Home » For You » Tattoos

38 Enchanting Moon Tattoo Designs And What They Mean

The visual appeal of these aesthetic lunar-themed tattoos is at another level.

Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE

Edited by Subhrojyoti Mukherjee, MA (English)

Fact-checked by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English) • Mar 10, 2024

38 Enchanting Moon Tattoo Designs And What They Mean

Image: ShutterStock

So you are looking for the best moon tattoo designs? You have likely already saved a few images, but you might want to take another look to see if there is anything you really like. Fortunately, you have arrived at the right place. The moon has been important for humans since humanity came into existence. The full moon has forever been connected to supernatural creatures like witches and werewolves. The moon is associated with goddesses in many mythologies and symbolizes hidden powers, secret knowledge, and wisdom. It is also considered a sign of femininity and fertility.

However, the moon isn’t only connected to women. Tribes in Japan, Africa, America, and New Zealand have a lot of stories that connect the moon to masculinity and the male gender. Here are 38 moon tattoo designs with their meanings to inspire you to get one. Scroll down.

In This Article

38 Moon Tattoo Designs And What They Mean

1. Simple Crescent Moon Tattoo

Image: Instagram @lisatattoos

These tattoos are preferred by plenty of people who find themselves being most productive or active at night. Traditionally, the half moon tattoo is also an icon of the feminine divinity and a symbol of purity. A crescent moon can also symbolize the wearer’s strength, especially someone who has conquered the toughest time in their life and emerged victorious.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearms, aide upper back, and ankles.
Size: Small
Skin Tone: All skin tones

2. Couple Moon Tattoos

Image: Instagram @miguelsandovaltattoo

In many cultures, cats are associated with the moon and are associated with mystery and companionship. These beautiful couple tattoos of the moon are designed using black and white cats that form the shape of a crescent moon.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearms
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: Fair and extremely fair skin tones

3. Tribal Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram

The moon is a common spiritual symbol having a lot of significance to cultures across the world, and tribal moon tattoo designs are pretty common amongst most people. This tattoo is usually indicative of the wearer’s belief system, their connection with the dead and their strong bond with nature.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black ink
Where To Get The Tattoo: Wrist, calf, ankle, or chest.
Size: Small
Skin Tone: All skin tones

4. Crescent Moon With Star Tattoo

Image: Instagram @axiomtattoos/

When two powerful celestial objects come together, it is an indication of heavenly power. A crescent moon with a star signifies divine strength with feminine overtones. The crescent moon symbolizes progress, and the star depicts knowledge and light.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Wrist, chest, and upper back
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

5. Watercolor Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @sungazertattoos

This design shows a personified crescent moon that is surrounded by colors in a watercolor pattern. It indicates the wearer’s easy-going personality. The crescent moon can be a connection to spirituality and nature, and the colors add an aesthetic appeal to the design.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black ink with multiple colors
Where To Get The Tattoo: Thighs and sleeves
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

6. Wolf And Moon Tattoo

Image: Instagram

This combination is not surprising because the wolf is strongly associated with the full moon. Here, the wolf is howling at the moon, calling out to his brethren. This tattoo is for people who are great at communication and act as leaders of a pack.

Best Suited For: Men
Preferred Ink: Black ink with blue or violet
Where To Get The Tattoo: Shoulders and sleeves
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: Medium to fair skin tones

7. Rose Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @tattooist_greem

This half moon tattoo with blue roses looks alluring. The half moon symbolizes creativity, growth, and positivity, and the roses symbolize desire, love, and striving for the unreachable. On the whole, this tattoo depicts hope and the beauty of nature.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black ink with blue, red, or pink ink for the roses
Where To Get The Tattoo: Sleeves, neck, and ankles
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: All skin tones

8. Lotus Moon Tattoo Design

Lotus moon tattoo on the back of shoulder

Image: Instagram @tattoosbymarilyn

The lotus is a spiritual symbol that defines divine birth and purity, and the moon symbolizes rebirth and feminine energy. Together, they not only look aesthetically appealing but also tend to form a heavenly spiritual element with the energies of both the individual objects combined.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Any colored ink
Where To Get The Tattoo: Side upper back and thigh
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

