These tattoos are a way to honor your past and present family members, history, and legacy. Here are a few of our favorites: More: 5 Family History & Genealogy Podcasts to Listen to This Fall

Dates

Showcase how your family has grown over the years with the years each family member entered the world.

Blossom & Branches

Instead of the traditional family tree, try out a branch with cherry blossoms instead. Other beautiful options could be a dogwood, magnolia, or crabapple branches.

Portraits 

Show off your brood of children or grandchildren or other important family members with this elaborate tree of portraits.  

Minimal Photograph

Highlight one of your favorite family photos permanently with a minimal sketched version of it on your body.

Anchored Down

“Family is an anchor during choppy waters.” Honor those who keep you anchored at all times with this literal representation of the figurative message.

Circle Of Life

Honor the circle of life with this matching tattoo idea with your closest family members.

Honoring Roots

Pay tribute to your roots with a tree and grouping of roots along with the quote: “Like branches on a tree we all grow in different directions, but our roots keep us all together.”

Hands Together

Put your hands together for family! Showcase each of your family members’ hands locked together forever.

Coat Of Arms

Honor the legacy of your family’s last name with your coat of arms.

Leaving The Nest

The perfect mother/daughter or father/son tattoo! Leaving the nest can be hard, but also beautiful and commemorated through getting inked with these honeybees leaving the hive.

Handwriting

One of the classic ways to honor someone who has passed on is with a tattoo of their handwriting like this ode to a mother by sisters. 

Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree

The apple (or in this case acorn) doesn’t fall far from the tree! 

Animal Family

Use a giraffe, or any of your other favorite family of animals, to represent your family. 

Names

Incorporate the names of those you care about most with something symbolic like these flowers.

Guiding Compass

If an anchor (above) grounds us, a compass guides us, and a family does both! Looking for more tattoo ideas? Here are 15 Meaningful Tattoo Ideas for Parents to Honor Kids. Considering one of these ideas? Pin it to save for later:

15 Family History Tattoos to Inspire You - 13