Top 30+ angel tattoos for men in 2023: Inspirational ideas and designs

Guardian angel tattoos are some of the most popular choices for men; their symbolism and endless design choices make them ideal for any person. The angel tattoo is no longer only for religious men; the tattoo now often stands for protection, devotion, hope, and trust.

Since there are thousands of designs, how do you choose the best tattoo for men? To help you avoid ending up on Tattoo Redo or spending more money on a cover-up, we’ve found 50 heavenly designs for you to get your wings flapping.

1. ANGEL WING TATTOO

Angel wing tattoos symbolize freedom and guidance. Some men choose angel wing tattoos to commemorate a lost loved one or memorialize their strength over a significant life event. Often placed on the back for a larger design with more detail, it’s also popular to have a single wing on the forearm or bicep.

@goat.tattoo_warszawa / Instagram

2. GUARDIAN ANGEL TATTOO

A guardian angel is a personal spirit assigned to protect and guide someone through life. ɱaпy men contribute going through a traumatic or near-death experience for the reason they get an angel tattoo, and they may also act as a reminder of guidance.

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3. CHERUB TATTOO

Cherub tattoos often signify the innocence and purity of children or the love and protection of huɱaпkind. Some men choose baby angel tattoos to celebrate a child’s birth or when they’ve lost a child.

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4. FALLEN ANGEL TATTOO

Men who’ve struggled immensely and have overcome challenges in their lives tend to choose a fallen angel tattoo. It can also represent a fall from grace, a classic meaning derived from a parable in the New Testament (Christianity). Designs commonly show an angel kneeling, falling, and someᴛι̇ɱes looking up to the heavens in despair.

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5. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL TATTOO

Michael, an angel from the Bible, is considered the leader of heavenly hosts. He is a warrior angel and is usually depicted in art and tattoos holding a sword. This archangel is said to bring protection and strength to men. Those who choose a tattoo of Archangel Michael portray themselves as dominant and powerful.

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6. ANGEL OF DEATH TATTOO

In Islam, the angel of death is Azrael; however, he’s become a popular symbol, much like grim reaper tattoos, because they represent fear and death. Choosing to get this tattoo may signify your lack of fear in this world or the next. To ensure this tattoo has lots of detail, the perfect placement is on the thigh or chest.

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7. DEVIL AND ANGEL TATTOO

Devil and angel images represent the balance between good and evil in the world. However, it will depend on how the artist will design the image. Some designs where the angel and demon tattoos are fighting represent spiritual warfare or the battle inside each ɱaп.

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8. ANGEL WHISPERING IN EAR TATTOO

Some people believe that angels whisper into their ears to guide them. Men who wish to communicate with angels, or seek guidance, tend to get this type of tattoo design.

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9. MEMORIAL ANGEL TATTOO

When your loved ones pass away, regardless of your religious identity, you always hope they are in a better place, and ɱaпy men choose to memorialize their lost loved ones by getting a perɱaпent reminder of those they love. Often surrounded by wings, angels, or halos, you can add any personal detail that reminds you of your loved one.

@icelandtattoo / Instagram

10. LITTLE ANGEL TATTOO

Little angel tattoos are small images that can be tattooed on small spaces such as the wrist, behind the ear, or on your hand. This type of tattoo is often used as a memorial piece for a young child that has passed or as an aesthetic piece that can be hidden easily.

@spiderstattoo / Instagram

11. ANGEL HEART TATTOO

A unique angel tattoo design uses two wings to create the outline of a heart. Alternatively, in traditional style tattooing, the angel is holding or flying away with a heart. This piece can symbolize the loss of a loved one or celebrate the bond you have with your significant other. These tattoos can be placed on the chest, back, or neck.

@nyspeakeasytattoo / Instagram

12. DARK ANGEL TATTOO

Some people use this symbol for depression or struggles with other mental illnesses. Not necessarily a bad thing; the tattoo can represent triumph over such struggles. These tattoos can be placed on a ɱaп’s forearm or calf, especially if the tattoo feature a sword.

@kontakt_ink / Instagram

13. GABRIEL ANGEL TATTOO

Angel Gabriel is another important archangel in the Abrahamic religions. According to sacred scripture, angel Gabriel is a messenger of God, and this could translate into ɱaпy different meanings for each person who gets an angel tattoo. Religious or non-religious, this tattoo is about trusting the messages and signs given to us in life.

@hood.seven / Instagram

14. ANGEL HALO TATTOO

In the Book of Ezekiel (in the Bible), angels are described differently from how painters and sculptures have portrayed them. In art, angels are painted with halos around their heads, which symbolizes holiness and the grace of God shining through them.

@brynt.ink / Instagram

15. SMALL ANGEL TATTOO

For men who prefer minimal tattoos, a small angel tattoo is an ideal choice. These types of tattoos can represent the birth of a child or to remember a lost loved one. Some men have small angels tattooed on their forearm, side of the wrist, or on the hand.

@thesavagesaintofficial / Instagram

16. PET ANGEL TATTOO

Another minimalist (or maximalist, depending on your preference) design to commemorate the loss of a beloved pet or animal in your life. You can get this tattoo on the wrist, shoulder blade, or forearm.

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17. SERAPH ANGEL TATTOO

Angelic beings described in the Bible don’t look like huɱaпs, as shown in popular art. In fact, there are several different types of angels with different features. Cherubim angels are said to have four faces, four wings, and bull hooves for feet that gleam like polished brass. There are also seraphim that are said to have six wings surrounding their bodies. These tattoos symbolize light, passion, and purity. They can be big elaborate pieces tattooed on the back, tricep, or calf.

@littold / Instagram

18. TRIBAL ANGEL TATTOO

In tribal culture, angels are depicted as spirit guides. In Buddhism, angels are known as deities, meaning they were a class of the divine. A very popular design in the 90s, this style is being renewed again in ɱaпy tattoo studios. Some men choose to tattoo tribal angels on their shoulders or the calf.

@bigcountrytat2 / Instagram

19. WEEPING ANGEL TATTOO

Some associate weeping angels with ɱaп’s sin and how they’re easily tempted; they are also popular fan tattoos from the TV show Dr.Who. Whatever the reason, this is an easy tattoo to scale down to fit anywhere on the body or make larger and add more detail.

@reevetattoo / Instagram

20. ANGEL FIGHTING DEMONS TATTOO

Warrior angels are celestial beings that fight in God’s army; some believe that you can call upon angels to rid your life of spiritual attacks from demons. An angel and demons tattoo would represent the battles your angel fights or the battles you go through in life.

@dos_pistolas_tattoo / Instagram

21. CROSSES WITH ANGEL WINGS TATTOO

The cross is the symbol of the Christian faith, a symbol recalling the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. When these two symbols are put together in an angel and cross tattoo, it could be a memorial piece for a loved one. This design can also express the freedom of being close to God.

@gibaztattoo / Instagram

22. ANGEL WARRIOR TATTOO

Warriors are known throughout ɱaпy tales of history as strong, imperishable fighters, and this does not differ when depicting warrior angels. Representing strength, honor, and commitment, any ɱaп with a fierce love for his friends and family would do well with this angel tattoo.