If so, you’ve landed in the right place — because today, we’re looking at 52 sister tattoo ideas. Our goal was to curate a list that included a little something for everyone. We’ve got options for folks who prefer unique, small, and meaningful sister tattoos and others for females who prefer a bigger, bolder, more straightforward approach.
Should I Get a Matching Tattoo With My Sister?
Are matching tattoos a good idea? Ultimately, it’s your decision. Y’all must live with them. But to help you make a decision, let’s peruse a list of pros and cons. PROS
Having an artistic bond with your sister is lovely. If you place the tattoo somewhere viewable, like a forearm, it can be a constant, positive reminder of the relationship shared with you and your sis. Tattoos allow people to express themselves.
CONS
Getting one may hurt. However, many people aren’t bothered by the needles. It’s not easy to remove a tattoo, nor is it cheap. So what happens if you don’t like your choice in 10 years? We hope you and your sister never have a major fallout. But what happens on the off chance you do?
What Is the Symbol for Sisterhood?
Sisterhood symbols are not as ubiquitous as family symbols, but there are a few examples from various cultures. Let’s look at four.
Celtic Knot
The “Celtic knot” is the most well-known symbol of sisterhood. It comes from the Irish tradition, but the phrase “Celtic knot” is a bit misleading since there are many types of “Celtic knots.” Many people use a stylized “triquetra” — or triple spiral — woven together with a heart to represent sisterhood. The three parts of the triquetra represent the three stages of womanhood: maid, mother, and wise woman.
Soul Sister Symbol
Some African American women use the “soul sister” emblem. Stylistic and elegant, the design is essentially two “S” shapes crossing one another. It almost conveys a musical quality.
Traditional Chinese Characters
In traditional Chinese, the characters associated with sisterhood are:
姐 — older sister 妹 — younger sister
It’s important to get the characters exactly right, though. One minor alteration could completely change the meaning.
Native Plains Peoples’ Sister Pictograph
The First Nations plains peoples’ symbol for sisters is two “stick-people Xs” side by side.
52 Matching Sister Tattoo Ideas You’ll Love
To help people searching for cute sister tattoos, we’ve curated this list of matching tattoos for sisters.
1. Yin-Yang Paisleys
Paisley yin-yang symbols are pretty and versatile. Fill them in however you like and depict things unique to your relationship. You and your sibling can get the same full set, or you each can get one half.
2. Sister Flower
3. Childhood Memory
This adorable matching sisterhood tattoo is perfect for a pair of female siblings with fond memories of a simpler time when tree swings were your favorite thing, and sis was always by your side.
4. Side by Side or Miles Apart
5. Evergreen Family Trees
These evergreen tree matching sister symbol tattoos are an excellent option for siblings who love the great outdoors. Plus, trees symbolize the family structure in many cultures (i.e., family trees).
6. Big Sister / Little Sister
7. Sun and Moon
Are you and your sister perfectly complementary? Then these sun and moon tattoos may be a cute idea.
8. The Vow
9. Birth Years
To display your connection, ink your birth years somewhere. Go with your year or get the dates for all your siblings.
10. An Elephant Never Forgets
11. Birds of a Feather
Are you and your sister two birds of a feather who flock together? If so, you may fall in love with this attractive foot tattoo that incorporates feathers and the infinity symbol, in addition to “big sis” and “lil sis” labels.
12. Power Puff Sisters
13. Sequential Dots
Do you have more than one sister? Sequential dot tattoos are simple and indicate what number you are on the family’s timeline. They’re small but hold a lot of meaning.
14. Lighthouse and a Sailboat
15. A Phone Call Away
The “phone call away” concept is a popular matching sister symbol tattoo. And when you’re together, it’s a fun talking point. This option is for sisters who are truly best friends.
16. Sister Puzzle Piece
17. More Than a Lifeline
This is creative! The traditional symbol for a heartbeat lifeline melds into a heart or each sister’s name. You can also opt for a design like the one in the picture that just features the word “sisters.”
