Dove Tattoos for Men

When it comes to inking your body, you must always be careful when choosing exactly which symbol or graphic is most appropriate or appealing; after all, you are going to wear it for the rest of your life. It is also important to keep in mind that as time passes, some temporary trends will prove to be short-lived and may get quickly replaced by others. It is therefore most crucial to choose a tattoo design that represents the very essence of who you are.

The History of Dove Tattoos

Historically sported by sailors and fishermen, dove tattoos have, in recent years, gained much popularity among men. And although dove symbols are often associated with the female feature, it is important to mention that doves are used to portray tough convictions such as peace and freedom; which are often achieved through bloodshed. What's more, the Native Americans believed that the spirits of the deceased were transformed in to doves; a rather clear indication that the dove tattoos does not only depict human emotion but also signifies transformation. Plus, due to the familiarity of doves as a symbol in many cultures, it can easily be recognized regardless of how small or nondescript your tattoo is.

Some of the meanings behind a dove tattoo can be emphasized and deepened by the addition of different auxiliary designs. For example, adding an olive branch may signify victory and hope whereas adding a ribbon with the name of the person you are dedicating it to may be the perfect way to express your love for the particular person. What's more, doves - because of their innocent nature- are not limited to romantic relationships meaning you can dedicate a dove tattoo to your sister or sweet mother.

However, if you are going for something contradictory, you could go with the dove carrying a grenade. The idea here is that the dove which represents peace, victory, happiness and purity is carrying a grenade which represents war, hate and death. The dove will eventually drop the grenade meaning the peace and war go hand in hand (more like the yin-yang symbol)

Types of Dove Tattoos For Men

Dove tattoos have an ample assortment of colors and designs. From stylish sophisticated dove tattoos to simple black outlined dove tattoos, designs often vary widely. Below are some of the most popular types;

1. Dove Outline Tattoo- These are cute, small and often meaningful.

2. Two doves with key and lock- This is most endearing for couples and symbolizes love and friendship

3. Dove chest tattoo- This is the most preferred type of dove tattoo by men, it can be small or cover up part of your neck, shoulder and stomach.

4. Flying Dove tattoo- This represents the desire for freedom; it can be placed on the wrist, the back, shoulder, back or ankles.

Placement of Dove Tattoos

Dove tattoos can small, medium or large making them ideal for every part of your body. For instance, you can have a tiny dove outline tattoo on the wrist, a realistic grayscale dove resting on your shoulder, a white dove with a key on your ankle or a dove in the center of an inspirational quote on your chest. Be warned though, tattoos on the chest tend to be more painful.

All in all, owing to the wide range of dove tattoo designs available for men, you are assured of finding a tattoo that resonates with your personal preference and fits your taste. After all, a tattoo is a true poetic creation; it is more than what meets the eye.

Check out the best dove tattoos for men

This tattoo is of a dove attempting to perch on a wooden cross. The wooden cross has another metallic cross at its middle. The tattoo is complete with the words, psalm 139, written just below the metallic cross. The whole tattoo appears to have a background consisting of clouds.

This is the perfect dove tattoo for men which depicts a white dove flying below what seems to be very dark clouds. The tattoo is best placed on the upper arm, just before the shoulder blade. The tattoo also has some writing just below the dove.

This is the perfect dove tattoo for guys who want to pay tribute to their mothers. The tattoo is of a white dove that is perched on a ribbon on which the word, 'mum', is written. Three red roses are placed below the ribbon in a triangular manner while one red rose is on each end of the ribbon.

This dove tattoo is best placed on the upper arm. It depicts a dove that’s flying away with the date, 28th of May, written above the dove. The tattoo also has the words, 'forever with us', written just below the dove.

This tattoo of a dove shows a dove perched on a twig with different degrees of a red background. The dove itself has a mixture of different colors which include different shades of blue and red.

Again, this is the perfect tattoo to be drawn on an arm. The tattoo depicts a pair of hands releasing a dove into the heavens. Just above the dove are the initials, RIP. The letters are written in calligraphy which makes the whole tattoo even more interesting.

