While it used to be taboo to get a tattoo, these days a very large percentage of the population has some form of body art. Despite the fact that there are virtually millions of tattoo designs available, from pre-set designs to designs that the owner has illustrated themselves, there are still several designs that continue to remain popular.

1) Tribal tattoos: Tribal tattoos can mean a number of different things, from traditional indigenous designs that date back hundreds of years to newer, more modern graphic designs. Maori designs derive from Polynesia and are very geometric in shape. Most of these designs are based on a central spiral figure.

2) Religious symbol tattoos: A cross can be used to memorialize a lost loved one, or to represent faith in religion. Angels are also popular. Along with the cross, an angel is most often a representative of the wearer's religious feelings. They can also be used as a form of protection. Like the cross, angels might also be used as a memorial to a family member, friend, or significant other. Likewise, crowns be used in a religious context, or can be worn to signify power and authority.

3) Star tattoos: The star, when used in a tattoo design, usually has meaning attributed to the number of points it has. Possible star designs are the Pentagram, Star of David, and the Nautical Star. Stars can represent light found in darkness, as well as forces of nature.

4) Butterfly tattoos: Butterflies are generally a theme that is chosen by women. The butterfly can represent beauty, femininity, and freedom. In Greek mythology, butterflies were a symbol for the soul.

5) Dragon tattoos: Dragon designs originate from the Far East. In that area of the world, dragons stand for the four elements, Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. The dragon is neither good nor evil and represents the power of the earth.

6) Word tattoos: Having phrases or single words is another popular tattoo design. Words are usually meant to memorialize a person, such as a parent or a child, but meaningful phrases are also used.

7) Flower tattoos: Flowers are definitely one of the most popular designs. There are literally thousands of different types of flower designs, from willowy roses to perky daisies. Flowers can be combined with other designs as well, for a masculine/feminine approach.

8) Bird tattoos: Like flowers, there are many different types of bird tattoos. Eagles can symbolize strength and courage. The phoenix can represent overcoming obstacles. Even hummingbirds have their place in the tattoo world. Wings themselves can be spiritual, as well as stand for speed and freedom.

9) Fantasy tattoos: Unicorns, faeries, and mermaids are still popular themes. They can be worn either to signify a simple love of the make-believe realm, or they can be a cultural expression for those people that practice alternative religions.

10) Heart tattoos: Showing off your love of love is still one of the most popular designs out there. Hearts can be used to show your feelings towards a loved one, name included within the design, or can they can simply be stand alone designs by themselves.

Specific popular tattoo designs change all the time, but general popular themes tend to remain constant. Most people tend to be looking for designs that are meaningful and representative of something that they strongly believe in. Of course, some people are also just looking for a something that looks good.

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