In the interests of research and as an ongoing barometer of popular culture we have decided to provide you with a weekly update of the Top Ten Weekly Tattoo Designs Search.

You can access the archived weekly lists on this page.

The Top 10 Tattoo Designs, based on site searches ending 2/10/06.

1. Gargoyles - Gargoyles? I have no idea what has prompted so many people to look for Gargoyle tattoo designs of all things... In fact, I have to suspect it is some kind of search aberration. But I am busily researching the symbolism inherent in Gargoyles, those homely little fixtures we associate with Gothic Cathedrals and the Hunchback of Notre Dame... Quasimodo, where are you!

2. Tribal- Tribal tattoo designs stays at the number two spot this week. Still at the top of the charts, where tribal tattoos have lingered since we began this survey at the beginning of the year. Tribal tattoo design searches were far and away the most popular this week. A perennial favorite, tribal tattoos are a widely popular tattoo genre with many influences and sub-genres. Bold graphic designs done predominately in blacks & grey, heavily influenced by traditional tattooing in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.

3. Cross - Up two spots from number five. For many people, the idea of a tattoo of a cross may well serve to smooth over any negative feedback they are receiving about getting body art. If you're a nice Christian boy or a girl, and you want a tattoo but don't want to be excommunicated by the local Baptists or tossed out the house by Mom and Dad and make Grandma wail, a cross seems like a positive compromise. It testifies to personal faith, shows commitment and is a tough symbol to argue against. The cross may well be an artfully cunning maneuver for the Christian who wants to sport ink and cut off the opposition before they get to the pass! And for the members of the family who bring up the Bible as opposing tattoos, spark a lively, fun-filled family discussion about the scriptures - Leviticus (Link)

4. Star/Stars - Down a spot from number three. Stars have been at the top of the charts for a while now... A heavenly position to be in. Celestial objects, such as the Sun, the Moon and the Stars are very popular. Stars are often symbols of guidance, a reference to their use in navigation. The Nautical Star is a star design that has taken off in popularity on it's own, heavily featured in Old School and Nautical Tattooing. The Nautical Star is popular with both men and women and interestingly, several widely diverse sub-culture groups have seized upon the Nautical Star as a symbol of inclusion, from sailors and marines to lesbians.

5. Dragon - Down a spot over the course of a week. a dragon is a classic tattoo design that shows the influence of Japanese and Chinese culture in western tattooing. This design is popular with both men and women. A dragon is wondrous monster, often thought of as a giant winged, fire breathing lizard or snake. The word is derived from the French and Latin form of the Greek, drakwu, connected with derkomai "see," and interpreted as "sharp-sighted." The equivalent English word "drake" or "fire-drake" is derived from Anglo-Saxon draca.

5. Wings - Back in the Top Ten after taking a nose-dive south. Wings as a tattoo design can often have inspirational or spiritual symbolism. Wings associated with angels are spiritual, symbolizing enlightenment, guidance and protection - to be taken under the wing - and inspirational. Wings, often associated with birds, represent speed, elevation, freedom and aspiration. Wings associated with butterflies, dragonflies, fairies, mythological winged creatures like dragons, griffins, and the winged-horse Pegasus, have an element of the magical about them. As in alchemy and magic, wings can be transformational, allowing an individual access to a previously unattainable state. The presence of wings allows the combination of different elements, earth and sky, wind and fire.

6. Butterfly - The butterfly continues to stay in the Top Ten, fluttering still at number six. The butterfly for the past few years has been far and away the most popular specific tattoo design request. Its perennial high ranking shows the increasing influence that women have in tattoo culture, as butterfly designs are an overwhelmingly feminine tattoo choice. We may be reaching a point in popular mainstream culture where for the first time more women than men are getting tattooed.

6. Phoenix - Back in the Top Ten this week. As a tattoo symbol, the Phoenix can be found in many tattoo genres, but of the Far East in particular. It is a symbol of resurrection, rebirth and regeneration. It also represents purification and transformation through fire and adversity. The legendary mythological bird of fire is probably the most popular of all the rebirth and resurrection symbols. There are stories and fables that touch on the Phoenix myth in the ancient Middle East, India, China and the Greek and Roman Empires.

7. Angel/Angels - Tumbling down from the top spot last week. Like the cross as a tattoo symbol, an angel is another difficult tattoo symbol for people to take offense at. How do you argue against people expressing their faith and their beliefs in this day and age? See Cross at number three this week. A tattoo design with strong religious connotations that speaks of faith and a design often used in Memorial tattoos.

8. Lower Back - Had to include this search, because to me it is a cause for concern. There is of course no such thing as a "Lower Back" tattoo symbol or design. The Lower Back is an anatomical location on the body. That being said, it is also an overwhelmingly popular spot for women in particular to get tattooed. It is sexy, in a safe way, and naturally draws the eye to some of the most aesthetically pleasing parts of the female anatomy, the waist, hips and derriere. But the search shows that getting a tattoo on the lower back may be more of a fashion statement for some people than choosing a tattoo symbol or design that has some profound meaning for themselves. Folks, it's a tattoo, not a paint job on a '57 Chevy! Girls! Let's have a heads up here! Chances are you're going to be living with a tattoo for the rest of your life. Pick a tattoo design that has enough meaning for you to be able to grow old with it. Think of it as a nice bottle of wine that is going to age well in your cellar, a tattoo you can enjoy just as much in twenty years or thirty years as you can tomorrow. Tattoos are NOT pinstripes for your ass!

9. Tiger - Up a spot from last week. The Tiger is a potent symbol across Asia in many cultures and has long been a fixture in indigenous tattooing in India, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Japan. Tigers are associated with power, ferocity, passion and sensuality, beauty and speed, cruelty and wrath. The appearance of a tiger in a dream may signal that new power or passion may awaken within you. For women interested in lower back tattoos, check out Angelina Jolie's tiger. (Link) There is a woman who knows about tattoo commitment, style and placement. God, I love that woman!

10. Celtic - Back in the Top Ten. Celtic tattoo designs are often considered a tribal tattoo sub-genre and very popular with those having Irish-Scots heritage. Perhaps the popularity of Celtic tattoo designs is the influence of both Robbie Burns Day just past and St. Patty's just approaching? Go Irish! Scotland Forever! I have had quite a few cups of coffee this morning... But sadly, no Irish coffees...

For great tattoo design ideas, check out our good friends at TattooJohnny.com

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