While you are researching a symbol or symbols for your new tattoo, you may be interested in knowing what types of tattoos are popular. Here is a list of the ten tattoo designs that are searched the most on the Internet.

Tribal Tattoos

Accounting for nearly a third of all tattoo design searches, “tribal” covers a wide range of tattoo designs. Nearly all early cultures had some kind of tattoo design specific to their region, so there are many designs and styles to discover.

Out of this genre, the most popular designs include those from Maori and Haida origin. Maori or Polynesian tattoos definitely take the cake though for the most popular, and it is understandable considering their intricate, geometric patterns.

Dove Tattoos

Symbolizing the Holy Ghost and peace, this is an extremely popular tattoo for men and women. Perfect for a hip, shoulder or chest the dove also represents innocence and hope.

Crown Tattoos

Representing royal power and authority, the crown as a tattoo design symbolizes power and control over your life, your thoughts and feelings.

Cross

Although it has strong religious symbolism the cross has many other meanings: faith, hope, belief and sacrifice. It can be used to remember someone you love.

Lotus Flower / Water Lily

In the East this flower symbol is just as popular as the rose is in the West. It is featured in many of the creation myths of India, China and Egypt.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo

The Japanese believe that the cherry blossom is a metaphor for life - brief and beautiful, then gone only to replenish itself again. It also represents female beauty and sexuality, and serves as a reminder that life is short and we should cherish every moment.

Kanji Tattoo

Kanji is the one of the common Japanese alphabets, consisting of over 2,000 ideographic symbols that represent ideas instead of sounds. Kanji make beautiful tattoos with their scripted writing and you can choose from a wide variety of Kanji that have a special meaning to you.

Star / Stars Tattoos

These types of symbols are certainly a favorite, and can represent many things depending on how many points the star has.

The pentagram, a five-pointed star has different meanings depending on which way it is pointing. A down-facing pentagram is said to represent a ram’s head and is thought to be a sign of the devil. An upward-facing pentagram can be a sign of protection and balance, as it incorporates the five elements.

The nautical star is a representation of the North Star, used by sailors to navigate their way across the sea. It is thought that by having the nautical star as a tattoo would serve as a talisman to keep from getting lost.

Wings Tattoos

Angel wings or other kinds of wings can be spiritual or have other meanings depending on how they are depicted. Some common interpretations include speed, freedom and elevation, as well as enlightenment, guidance and protection.

Angel or Angels Tattoos

The Angel symbolizes devotion, spirituality and faith and are often worn as a symbol of protection or to express one’s faith.

Butterfly Tattoo

Beautiful and fragile, the butterfly is a favorite tattoo design for women and can represent rejuvenation and regeneration.

Fairy Tattoo

Another favored tattoo design for women, the fairy can represent our dreams and wishes, innocence, imagination, wonder and awe.

Swallow / Bluebird Tattoo

Initially considered a maritime tattoo, the sighting of a swallow or bluebird at sea was supposed to be good luck for a sailor. A pair of bluebirds indicates that one is well traveled, having logged 10,000 miles at sea.

Rose Tattoo

Representing love, beauty, passion, chastity and purity, the rose can mean many things depending on its color and presentation.