This is a beautiful tattoo that depicts a man praying while several white doves are flying about. Several doves are flying high up in the air while one is close to the ground just about to perch on a rose flower.

This black and white tattoo is one of a dove that is just about to perch on a metallic cross. The cross is intertwined with vines and two red roses attached to the vines. One of the roses is at the forefront while the other is just behind the cross.

This is an interesting tattoo with a dove in it. The tattoo has a wooden cross with intertwining vines placed just above the intersection of the cross. The tattoo also has a pair of hands with each hand beside each end of the cross to appear like they are holding it. A dove is just below the cross. The words, only God can, are placed above the cross and the words, judge me, are placed below the dove.

This tattoo is of two images, one to be drawn on each hand. One is of a dove flying high up on the heavens with the sun and clouds in its background. The other simply has the words 'heavy hustle', written in calligraphy.

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This is a tattoo which is best meant for guys who want to hold the memory of a loved one close to them. The tattoo is of a dove that is carrying an olive branch with the words kaetlee written just above it and a date written just below the word. Another word, Leo, is written besides the dove with the date, 1-20-02 written below the word.

This tattoo of a dove flying is the perfect tattoo idea that any man wishing to have a tattoo should have. This tattoo is of a white dove flying just below some very dark clouds with the sun on the far left shining rays of sunlight into the clouds.

This is the perfect tattoo for anyone who wants something that is going to cover most of their fore arm. This is a tattoo of a white dove flying with roses in its background and foreground. Some word are also written in between roses.

A Tattoo of a white dove is best suited to show the memory of someone. This tattoo best does that. It depicts a white dove flying in the sky with a background of heavy clouds behind it. Rays of sunshine appear to be emanating from the dove. The tattoo also shows a pair of hands held out just below a scroll with the words, forever missed never forgotten, written on it. There is also a staircase in the midst of it all.

This tattoo is best suited for the religious men. It is a black and white tattoo which shows a man releasing a dove into the air. The man is probably Jesus. The dove is done in such a way that only its outlines are drawn.

This tattoo is best placed on one’s back because its features are best viewed on a large surface. The tattoo shows a pair of hands releasing a white dove into the air with clouds in its background. Another white dove appears to be flying high above the one that had just been released.

This very detailed tattoo has several images encompassed to come up with a work of art. There are two white doves in the tattoo with a cloudy background. Above these two doves, is a cross and a rose. The words my savior are written just below the doves.

This is a very simple tattoo that consists of a white dove and a cloudy background. The dove is flying below very dark clouds. The clouds have a slight opening that allow some light to shine through and illuminate the bird.

This is an exceptional tattoo idea whose uniqueness lies in its simplicity. The tattoo is of a dove flying from some clouds. A catholic rosary is included in the tattoo being shown as it is placed both behind and in front of the dove.

This is a very unique tattoo which has a lot of doves in it. The tattoo shows a castle within the clouds with doves flying away from the castle. Sunshine rays also seem to be emanating from the backdrop of the castle towers.

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This beautiful tattoo of a dove is best drawn on a man’s upper arm. The black and white dove which appears to be flying with the backdrop of some clouds, appears to have some rays of sunshine or glory emanating from its head.

This specific dove tattoo shows what appears to be a white dove flying towards a rose flower. Above the dove are some clouds which make it seem like the dove is flying from them. Sunshine seems to be shining from the clouds onto the dove and the rose flower.

This is yet another unique tattoo that clearly shows a white dove flying from with dark clouds. The section of the clouds surrounding the dove are dark while those around the dark clouds are all white.

This unique tattoo shows a white dove flying with some dark shades of black on its underbelly and just below its wings. There are flowers around the dove which have varying shades of red and blue. The tattoo is in such a way that the dove appears to be flying out of these flowers.

This is a simple tattoo idea for men who want to have something unique on their back. This tattoo shows a simple dove flying without any background or words. The dove is of a slightly dirty white color bordering on brown.

This is a beautiful tattoo of a flying dove with a rose. It is a symbol of freedom and beauty. This design would be great for an arm. However it would also look great on any part of the body.