9. Full Moon Tattoo

Image: Instagram

The full moon is associated with the dark side of one’s life and the werewolf, a supernatural creature that uses the light of the full moon to turn into a wolf. The full moon is extremely powerful and stands for calm and clarity.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black ink combined with shades of red and maroon.
Where To Get The Tattoo: Chest, shoulder, and wrist
Size: Small
Skin Tone: Fair and extremely fair skin tones

10. Traditional Half Moon Tattoo

Traditional half moon tattoo on the back of neck

Image: Instagram

The half moon is also called the crescent moon, and it occurs when the moon is going to a new phase of the cycle. A half moon tattoo symbolizes growth, positive choices, and that change is inevitable. It is usually a small tattoo done on a place that is easy to flaunt for gathering attention and removing any negative energy from one’s life.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Neck, ankle, and wrist
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: Fair skin tones

Did You Know?

Lucy Hale, Olivia Holt, Noah Cyrus, Angel Haze, Betty Who, Kelly Clarkson, Anne Marie, and Emma Roberts have chosen the traditional half moon tattoo to promote positive growth.

11. Lunar Eclipse Tattoo

Image: Instagram @bakedzita

This design shows the lunar eclipse in its entirety, with the moon covered entirely with the earth’s shadow. In Greek mythology, the moon symbolizes subtle influences and hidden powers. The women sport the eclipse tattoo to represent their connection to the lunar energy.

Best Suited For: Ideal for women.
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Arms, neck, and wrists
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

12. Geometric Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @beckypopetattoo

Perfect geometric shapes like circles and squares form this neat tattoo that looks chic. This is for people who believe in ‘less is more.’ Circles are often used for representing relationships and community, while squares represent stability.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearm, thigh, and waistline
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

13. Black Moon Tattoo

Image: Instagram @tattoobliss

This is a jet black tattoo with a bleeding red overtone that looks amazing and mystique. This is a dark, bold, and sharp tattoo design that depicts the curious and dark side of the wearer. A black moon tattoo captures the natural aura of the moon at night.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black ink with a dash of red in the middle.
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearm and the lower back
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: All skin tones

14. Moon And Water Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @adansanchezink

Both the moon and water are feminine symbols. This is a complete landscape tattoo, where the entire scenery comes alive at night under the full moonlight. The moon governs tides and water symbolizes transformation, cleansing, and the source of life. Together, they symbolize absolute power.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Sleeves
Size: Large
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

15. Floral Star And Moon Tattoo

Image: Instagram @virgintattoo

A bunch of flowers forms the star and the moon. This tattoo not only looks creative and beautiful but also represents the positive energy in the universe and everything divine with powerful feminine undertones.

Best Suitable For: Women
Preferable Ink: Any color
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearm
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: Wheatish skin tone

16. Lion And Moon Tattoo

Image: Instagram

There is nothing more magnificent than the king of the jungle. When you get a lion tattooed on your skin, it could mean that your personality matches that of a lion or that you look up to the lion for strength. This tattoo combining the moon with the lion and personalized with flowers and colors looks stunning.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Any color
Where To Get The Tattoo: Side upper back
Size: Medium to large
Skin Tone: All skin tones

17. Moon Mandala Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @jennie_kiebler_art

The moon mandala tattoo design holds great importance in Buddhism. It is called ‘bodhicitta,’ which means ‘mind of enlightenment.’ The origin of the word is from the Sanskrit language. Mandala designs are used to represent spiritual symbols, and along with the moon, they represent harvest, protection, and abundance.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Sleeves, thigh, and back
Size: Medium to large
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

18. Cat And Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @mjutattoo

There are a number of superstitions that are associated with the cat and the moon. People who get a tattoo of a cat seated on the edge of a crescent moon often believe in the power of the moon and that a cat can turn into a witch by channeling those supernatural powers. Cats also have great significance in various cultures across the globe. In ancient Egypt, cats are considered the incarnation of the moon goddess, Bastet. In other cultures, cats are appreciated for their dual nature of being both fierce and docile.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearms, chest, and side upper back
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

