An anchor tattoo carries a variety of meanings and symbolism, most often representing stability and strength in contemporary ink.

Traditionally, the simple anchor tattoo was crafted almost exclusively for sailors as a ready means of identifying each other and to reference the brotherhood of the ocean. It’s believed an anchor tattoo could prevent a sailor from floating away from the ship if he fell overboard.

The anchor is also used to mark success over a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, illustrating one’s troubles were ultimately not enough to drag them down, and are also incorporated with quotes and other secondary imagery to reflect nautical themes, strength, and stability.

The following piece breaks down the contemporary anchor symbol and old-school anchor tattoo history to provide you with a range of different meanings you can use as inspiration for your next body art piece.

See more about – The Top 43 Anchor Tattoo Design Ideas

Traditional Anchor Tattoo Symbolism

Anchor traditional tattoos were designed for sailors as a signifier that you had made your first crossing over the Atlantic. They are also emblematic of various branches of the Navy.

Regardless if you’re a sailor or a person on land, one thing is certain: The anchor represents something or someone that keeps you steady along your travels through life and buttresses the obstacles you face.

1. Stability Anchor Tattoo Meanings

From sailors and seamen in the 1800s to the everyday individual that’s never set foot on a boat or ship, the anchor has always been adopted in tattoo art as a sign of strength and stability.

On the majestic ocean, anchors were the most secure object in a sailor’s life, protecting them against the rough seas and dreadful storms, and representative of the loved ones left behind.

No matter how harsh the weather turned, the anchor would be fighting to keep people grounded and to ensure they came home safely.