romantic actions. A solitary butterfly on the collarbone tells about loneliness and being in search of the loved one.

Source: @carvillestattoostudio

67. Butterfly and Names Tattoo on Back

A black-inked butterfly with names on it is a memorial tattoo. It is depicted by those who have faced the pain of loss. Located on the back of the sketch will be a symbol of hope for the reincarnation of the soul, immortality.

Source: @lian_tattoo1

68. Butterfly Neck Tattoo

The neck sketch will be a sign of independence. It emphasizes the riskiness of character and the boldness, and impatience of violence.

Source: @monyet_tattoo

69. Butterfly tattoo on Hip

The tattoo in this arrangement always emphasizes the brightness and playful sexuality of its owner. A butterfly with open wings on the thigh - a symbol of a liberated and confident girl who is no stranger to experimentation.

Source: @heria.tattoo

70. Butterfly best friend tattoo on shoulder

A colourful inked pair tattoo depicting butterflies is ideal for close girlfriends. Such a tattoo can be symmetrical or consist of two halves, which join into one composition. A great way to emphasize a sincere friendship.

Source: @tattooist_jiwoo

71. Butterfly Blackwork Tattoo on Side

The blackwork tattoo is a bold design, simple and large shapes, and tightly applied black ink. Butterflies in this style look bold, but not crude. The designs are usually placed on the side of the torso to indicate sensuality. To demonstrate strong feelings to the chosen one, a declaration of love to death, the butterfly is depicted on the background of a knife or blade.

Source: @lisaleetattoo

For those seeking something delicate and beautiful, butterfly tattoos are a great choice. They can easily be customized to one's unique style, whether it be through color, size, or pattern. These tattoos have a range of symbolism, including femininity, hope, and transformation. With butterfly tattoos, you can make a powerful statement without having to commit to a large and permanent design. Butterfly tattoos can be a great way to express your creativity and beauty.