19. Realistic Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @cliffink_art

Since the beginning of human life, the moon has been a source of many superstitions, and the full moon is considered the strongest celestial object. This realistic design of a personified half moon with a cat sitting on it and looking at a star looks amazingly aesthetic.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Sleeve, ankle, and palm
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: All skin tones

20. Fairy On A Half Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram

The moon is a symbol of female energy, and a fairy sitting on a crescent moon is a popular design that intensifies the symbolism of feminine mystique and power. The fairy can represent mischief or compliance and innocence or contempt at the same time, thus showing the various contradictory elements of a woman’s nature.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black and hues of blue and violet
Where To Get The Tattoo: Back area, below the shoulder
Size: Medium to large
Skin Tone: All skin tones

21. Abstract Watercolor Crescent Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @kinseyroehmtattoos

Watercolor tattoo designs are preferred by most teens and young adults solely because they look appealing. Using abstract shapes and patterns to up your moon tattoo designs is a great idea and can also indicate your artistic as well as spiritual personality.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black along with a combination of colorful inks
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearms, thighs, and neck
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: Fair and extremely fair skin tones

22. Bat And Crescent Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @chrisbaileytattoo

According to the Native Americans, the bat is a symbol of death and rebirth. However, certain tribes in China believe that the bat symbolizes good fortune, happiness, and good luck. In general, a bat tattoo can also represent that the wearer is extremely aware of whatever is happening around them. A bat with a moon tattoo design suggests that the wearer has a mysterious side.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black ink for silhouette and colored ink for filling
Where To Get The Tattoo: Sleeves and thighs
Size: Medium to large
Skin Tone: All skin tones

23. Small Crescent Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @razvantattooart

The half moon tattoo is the perfect symbol representing the yin and yang of our world. The crescent moon is in the phase that is the right balance between the waxing and waning of the moon. This can be used to show the ejection of any negative energy that can exist in one’s personal, professional, or spiritual life.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Wrist, neck, and ankle
Size: Small
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

24. Phases Of The Moon Tattoo Design In Watercolor

Image: Instagram @diane_synceretattoo

The moon transitioning from one phase to another signifies the transformation of life from one point to another and that it will eventually come back to where it all began. This moon tattoo design is also a call to the inside animal as many wild animals come out at night and become invincibly powerful. They draw their energy from the moonlight.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: A combination of several colored inks
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearms, calves, and back
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: All skin tones

25. Moon Among The Cosmos Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram

The moon forms an important part of our universe. This tattoo shows how the moon revolves around the earth because the moon and the earth are always held in a synced rotary motion. This tattoo with a cosmic touch symbolizes womanhood and the different phases of femininity that exist in the life of a woman.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Back and forearms
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: All skin tones

26. Embellished Crescent Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram

If there is one thing that’s definite, it is that you can never go wrong with a crescent moon tattoo. However, how do you change a simple crescent moon tattoo into something more flashy and chic? Enter embellishments. The waning moon is considered a symbol of growth, manifestation, and creativity. With a crescent moon tattoo, the lunar body gets trapped into a time of transition, being a reminder of the constant changes.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearm and sleeve
Size: Medium to large
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

27. Blue Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @vismstudio

A blue moon symbolizes a rare event, so this tattoo can symbolize a big achievement or an incident that left a mark on the wearer. Blue is associated with a sense of peace and calm. Overall, this tattoo looks mesmerizing.

Best Suitable For: Men and women
Preferable Ink: Hues of blue with a dash of black ink
Where: Arm
Size: Small
Skin Tone: Fair and extremely fair skin tones

28. Moon And Mountain Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram

This is a very popular designed among people who love hiking and trekking and have a mysterious streak in their personality. Here, the moon is seen looming over the mountains. The moonlight guides you through the rough forest and natural trails at night, so it acts as an object of wisdom and guidance.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black, maroon, and blue
Where To Get The Tattoo: Side upper back, arms, and neck
Size: Medium to large
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones

29. Personified Crescent Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @treely325

Personifying your half moon tattoo can give it personality and intrigue. It can represent your own set of beliefs in the power of the moon and create a whimsical effect. Since the moon is most commonly associated with femininity, you can combine the half moon tattoo with a female face that holds the utmost importance in your life.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Foot, wrist, and palm
Size: Small to medium
Skin Tone: Fair and medium skin tones.