This is a design of a flying dove holding an olive branch. It comprises of some really beautiful colors. This cool design is a symbol of success and victory. It is one of the most common designs in dove tattoos. It can be drawn on any part of the body.

This lovely design of a dove looks great as the wings of the dove are similar to those of an angel. An angel is a messenger of love and happiness. This beautiful design is used a lot amongst the dove tattoo art.

This is again a design of a dove holding an olive branch, but with different colors. It has beautiful shades which make it a very attractive tattoo. The blue shades of the clouds look as if God is showering blessings through this lovely messenger.

This huge tattoo has many doves along with a praying angel. It looks as if these marvelous angels of God have come to us to give us lot of love and happiness. The wings of the Angel and the doves are beautifully shaded making it an ideal dove tattoo.

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This is an awesome design of a flying dove and three beautiful roses. Also there is a Roman watch design in it wherein one can write a quote or any other thing. The roses are wonderfully shaded making them look real. This design denotes hope, love and freedom.

This design has a flying dove along with two angels who are messengers of God. They are shown holding a ribbon wherein any beautiful thing or name of someone special can be written. This design shows as if love and blessings of God are being spread around.

This is a perfect dove design for a one sided chest and arm tattoo. It looks great on men. In this design, the clouds and the dove are made using shades and are blended very well making it a great design. Also one can add religious verses to it.

This is a nice little design of a flying dove which expresses complete freedom. It is a perfect design for a neck tattoo. Something that is related to your personality would look great if written in a nice calligraphy under it.

This lovely dove tattoo design is ideal for a chest or a back. It has many doves in it which indicate love for family. Names of children or loved ones or can also be written in it.

This is a beautiful dove design for an arm tattoo. It shows rays coming from the cloud which denote success, hope and blessings. Also there are hands praying between the clouds along with the cross and a beautiful dove.

This is an amazing tattoo with a lovely dove, some well shaded roses and a Roman clock design. The beauty of this design lies in the shading done. This can be a perfect design for an arm or a leg.

This design shall look great on an arm or a leg. It has a dove that is seen flying far from this earth. This indicates complete freedom from all the sorrows of this world. It is beautifully shaded.

This is a great design of a couple of doves indicating love. They are holding beautiful roses. A couple of dove indicates togetherness till the end of the world. Also there are rays of happiness and hope being showered on the praying hands.

This is a design of a dove holding a small olive branch. Also there is a ribbon around it showing that it is a messenger of love. Names of loved ones can be written in the ribbon area of such tattoos.

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This is a lovely design of a dove holding an arrow, showing passion and aggression towards reaching a certain goal in life. It also indicates victory and success. Something nice can be written around it for an extra effect.

This wonderful dove tattoo gives look of a geometrical design. The wings of the dove are widely spread just like the messenger of God which has come to spread love.

Dove has always been a messenger of peace and love and has religious importance. This amazing tattoo with a cross is beautifully colored. It would be a great idea for guys to have it on their arm

This tattoo shows a dove flying out of the darkness. This dove indicates courage to fight against all odds and negativity in the life. This tattoo marks great achievement of the dove giving great confidence to the mind of the person having it.

This is a nice little tattoo with a dove and a beautiful colorful flower. There is a rising sun behind the dove indicating a new beginning or dawn in life. This is a well colored, beautiful tattoo.

This tattoo design has a flying dove, holding a set of keys. These are the keys of luck, keys of fortune.

Also sometimes a couple has a design with one partner having a lock as a symbol and the other one has a set of keys. It shows love and partnership.

This dove tattoo is a memorial tattoo which is made in memory of someone who is not with us anymore. The date of birth and the date of death is written in such tattoos.

This is a beautiful dove design with a dove sitting on a mirror with olive branches around. Its shades give it a very natural look.

This couple of dove indicates love and partnership. It shows the promise of being together till the end of the time. It is usually done by someone who is in love.

This flying dove looks like an angel and is a beautiful symbol of love, peace and freedom. It shows great enthusiasm, energy and happiness.