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 and Symbols, based on our site searches ending 7/28/06.

This week there was a huge jump in searches for the tattoos of Johnny Depp - no surprise given the success of Pirates of the Caribbean - and Tommy Lee - which goes to show you the popularity of Rockstar: Supernova.

In the case of Johnny Depp he has his children's names and a number of stars and classic swallows or blue-bird tattoos. Just like a real pirate.

Tommy Lee has the famous "MAYHEM" across his belly, nearly full tattoo sleeves, and an absolutely beautiful tribal back piece incorporating several tribal genre styles. Tommy appears to be taking the tribal work down and around his legs. He is one of the best tattooed rock musicians - let's face it, he's a ROCK STAR - in the business.

1. Tribal / Maori Tattoos - Up a spot from last week. The usual place for tribal designs - See Tommy Lee, Pamela Anderson, Robbie Williams, Ben Harper and The Rock, who have all inspired tribal and Maori tattooing.

Tribal tattoo designs continue to dominate tattoo design searches. Interestingly, an analysis of tattoo design searches probably reveals that women spend more time online looking for tattoo designs than men.

Tribal Tattoos account for nearly a third of all tattoo design search requests, and the term "tribal" of course covers an astonishing array of tattoo design possibilities, from the traditional tribal tattoos of indigenous and aboriginal cultures, to the latest in graphic design for the body.

Maori tattooing is a distinct school of patterns and graphic designs within Polynesian tattooing. While much of Polynesian tattooing is derived from straight-line geometric patterns (and thought to originate with patterns found on ancient Lapita pottery shards such as have been discovered in Samoa), a design fact which rose in part because the traditional Polynesian tattoo combs are best suited to linear designs, Maori tattooing is essentially curvilinear, and the mainstay of Maori designs are based on the spiral. It should be noted that renowned traditional Hawaiian artist Keone Nunes has demonstrated that it is possible to reproduce complex curved designs using traditional Polynesian tattooing implements.

Maori tattooing is distinguished by the use of bold lines and the repetition of specific design motifs that are prominent both in the tattooing or "moko" of the Maori people of New Zealand and within other cultural artworks suck as carving and weaving. A traditional Maori tattoo artist -- the tohunga ta moko -- could produce two different types of pattern: that based on a pigmented line, and another, the puhoro, based on darkening the background and leaving the pattern unpigmented; as clear skin. Within Maori facial tattoos it is possible to discern two spiral patterns very similar to the fern frond, or koru, that is a repeating motif common to Maori art, including tattooing or "moko", painting and carving, in both wood, bone and greenstone.

Traditionally Maori tattoo artists followed very specific rules laid out for facial "moko" or tattoos. It is important to note that because of the tremendous cultural complexity of New Zealand's many tribes and clans, these rules often had local variations. But the idea that the tattoos followed a set of prescribed rules was widespread, and tattoos were specific to individuals, family, clans and tribes. Maori tattoos follow the contours of the face, and are meant to enhance the natural contours and expressions of an individual's face. A well-executed tattoo would trace the natural "geography" of an individual's facial features, for example lines along the brow ridge; the major design motifs are symmetrically placed within opposed design fields: lines are used in certain areas where spirals are not used; two types of spiral are used -- the koru, which is not rolled up and has a "clubbed" end, and the rolled spiral. (Ta Moko: The Art of Maori Tattoo, By D.R.Simmons)

An excellent example of a modern, Maori-inspired tribal tattoo is that of heavy-weight champion boxer Mike Tyson. Singer Ben Harper has beautifully executed Maori-inspired tattoo design motifs.

2. Cross/crosses - Up a spot this week. A testament to the popularity of the cross tattoo design.  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 tattoo 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 manoeuvre for the Christian who wants to sport ink and cut off the body art opposition before they get to the pass! And for the members of the family who bring up the Bible as opposing tattoos, this will surely spark a lively, fun-filled family discussion about the scriptures - Leviticus. And that can never be a bad thing.

3. Angel/Angels - Up two spots this week. An angel tattoo design is an overtly religious symbol. Angels are anthropomorphic - meaning in the shape of men - winged forms intended to transmit the word of God to humankind. Angels personify divine will and are the messengers of God. Winged messengers appear in a number of religions as intermediaries between the spiritual and material worlds, but appear most often in Islamic, Jewish but most particularly the Christian faiths. The word angel comes from the Greek 'aggelos', meaning messenger. Angels make frequent appearances in the Christian Bible, not only as messengers of God but also delivering his protection or punishment. Angels act as God's intermediaries, carrying out God's will in the affairs of man.

Symbols closely associated with angels in art include trumpets, harps, swords, sceptres and wands. Angels are usually portrayed as young men with wings and halos, representing their divinity. The representation of angels as Cupid-like young boys or babies, 'putti' did not occur until the period of the Renaissance.

As a tattoo design, an angel is a symbol of devotion, spirituality and faith and signifies a relationship with God. An angel can be intended as a figure of guidance and protection. An angel is often used as the centerpiece of a tattoo that is intended as a memorial.

4. Heart / Sacred heart - This search term appeared out of the blue this week. Although Johnny Depp has / had a famous heart tattoo with the banner, "Winona Forever" through the center of it. Once the relationship ended, Depp had it changed to Wino Forever. Live and learn kids!!!! The Sacred Heart is a medieval symbol of Christ's sacrifice.

4. Dragons - Back in the top ten. An all time classic for over a century of tattooing. 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 & 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 & Latin form of the Greek, drakwu, connected with derkomai "see," & interpreted as "sharp-sighted." The equivalent English word "drake" or "fire-drake" is derived from
Anglo-Saxon draca. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1959.)

