Starting in the ancient Middle East, palms came to represent victory, triumph, and peace, and this deeper significance spread throughout the Greek world. Victorious athletes and warriors alike were presented with palm fronds as a symbol of their success; this tradition carried into Rome, whose god of victory, Victorious, was often represented by a palm frond.  

Whatever the significance that these trees hold for the wearer, the distinct look and interesting meaning they represent make them excellent subjects for unique ankle tattoos.  

3. Anchor Ankle Tattoos

This small, black ink anchor piece is applied using clean and precise linework, capturing only the essential lines to create an interesting nautical ankle tattoo.

Anchors are another design element that has been used in Western tattoos as far back as they go. Born of the nautical travails of sailors traveling to the South Pacific and the Orient, American Traditional tattooing originally drew inspiration from this rough and tumble lifestyle. The anchor was an essential part of a sailor’s life. 

Part of this tradition was the very specific meanings behind these tattoos. While certain ink represented different ranks aboard a ship, ropes on the wrist signified the rank of deckhand, while crossed cannons represented military service. Other work was even more specific. Within this scheme, an anchor meant that a sailor had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, thus earning their ink.  

While the rules and significance associated with naval tattoos have fallen by the wayside, anchors are still powerful symbols of resilience, hope , and steadfast nature, although the truest meaning remains up to the wearer.  

4. Simple Ankle Ink

Thanks to a precise application of black lines and well-planned composition, this simple ankle tattoo perfectly recreates a set of spinning cogs that undoubtedly hold powerful meaning for the wearer.