Did You Know?

Ariana Grande celebrated the Woman of the Year Award at Billboard’s Women in Music in 2018 with a personified crescent moon tattoo on her entire hand.

30. Crescent Moon With Tree Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @mklx

This tattoo depicts the strength of nature by tying two of its most powerful entities together. Many people get this tattoo to symbolize the time when they needed strength to go through certain hardships in life. Both the tree and moon are also spiritual symbols, which people can use to represent their inner thoughts and beliefs that connect them to the energy of the universe.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black with a contrasting color
Where To Get The Tattoo: Sleeves and the back of the neck
Size: Any size
Skin Tone: Fair skin tone

31. Pointillism Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @blacklinestudio

This tattoo is more about the process than a deeper meaning associated with the design. Pointillism tattoos are a lot different than your regular machine enabled tattoos and also a bit more painful. The process involves using hundreds of tiny dots to create a shape or image that become blended when viewed from a distance. A great tattoo artist can make any kind of image you can imagine using the pointillism technique.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Wrists, shoulders, and neck
Size: Any size
Skin Tone: Ideal for all skin tones

32. Watercolor Moon And Tree Tattoo Design

Watercolor moon and tree tattoo on the wrist

Image: Instagram

This tattoo might confuse you at first glance because it doesn’t look like a moon at all. However, it is an extremely enchanting design that uses different colored inks brilliantly to make the tattoo. This combines two of nature’s most powerful elements together in one design. You can clearly see the amalgamation of the tree with the moon in the bottom in this tree and moon tattoo.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: A combination of many inks
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearms, shoulders, and neck
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: All skin tones, depending on the choice of colors

33. Minimal Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @maggie.meow.tattoo

This tattoo can have a mystic meaning as a crescent moon can often be an indicator of the darker side of an individual. It can also be seen as a symbol of personal growth and creativity. These cute finger tattoos are a good choice for those excited about getting tattoos but do not wish to go all out with an elaborate design.

Best Suited For: Men and women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Fingers and behind the ear
Size: Small
Skin Tone: Medium and fair skin tones

34. Small Crescent Moon Tattoo Behind The Ear

Image: Instagram @independentinktattoostudio

Crescent moon tattoo designs can be of varied sizes, making them a great choice for a small, hidden place – like behind the ear. This tattoo is a great style statement and looks extremely chic and is pretty common among young adults. A dark black silhouette of a crescent moon works for people who want a trendy yet tiny tattoo design.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Behind the ears and on the fingers
Size: Small
Skin Tone: All skin tones

35. Snake And Moon Tattoo Design

Snake and moon tattoo on the back of the shoulder

Image: Instagram @rachelannatattoo

Similar to the moon’s waxing and waning, the snake has the ability to renew or change its skin regularly while shedding the old one. Both the snake and moon have been associated with immortality.

Best Suited For: Men
Preferred Ink: Black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Sleeves, back, and forearms
Size: Small and medium
Skin Tone: All skin tones.

36. Sun And Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @elletattoos

Sun and moon tattoos have been known to symbolize the merging of opposite entities, unity, and cooperation exactly like they reside together in the sky despite being different. The sun typically symbolizes masculine traits, and the moon is associated with feminine traits. You can use this tattoo design to represent you and your partner, or your father and mother, or even you and your sibling who are different individually but fit together perfectly.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Any ink
Where To Get The Tattoo: Neck, chest, and wrist
Size: Medium
Skin Tone: Medium and dusky skin tones

37. Artistic Earth And Moon Tattoo Design

Image: Instagram @daldam__

Nothing can beat this simple and minimalistic back tattoo of the earth and the moon. This tattoo exudes a sense of calm and tranquility and is chosen by the type of people who love nature in its entirety and believe in the power of kindness and peace.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Blue and black
Where To Get The Tattoo: Shoulder and side of the back
Size: Small
Skin Tone: Fair skin tones

38. Moon Face Tattoo

Image: Shutterstock

A moon face tattoo is a top favorite among sailors or those who love the moon, nightlife, or moon symbolism. The serene face of the moon is associated with spirituality and the emotional side of things in life. It is usually done in a crescent shape. It also represents the light and dark that resides within a person. The design is usually accompanied by stars, flowers etc., to make it more personalized.

