Meaning of Owl Tattoos – Introducing Tribal and Irezumi-Style Designs as Well!

Owls are highly popular for their distinctive facial features and their fluffy, adorable shape.

In tattoos as well, they are a motif loved by many people because of their charming and distinctive design.

However, do you know what meanings owl tattoos have?

In this article, we will introduce the meanings of owl tattoos and stylish designs!

Meanings of Owl Tattoos

Owls have long been loved around the world as creatures that symbolize wisdom. (For example, the white owl Hedwig appears in Harry Potter.)

Because of their round, cute eyes and calm appearance, they are also highly popular as a tattoo design.

The meanings of owl tattoos are as follows.

1. Wisdom and Knowledge:
   • In ancient Greece, owls were regarded as a symbol of wisdom. For this reason, owl tattoos are said to symbolize knowledge, learning, and wisdom.
2. Mystery and Magic:
   • Owls are nocturnal birds, and because they have the ability to see through the darkness, they are considered mysterious beings. Therefore, owl tattoos symbolize mystery and a longing for the world of magic.
3. Protection and Guardianship:
   • In some countries and regions such as Taiwan, owls are considered guardian spirits of the forest or guardians of children. Therefore, owl tattoos mean protection and guardianship.
4. Independence and Freedom:
   • Owls are birds that live solitary and independent lives, so they are considered symbols of freedom and independence, and owl tattoos carry the same meanings.
5. Night and Dreams:
   • Because owls are nocturnal, they are also used as symbols related to night and dreams. For people with dreamy, imaginative personalities, or people who like the quiet of the night, owl tattoos become a way to express these parts of themselves.

The Difference Between “Fukurou” and “Mimizuku” (Types of Owls)

There is another bird of prey, similar to the owl, with round eyes and a charming face, called a mimizuku (horned owl / owl with ear tufts).

As a way to tell them apart, it is generally said that owls have round heads, while mimizuku have feather tufts (“ears”) on their heads.

However, biologically, both are in the same order/family of owls, and it seems the difference is only in appearance!

Introducing Owl Tattoo Design Examples

From here, we will introduce tattoo design examples featuring owls as the motif!

Even with the same owl tattoo, the atmosphere changes greatly depending on the combination with various motifs and the drawing style such as old school.

Please try to find a design that feels right to you!

Old School (American Traditional) Owl Tattoo

This is an owl tattoo design drawn in a style also known as “trad.”

It is an impressive design featuring the bold outlines and strong colors characteristic of old school tattoos.

Tribal-Pattern Owl Armband Tattoo

This is a design example of an owl tattoo drawn in a tribal pattern.

It is drawn to wrap around the arm like an armband, and it matches the tribal pattern very well!

One-Point Owl Tattoo on the Arm

This is a tattoo design featuring a one-point-size owl on the arm.

Because it is a one-point tattoo, complex details cannot be drawn, but that simplicity makes it a cute design.

Simple Owl Tattoo

This is a simple owl tattoo design drawn only with lines.

Because it is a simple design, it can be worn by both men and women.

Dignified Owl and Pocket Watch Tattoo

This is a design example combining a dignified owl and a pocket watch.

It expresses the importance of understanding the shortness of life (pocket watch) and living that time with wisdom (owl).

Owl and Skull Tattoo on the Neck

This is a tattoo design combining an owl and a skull on the neck.

Owls are usually drawn in a cute way, but this becomes a very masculine and cool design.

Cute Owl and Flower One-Point Tattoo

This is a tattoo design combining a cute owl and flowers on the chest area.

The owl, drawn in a picture-book-like touch, makes it a very feminine and cute design.

Owl, Clock, and Rose Tattoo on the Arm

This is a design example combining an owl, a clock, and a rose on the arm.

It is an impressive design, especially with the owl’s side profile giving off a very melancholic feeling.

Large Owl and Flower Tattoo on the Back

This is a design example of a tattoo depicting a large owl holding flowers on the back.

Owls, sometimes called guardians of the forest, naturally go very well with motifs such as plants and flowers!

Owl Split Tattoo on the Chest (Tribal and Black-and-Grey)

This is an owl split tattoo drawn in tribal and black-and-grey styles.

The owl, drawn in different styles divided by the center of the chest, has a strong presence and is a very cool design.

Hunting Owl Tattoo on the Leg

This tattoo depicts a dynamic owl hunting on the leg.

Owls have a strong cute image, but like hawks, they are birds of prey, so they also have a ferocious side that hunts small animals.

This tattoo is a design that depicts the owl’s hunter-like side.

Geometric Owl Tattoo on the Ankle

A geometric-design owl tattoo is placed on the ankle.

Owls, which have a mysterious atmosphere, pair very well with geometric designs!

Cute One-Point Owl Tattoo on the Ankle

This is a one-point tattoo depicting a cute owl on the ankle.

The ankle, which peeks out through gaps in clothing, is a popular placement among stylish people!

Owl and Landscape Tattoo on the Arm

This is a tattoo design featuring an owl and a landscape on the arm.

A man standing in a winter forest and an owl watching over him make for a very impressive design.