Elephant Tattoo Ideas and Elephant Meanings
Overwhelmingly, elephant tattoo ideas seem to denote strength. It’s no wonder – the animal is mammoth in size. Weighing at over four tons and hitting over 10 feet tall, the elephant is a behemoth symbol conveying incredible power.
In spite of its girth, wildlife experts will tell you the elephant’s temper (unless provoked) is pretty low-key.
Elephants are extremely protective of their young and members of their herd. This offers symbolism to people getting tattoos who place the value of their families above everything else. Elephants will die to protect their family. If you share the same fiercely protective instinct for your family, an elephant tattoo might be fitting for you.
The elephant is sacred to Buddha. Legend indicates before Mahaprajapati Gautami’s incarnation as the Buddha, he developed in the womb in the form of a white elephant. The white elephant is a pristine symbol of Buddhism to this day. When associated with the Buddha, the meaning of an elephant tattoo conveys compassion, truth, peace, love and kindness.

In regions of Tibet the elephant is associated with creation. More specifically, ancient text depict an elephant holding up entire universe. When the elephant is seen in ancient architecture holding up vast structures, carved in pillars and foundational stonework, this is symbolic of the stabilizing presence of the elephant and the legend of the elephant bearing the weight of the world – keeping the world on in place. We also see this stabilizing symbolism of the elephant in India. People who “feel the weight of the world on their shoulders” may gravitate to elephant tattoos, and may be attracted to the elephant as a totem and as a giver of strength.

Symbolic Elephant Meanings – Keywords
- Luck
- Power
- Peace
- Wisdom
- Memory
- Wisdom
- Happiness
- Nobility
- Strength
- Longevity
- Fidelity
- Determination
- Invincibility
- Consideration
- Family/Community
- Creation/Maternal
Other pages to help expand your research on elephant tattoo ideas can be found at the end of this page. Don’t miss my full symbolic article on elephant meanings here.
Aristotle claimed the elephant abstained from sex while his mate was pregnant – a whole two years. This lead to symbolism of chastity, patience, consideration and exhibiting thoughtful devotion in a relationship. This also carries meanings of prudence and moderation, which may appeal to some looking to commemorate these themes by getting an elephant tattoo.

Roman perspectives also observed the elephant to be legendary for long lives – so they deemed the creature to be symbolic of immortality, longevity and living in harmony with divinity and nature.
Alchemically, the elephant is attuned with Mercury, and thus shares symbolism of high intellect, communication, commerce and shrewd discernment.
I hope these elephant tattoo ideas from various beliefs and cultures help you with your next tattoo adventure!

Other Articles Of Interest On This Site
Elephant Meaning in Dreams
This article explores what it means when we dream of animals. It includes meanings of elephants in our dreams, which hints to paying closer attention to certain issues in our lives. Learn more about animals and elephants dream meanings here.
More Meaningful Tattoo Ideas
I love tattoos. So much so, I’ve decided to devote a section of this website to meaningful tattoo ideas based on symbolism found in ancient/indigenous cultures around the world. Get a dozens of tattoo ideas here.