Best Suited For: Women
Preferred Ink: Blue, black, yellow,
Where To Get The Tattoo: Forearm, biceps, ankles, and face
Size: Small
Skin Tone: Fair, medium, and dusky skin tones

There may be a lot of reasons for you to get inked, but making sure you know the meaning of a moon tattoo is imperative. We hope that our collection of top moon tattoo ideas is exactly what you need to choose your tattoo. Here are some precautions you need to take before and after getting a tattoo.

Infographic: Top Minimal Moon Tattoo Designs

The moon symbolizes power, knowledge, wisdom, femininity, and fertility. Many people like getting inked with a moon tattoo. Though different versions of moon tattoos are listed above, a few minimal designs need extra attention. If you are looking for simple and elegant minimal designs, check out the infographic below to know more!

top minimal moon tattoo designs (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Moon tattoos are a popular and timeless choice for body art enthusiasts. These mystical designs capture the beauty and mystery of the moon. They can be customized in countless ways to create a unique and personal tattoo. Enchanting moon tattoo designs can range from simple minimalist patterns to bold and intricate ones. They signify nocturnal energy, divinity, or even serenity. Tattoos are permanent, so ensure whatever pattern you get inked is meaningful to you. While tattoos are fun, remember to take good care of them before and after getting inked. Your skin is susceptible to infections after getting a tattoo. Thus, you’ll be able to heal faster if you take proper precautions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a floral moon tattoo mean?

A floral moon tattoo consists of a crescent moon with flowers, denoting the spring season when flowers begin to blossom. It is a symbol of renewal. Flowers in a moon tattoo may also symbolize love, affection, and friendship.

Where is the best place on the body to get a moon tattoo?

Moon tattoos can be done in a simple minimal design to most elaborate ones. The simpler ones are best placed behind the ears, on the wrist, or neck. The elaborate designs look amazing when sprawled across the upper back, calf, chest, or shoulder.

Can we customize a moon tattoo design to make it unique?

Yes, you can add your unique embellishments like a hanging charm, flowers, letters, or quotes to your moon tattoo according to your personal preferences.

What are some popular moon tattoo ideas for couples?

Matching sun and moon tattoos have a deep meaning as a couple tattoos. It denotes balance and support. Cats with the crescent moon are the most famous moon couple tattoo and can be done in various designs to match one another.

Do different phases of the moon have different meanings in tattoo designs?

Yes, different moon phases have different meanings. The New Moon denotes new beginnings, while a full moon stands for the release or completion of intention. The crescent moon signified growth, femininity, and transformation.

How long does it take to get a moon tattoo?

The time taken for tattooing is dependent on the size and complexity of the design. A simple moon tattoo may take up to 30 minutes, while elaborate designs can take several hours.

What are some important things to consider before getting a moon tattoo?

Before getting a moon tattoo, try to find the right design that represents you and connects with you. A tattoo is a permanent placement. Therefore, confirm the size, placement, and style of the tattoo before approaching the tattoo studio.

Do moon tattoos have any cultural or spiritual significance?

According to astrology, the moon is a symbol of the soul. In Wiccan culture, the moon denotes goddess, while it is associated with fertility, wisdom, and intuition in Hindu, Japanese, Chinese, and Native American cultures.

Key Takeaways

Moon tattoos reflect diverse cultural meanings, symbolizing femininity, spirituality, and wisdom.
They can be customized differently, from simple crescent moons denoting strength to complex lunar eclipses representing transformation.
Incorporating elements like stars or watercolor patterns adds aesthetic appeal to moon tattoos.