If you are looking for a tattoo that has symbolic meaning to you then getting a Celtic tattoo may be just what you are looking for.
The history behind a Celtic tattoo starts with the Celtic warriors who wanted to mark their passion to their body. They also used these tattoos as a means of intimidating their enemies. To the warriors, this was a war tactic that they found highly effective.
If you battled amongst the Celtics it was seen has one of the highest honors that could be bestowed on a warrior. When they went to battle they often did so bare-chested and even at times naked. These sort of tactics proved to be even more intimidating to their enemies. They didn’t know how to react to men who would wear so little on the battlefield. Along with their fashion sense Celtics also did their hair in bright colors that they got from flower pastes, they would fashion their hair in bright Mohawks for battle.
When it came time to tattoo the Celtic designs on their bodies in was done with a Woad plant. They harvest and dry these plants in order to perform the tattoo. They take these dried leaves and they boil them, straining them afterwards. They are then boiled again creating a viscous paste. The tattoo artist will then tap the paste into the skin with a needle forcing the stain to go underneath the skin. This forms the Celtic design of their choice.
Most Popular Celtic Designs
Celtic symbols are one of the most popular designs for warriors because they used them as intimidation tactics.
Celtic knots are also a popular choice due to their appearance; they are usually found on the upper chest and arms.
Celtics also love animals and will use them as symbols for their tattoo designs. They believe that animals are a symbol of ferocity, courage, and protection.
Designs such as trinities, circles, La Tene and swirls are also a symbol of organic energy, representing motion, wind, time and nature.
Below are 77 of the most original Celtic tattoo designs that will give you an authentic look:
1. Celtic Knots
A great example of a sleeve done with Celtic knots, it’s a popular choice.
2. An Armband
This armband is done in a shade of brown that suits her coloring. These Celtic symbols show her pride.
3. Small Designs
If you are looking for a small design to show your support for your culture than try this Celtic symbol. It fits snugly behind the ear and isn’t very showy.
4. Dark Symbols
This tattoo design is very dark and so it really stand out. It’s a cool looking symbol that is sure to draw some attention.
5. Moon Tattoo
If you like the moon and everything to do with organic energy then try this tattoo out. It’s adorable with the cat sitting on the moon looking down on the world.
6. Intimidating Factors
You can see why a tattoo like this would be intimidating on the battlefield. It’s a strong design that speaks of ferocity.
7. The Mask
This creative design has a lot going on inside. It’s detailed and it has a mask as the focal point for the design.
8. Sleeve Designs
This sexy sleeve design is sure to catch anyone’s attention. It’s an attractive tattoo that looks great as a black and white tattoo.
9. Celtic Feather
This feather design is a unique way of representing your Celtic traditions.
10. Intricate Designs
This sleeve design is very detailed with various elements to it. It’s a strong and sexy design.
11. Shoulder Tattoo
This shoulder design is unique and inspirational. I love the face as the centerpiece to the tattoo.
12. All Over Design
This tattoo design looks like body armor. It covers the upper chest as well as both arms, it’s a great look for someone who wants something different.
13. Celtic Knot Tattoo
A great sleeve tattoo with a lot of detail. The coloring for the tattoo is done very well.
14. Matching Tattoos
If getting a shared tattoo is what you want they try out these designs. They are matching, in different sizes and different colors.
15. The All Seeing Eye
This beautiful design covers the whole arm and has the all seeing eye as the focal point. It’s a gorgeous tattoo design with many different details.
16. Half Sleeve
This half sleeve design is a unique one that speaks of strength.
17. Armband Knots
This armband design looks great as a knotted design.
18. Sexy Sleeves
A great design that looks amazing as a sleeve, it’s a wonderful black and white design.
19. More Sleeves
Celtic designs are popular for sleeve work because they are typically large tattoos.
20. Knot Design
This look doesn’t have a lot of detail but it’s a solid Celtic design with knots.
21. Celtic Love
If you want matching wedding bands to show your love for one another as well as your passion for Celtics then try this design out. It’s beautiful and it looks great as an option to avoid the traditional ring designs.
22. Celtic Symbols
These matching Celtic symbols are great for the couple that wants to be united.
23. Celtic Flowers
An absolutely stunning design that shows off a floral element to the standard Celtic designs. I love the detail and the fact that the image seems to pop right off the arm.
24. The Owl
A great design of an owl that has the blue heart in the middle.
25. The Old World
This great Celtic design looks ancient, the detail is stunning. If you want something different than this is the look for you.
26. Small Symbols
A small design but one that packs a punch.
27. Bright Green
This is a great color for a Celtic turtle and the design is small so it can fit just about anywhere.
28. Celtic Dragons
These great designs are gorgeous and detailed. The Celtic Dragons really stand out as strong creatures.
29. Deep Designs
Another great example of a Celtic design that can be used as a sleeve tattoo.
30. Many Knots
These designs are not only knotty, but they really stand out. If you want a really cool tattoo design, then this is the one for you.