5. Star/Stars - Down from top spot last week. But hugely influenced in searched by "Johnny Depp Tattoos". Have to love celebrity power. And Depp has always been a decade ahead of everybody else. You rock, Johnny!

Stars are often encountered as symbols, and in many cases the meaning of a particular star symbol may depend upon the number points it has, and sometimes the orientation of these points as well. As a light shining in the darkness, the star is often considered a symbol of truth, of the spirit and of hope. The symbol of the star embodies the concept of the divine spark within each of us. Their nocturnal nature leads stars to represent the struggle against the forces of darkness and the unknown. See the Nautical Star, a star with its own special meaning.

6. Sun - Back in the Top Ten Tattoo Designs of the week. A celestial body closely associated with the stars... The Sun as a tattoo design is a reflection of the Sun's profound symbolic nature in most cultures around the world. The sun was worshipped as a personified, life-giving deity in Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and almost every other major civilizations of history. The Sun or Sun figure was almost always the predominant figure within the pantheon of those spiritual belief systems.

Nearly every culture has a creation myth that explains how the sun came into being, and often times an accompanying apocalypse myth that details the end of the world, as we know it, when the sun is destroyed or devoured in some manner. Many cultures have myths that explain the rising and the setting of the sun, and this repeating cycle of light and dark has come to symbolize life and death, regeneration and reincarnation.

The most common symbol of the sun is a circle with the sun's rays emanating from the perimeter. A dot or point in the center of a circle symbolizes the blending of male and female forces. The sun is usually seen as a masculine symbol and the moon and the earth as feminine symbols, hence you will often the Sun symbolically paired with the Moon or the Earth. For many millennia the Sun was believed to be at the center of the Universe, around which all other heavenly bodies radiated. The Sun was a symbol of both royal and divine powers, adopted by both secular and religious authorities.

As a tattoo design and symbol, a Sun represents fertility, vitality, passion, courage and eternally renewed youth, light and knowledge. When looking at some of the popular tattoo designs, note the following, in various cultures in the history of man, the Sun was represented by the following; an Eagle, an Eagle with a Serpent, a Winged Serpent (Dragon), a Falcon (Egyptian God Horus), Phoenix, Swan, Lion, Ram, Cock or Bull. The Sun could be further represented by the Heart symbol, A Rosette or Rose, the Lotus, the Sunflower and the Chrysanthemum. An examination of the most popular tattoo designs will show an amazing correlation with the above mentioned symbols.

6. Fish - This is an interesting tattoo design search. Because of the widespread growing popularity of tattooing, the uninitiated may not know that Japanese fish are called carp or koi. Or, it may be a fascination with tribal and Maori and other Polynesian fish designs.

Koi are often Top Ten Tattoo Design searches for the week.

Regardless, fish tattoo designs are ancient with deep symbolic meaning. And of course we can't forget the astrological symbol of Pisces.

Koi, or Carp, are a fixture of Japanese tattooing and play important roles in both Chinese and Japanese myths, legends, fables and stories. In many of those stories, Koi are transformed through their efforts and perseverance, able to climb waterfalls or become dragons. The Koi as a symbol represents perseverance in the face of adversity and strength of character or purpose. The Carp can also represents wisdom, knowledge, longevity, and loyalty.

7. Wings - Down three spots this week. Wings as a tattoo design can often have inspirational or spiritual symbolism. In many myths, wings often have to be earned by their wearer. Wings, often associated with birds, represent speed, elevation, freedom and aspiration.

Wings associated with angels are spiritual, symbolizing enlightenment, guidance and protection - to be taken under the wing - and inspirational.

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.

8. Pink ribbon tattoos - All the research that I have done about "Pink Ribbon tattoo designs", has led me to the inescapable conclusion that women who are interested in getting a pink ribbon tattoo are doing it as a sign of solidarity with women in the fight against breast cancer, or in support of breast cancer survivors they know, or perhaps they have survived breast cancer themselves.

There is a long history of women using a tattoo after surviving breast cancer, and the scars that result from a mastectomy or radical mastectomy where all of the breast tissue is removed, as a form of closure. Getting a tattoo over breast cancer surgery scars is a powerful way for a woman to reclaim her body as her own. Check the links below for more info.
www.needled.com
www.healingartt.com
www.triangletattoo.com
www.luckyfish.com

9. Lion - The King of the beasts makes another appearance in the Top Ten. (The Western astrological sign of Leo is occupied by the Sun from July 23 to August 22 in the tropical zodiac and currently August 17 to September 16 in the sidereal zodiac, when the Sun is approximately in the constellation of Leo) The Lion is an ancient symbol, one that has been incorporated into the religion and mythology of numerous cultures and civilizations since recorded time around the Middle East, India, throughout Africa and bordering the Mediterranean. Lions once roamed the southern reaches of Europe. The influence of the power of the Lion's symbolism can be seen in it's representation in both Chinese and Japanese art and mythology, both cultures beyond it's range.

The Lion was often used as a symbol of Royalty, as in many cultures it was considered the "King of the Beasts". In early Christianity, as Jesus was seen to be the "King of Kings", he was often represented by a Lion, and a Lion was the symbol of St. Mark. The Lion is mentioned many times in the Bible and the time when a Lion lays with a Lamb is seen as the dawning of a New Age. The Lion or Leo, is one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac and represents the Sun.

10. Love - Covers an entire genre of tattoo designs including these recurring design elements...

Red, Heart, Lips, Heart pierced by an arrow, Broken heart, Cupid: The Roman god of love, Eros: The Greek god of love, Rosemary: A symbol for fidelity as well as remembrance, Mistletoe, Wedding rings, Roses, Jasmine and many others

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

Alphabetical Listing of Tattoo Symbols & Designs
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