75 Meaningful Semicolon Tattoos

Semicolon tattoos are a recent trend, but in just a few short years, the semicolon has become one of the most popular tattoo ideas for women and men. The powerful meaning of the semicolon tattoo serves as a reminder to remain strong. And because these semicolon designs are inherently small and simple, they can be hidden almost anywhere. In fact, many women have semicolon tattoos they’ve told absolutely no one about, and they plan to keep it that way.

If you’re curious about semicolon tattoo ideas or want to understand what these simple yet meaningful designs actually stand for, our guide can help you. Here’s everything you need to know about the semicolon tattoo.

Semicolon Tattoo Meaning

The semicolon tattoo meaning is by far one of the most powerful and inspiring tattoo ideas for women and men. In the English language, the semicolon indicates that the writer could have ended the story or thought with a period and called it finished.

So what does a semicolon tattoo mean? The semicolon tattoo is symbolic of the fact that there may have been a time when you thought of ending your life, but you chose to push forward and persevere.

The semicolon is a small, simple, yet eloquent way of reminding yourself of your strength – that your life and story isn’t over. Ultimately, different semicolon tattoo ideas are essentially anti-depression and positive mental health tattoos.

The movement started on April 16, 2013 when Matthew Wills and Charlee Chandler started a campaign asking people to draw semicolons on their wrists and share the images online in solidarity for people who have mental health illness.

The response by women and men was incredibly overwhelming, and the trend of the permanent semicolon tattoo was born. Even today, April 16 serves as an annual day of awareness.

Meaningful Semicolon Tattoo Ideas

Most of the semicolon tattoos you will see are representative of this date. They are small, simple, and black, and they are located on the inside of the wrist. Since then, people have gotten creative with their semicolon tattoo ideas. These days, there are an infinite number of semicolon tattoo designs from which to choose, and you can even create your own.

Some of the best semicolon tattoos are the simplest ones that have been turned into something more. For example, adding butterfly wings to either side of a semicolon can add new symbolism since butterflies represent transformation.

Some men and women have chosen to get larger semicolon tattoos on the backs of their necks or even behind the ears, and still others have chosen individual colors.

Rainbow-colored semicolons may be perfect for men and women in the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced depression or attempted suicide due to bullying. However, rainbow or colorful styling doesn’t have to provide a deeper meaning. Most people simply choose to get their tattoos in their favorite colors.

Quotes often accompany semicolon tattoos. Some of the best quotes include “My Story Isn’t Over Yet”, “Trust Your Own True Mind”, “To Be Continued…”, “Be Brave; Live”,  “She Is A Soldier In The War Against Herself”, “Fighter” and “Alive”, among others.

Semicolon Heart Tattoo

The semicolon heart tattoo is a particular favorite for women considering this super powerful and meaningful design. Over the actual heart is a favorite spot, but it can be placed on the wrist, forearm, shoulder, back or anywhere since it is small and simple.

Semicolon Butterfly Tattoo

The butterfly represents change and transformation, which is representative of the semicolon. The butterfly and semicolon are natural complements in a design.

Semicolon Cross Tattoo

The semicolon cross tattoo can intertwine two very important parts of a person’s life. The idea is to allow Christian believes and God to give them the strength to continue living.

Mental Health Tattoo

While the semicolon tattoo is ultimately a powerful mental health tattoo, there are many ideas and designs that can be considered anti-depression and pro mental health. Finding the right tattoo idea that will help you fight your depression is all about exploring yourself and what resonates with you.

Beautiful Semicolon Tattoo

Despite the deep meaning behind a semicolon tattoo, it can be beautiful and cute. Be creative and explore ways to incorporate it into other pretty designs.

Semicolon Cat Tattoo

There are a number of ways to customize a semicolon. The cat semicolon tattoo is definitely a popular choice for women.

Semicolon Dragonfly Tattoo

The semicolon dragonfly tattoo is another alternative way to style your design. This small and simple example can fit anywhere, and doesn’t draw too much attention.

Semicolon Bird Tattoo

The semicolon bird tattoo is majestic and pretty. Combined with special quotes like “Choose To Keep Going” or “This Too Shall Pass” can make the design sweet and loving.

Sun and Moon Semicolon Tattoo

The sun and moon semicolon tattoo offers a beautiful concept. The sun and moon design idea can even be split between best friends or sisters, where one gets a semicolon and moon while the other gets the sun tattooed.

Semicolon Infinity Tattoo

The semicolon and infinity symbol make for a natural pairing. Often found on the wrist or ankle, this combination reinforces your support system.

Feather Semicolon Tattoo

The semicolon feather tattoo could be perfect for your forearm. Black and grey or colorful, this detailed design is too cute.

Watercolor Semicolon Tattoo

A watercolor tattoo can be uplifting, which can definitely be helpful if you ever need to fight off depressing thoughts.

Flower Semicolon Tattoo

A flower tattoo can represent beauty, potential, birth, love, goodness, friendship and purity.

Semicolon Compass Tattoo

The semicolon compass tattoo is a great way to remind yourself to forge your own path as you navigate through life.

Semicolon Wrist Tattoo

A semicolon tattoo on the wrist is probably the most common placement for this special design. A semicolon wrist tattoo might be the right decision if you want this powerful message to always be visible to you.

Semicolon Finger Tattoo

The semicolon tattoo on the finger is a popular spot if you want a small and simple design.

Best Semicolon Tattoos

If you are considering a semicolon tattoo, check out the pictures shown here. Some of them are simple and dainty, but others are rather bold, so there’s sure to be something here to inspire you to come up with your very own semicolon tattoo designs.