18. Big Sister / Little Sister Dates
19. You’re My Person
Do you and your sister love unconditionally? Are you always there for one another, no matter the hour or circumstances? Do you know she’ll always have your back? If that describes your relationship, this “you’re my person” sister tattoo could be a great fit.
20. Big Statement Sister Mountains
21. I’ll Be Your Anchor and Wings
Some sisters have different roles in the relationship. These complimentary tattoos speak to pairs where one person is the “anchor,” and the other is a “dreamer.”
22. Sister Dove Keys
23. Split Flower Mandala
Mandalas hold spiritual meaning for some folks. For others, they’re just pretty designs. But both groups can enjoy this split mandala sister tattoo. Make sure to use an experienced body artist, so it matches perfectly.
24. Matching Tattoo Rings
25. High-Five Cats
This pair of high-fiving cats is the perfect tattoo for sisters who appreciate and understand the majesty of the feline.
26. Heart of a Sister
27. Marikina (Nesting) Dolls
This creative sister tattoo features Marikina — aka nesting dolls. Usually, the older sister gets the bigger one, and the younger, the smaller. In families with more than two, sizing depends on where you fall in the birth order. Want To Get Matching Couple Tattoos? 75 Soulmate Tats That Are Decidedly Dope 41 Fun Things To Do By Yourself 175 Intriguing Questions To Ask Your Best Friend
28. A Compas Home
29. Elephant Greeting
Elephants symbolize strength, luck, love, and family. These two elephants greeting each other are a sentimental choice for pachyderm-loving sisters. Pro Tip: If you go this route, ensure your elephants’ trucks are up; it’s better luck.
30. Colorful Sister Calf
31. One in the Same
Are you and your sister twins? If so, this matching sister tattoo may work. It features two identical birds sitting on a branch and reads, “one in the same.”
32. Butterfly Bonds
33. Connected Ring Sisters
Understated simplicity can be elegant and may be the only tattoo choice for people with certain careers. These two connected rings are lovely for those taking the minimalist tattoo route.
34. Warrior Sisters of Love
35. The Pod of Two Peas
Do people call you and your sister “two peas in a pod?” If so, this clever tattoo would be a great representation of your bond.
36. Fancy Flamingo Sisters
37. Lifeline Names
This is a variation on the “lifeline” theme. But instead of a single word or phrase, each sister uses her name. You could also do two or more names if you want a long tattoo.
38. Sister Birds in Flight
39. Watching Out for You
Is your sibling always looking out for you — and you for her? Then this watchful eye tattoo may be the perfect emblem to symbolize your relationship.
40. Connected By the Heart
41. To Infinity and Beyond
Are you willing to go above and beyond for your sister? To honor that commitment, consider inking these complementary sayings on your arms.
42. Love You Lots
43. Sister Infinity Rose
This dainty design is a twist on the infinity symbol that mimics the shape of an “S” with a rose at one end.
44. Carry Your Heart
45. Initials With a Flower
Laverne and Shirley wore sweaters with their first initials. You and your sister can get tattoos instead. Design it however you like. This version is connected to a flower and looks great.
46. Sibling Light Sabers
47. Fractional Sisters
This idea is perfect for families with several sisters. Mark where you fall into the timeline with one of these fractional tattoos.
48. Sister DNA
49. Big and Little Cat Sisters
Another one for cat lovers (although the same idea could be done with dogs, rabbits, or any animal), this sister tattoo features a big cat for one sister and a little for the other.
50. Toast Sisters
51. Owl Sisters
Owls are yet another animal that holds special significance for many people. This cute owl tattoo is great for two siblings who love the wise flyers.
52. Protection Arrows
Sister tattoos are a great way to commemorate a sisterly relationship. First, weigh the pros and cons; then choose what’s best for you. If you do go for it, we hope our list of designs sparked some ideas of your own.