31. Armor
A great design that has the headshield armor showing off the beautiful design.
32. Celtic Falcons
This back tattoo has the Celtic Falcon design as a focal point. The wings are beautiful as they curl along the side.
33. Colorful Designs
This cross has a lot of Celtic symbols attached to it. The colors are vibrant and add a lot of punch.
34. Intertwining Designs
A beautiful design that isn’t very large so it doesn’t take up the entire arm.
35. Plenty of Detail
I love this lions head because it’s unique and there are a lot of details involved with this tattoo. The coloring on the tattoo is also very unique.
36. A Personal Touch
A great symbol that you can put anywhere and there’s also a personal touch with the initials.
37. A Sailing Ship
A great sailing ship tattoo, that makes for a great sleeve design.
38. Swirling Symbols
A solid design that looks great in the middle of the back.
39. Dotted Design
This detailed tattoo looks like it’s one of the dotted designs. There is a lot of creativity to this tattoo, it’s sure to bring a lot of joy to the owner.
40. A Ticking Clock
A unique Celtic design that has a clock in the middle. If you want something eye-catching, then try out this design.
41. Silver Coloring
This tattoo design looks amazing with the silver coloring; it’s a great contrast against the black.
42. Unique Designs
Another great example of a sleeve tattoo, this one has a lot of detail.
43. A Bright Blue
A great dragon design that is small and fits perfectly on the arm. The bright blue coloringreally makes the tattoo stand out.
44. Celtic Animals
A great animal design that looks both fearsome and strong. There is a lot of detail to the design that you are sure to love.
45. Celtic Cross
This bright green cross really stands out against the skin.
46. Angel Wings
This Celtic design has a cross as the focal point and the rest of the tattoo is surrounded by wings. It’s a stunning design that looks sexy and strong.
47. Dark Cross
This design is strong, and the coloring really makes it stand out.
48. Cute Designs
If you want a matching tattoo, then check out these cute Celtic symbols.
49. Skull Symbols
This skull symbol is surrounded by Celtic designs that really bring the whole look together.
50. Celtic Love
A simple design with the word Love attached to it.
51. Incredible Designs
A great back tattoo that has a lot of detail to it. It’s a dark tattoo design that has some animal elements to it.
52. A Bird Design
A great design that has a lot of detail. If you like birds than this design is the one for you.
53. The Lotus Flower
A beautiful tattoo design that holds a lot of detail.
54. 3D Designs
An amazing design that has a Celtic tattoo on the inside of a four leaf clover. It’s bold and dark and jumps right off the skin.
55. Tree of Life
This small tree looks like it could be the tree of life. It’s a simple design that looks great on the wrist.
56. Dragon Love
This is a beautiful design that has many elements that surround the dragon. If you are looking for a unique sleeve design then look no further than this one.
57. Unique Elements
A unique design that is sure to draw the eye.
58. Dragon Art
Another example of great dragon art that is wonderous as a tattoo. The color of the orange and blue really go well together.
59. Puzzle Designs
This unique Celtic design almost looks like a puzzle. The tattoo is unique if being different is important to you.
60. Double Heads
It’s unclear what the animal is, but it certainly looks badass. It could be a double-headed creature, or it could be two creatures in the grips of a fight.
61. Designing a Personal Message
This Celtic symbol comes with a personal message.
62. Blue and Red
Another example of a colored Celtic symbol, this one in blue and red.
63. Flickering Flames
This shoulder tattoo resembles flames flickering along the arm. If you want thick lines and a badass look, then this tattoo is for you.
64. Unique Knots
A great example of a sleeve tattoo, with some really unique knot designs.
65. Celtic Roots
These Celtic roots look great as a tattoo design and the color of the roots just pop.
66. Tiny Designs
A small design for someone who doesn’t want a big commitment.
67. Tree Life
This large back tattoo is the tree if life. If you want something spiritual than you are sure to love this design.
68. Beautiful Designs
A gorgeous Celtic design that covers the length of the arm. The dragon design is one of the best that I’ve seen.
69. Different Designs
This beautiful Celtic design is very unique.
70. Cross Designs
A dark and mysterious Celtic cross design.
71. Large Designs
A colorful design that covers the entire back. If you want something large and mysterious, then look no further than this beautiful design.
72. A Female Design
This gorgeous design is full of color. There is a woman who appears top be looking at a wooden heart that has Celtic elements to it.
73. Hidden Symbols
These symbols know how to be discreet. Beautiful black designs that creative a great tattoo.
74. Celtic Uniqueness
A great design that is all about uniqueness and design elements.
75. Moth Love
There is a Celtic symbol above this moth design. If you love this particular insect, then you are sure to love this tattoo design.
76. Double Sleeve
These beautiful designs cover both arms and the back. There is also the tree of life symbol on the back. This tattoo looks really cool.
77. A Popular Choice
The tree of life seems to be a popular choice for Celtic tattoo designs. If you find this design inspirational, then try it out for your next tattoo.
