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Top 79 Best Leo Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

Top 79 Best Leo Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

  • Next Luxury / Tattoo Ideas
  • by — Jono Elderton

Zodiac Tattoos

Leo is the fifth sign of the Zodiac, following Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. Leos are ruled by the sun and the element of fire. The various Leo symbols make tremendous tattoo designs. 

Originally, the Leo constellation was deciphered to be the shape of lion by early astrologers and star gazers.

Time has passed and the Zodiac is used more often in everyday life – with the mighty lion only strengthening its position as the chosen animal for the Leo zodiac symbol.

Lions are a charismatic symbol linked with nobility, strength, honor, and tenacity which individuals often aspire to in their everyday life.

The sun fixes the Leo sign personality type into a consistent, mostly unchanging set of traits for both man and woman. Not coincidentally, traits of the lion’s behavior and personality are attributed to people sharing the Zodiac sign and Leo constellation.

Read on for awesome depictions of Leo Zodiac sign tattoos that can help inspire your next tattoo decision

1.  Leo Constellation Tattoo Ideas 

ankle-leo-tattoo-gaiatattoo.flor

Source: @gaiatattoo.flor via Instagram

capricorn-leo-tattoo-reverie_tattoos

Source: @reverie_tattoos via Instagram

colored-inked-leo-tattoo-manuelviola.tattoos

Source: @manuelviola.tattoos via Instagram

leo-constellation-tattoo-davidvillaco

Source: @davidvillaco via Instagram

line-astrology-constellation-leo-tattoo-sia_weirdchild

Source: @sia_weirdchild via Instagram

moon-phases-sun-sign-leo-tattoo-rainbow_britetatts

Source: @rainbow_britetatts via Instagram

zodiac-leo-tattoo-cataignavalenzuela

Source: @cataignavalenzuela via Instagram

The Leo Constellation was deciphered to be the shape of lion by early astrologers and star gazers. Time has passed and the Zodiac has been used more often – with the lion symbol only strengthening its position as the chosen animal for the Leo zodiac symbol. Not coincidentally, traits of lion’s behavior and personality are attributed to the people sharing the Zodiac sign and constellation.

As the examples above show, a Leo constellation tattoo doesn’t need to be just a trail of stars in a rough lion shaped pattern. They can be fully realized star designs, incorporated into different images – such as the purple hued Disney Lion King logo – or simpler technical work such as asterisk style stars amongst a night sky of dots and a hangnail moon.

There are other cool interpretations. The Leo constellation inside a sun with the cookie monster part-through-to full moon is a unique concept, and the silver colored stars amongst wicked grayscale shading and striking purple lotus works brilliantly.

Remember, if you feel you can bring a Zodiac constellation tattoo to life, make sure you explore the opportunity to do so, and if needs be get a temporary tattoo first for a test run.

2. Black and Gray Leo Tattoos

animal-blackink-lion-tattoo-gmeektattoo

Source: @gmeektattoo via Instagram

ladytatttoers-leo-lion-tattoo-kay_pixiie

Source: @kay_pixiie via Instagram

lion-ink-girls-leo-tattoo-bltattoostudio-kopuz_kopuz

Source: @bltattoostudio via Instagram
Source: @kopuz_kopuz via Instagram

little-leo-lion-tattoo-alecander.michael

Source: @alecander.michael via Instagram

star-sign-leo-arm-tattoo-sophie_7spooner

Source: @sophie_7spooner via Instagram

virgo-leo-constellation-tattoo-ivydoesartstuff

Source: @ivydoesartstuff via Instagram

These tremendous black and gray Leo tattoo ideas allow each tattoo artist to explore a broad range of image types and technical applications, by combining the constellation patters with the animal symbolism of Leo the Lion and the Leo astrological symbol.

There’s some beautiful gradient shading applied in these versatile tattoos. There’s subtle, delicate grayscale in polar bears and lion’s manes, versus the brash and aggressive ink technique used in others. I like how most of these Leo tattoos opt for white highlights in amongst the shadow, to strengthen each image and provide an extra finishing touch to the body art.

3. Colorful Leo Zodiac Symbol Tattoo Ideas

colored-leo-chest-tattoo-ajbslug

Source: @ajbslug via Instagram

colorful-flame-astrology-leo-rib-tattoo-maiia_len

Source: @maiia_len via Instagram

fine-line-ilustration-zodiac-leo-tattoo-maryjanefinaltribal

Source: @maryjanefinaltribal via Instagram

flower-simple-beautiful-leo-tattoo-samy_sailor

Source: @samy_sailor via Instagram

sakura-leo-tattoo-erwin.tattoos

Source: @erwin.tattoos via Instagram

small-arie-leo-tattoo-black_inkdustries

Source: @black_inkdustries via Instagram

watercolour-matching-leo-sagittarius-tattoo-lydlz-supstu7

Source: @lydlz via Instagram
Source: @supstu7 via Instagram

As is the general case for Zodiac tattoo design, these examples opt for the Leo symbol or lion motif to bring each color tattoo to life –the black linework or solid ink creating a frame within the art for the tattoo artist to get creative with well-placed color.

The balance between bright color – Leo is a sun sign – with other black ink parts create beautiful contrast. I particularly like the use of crackling golden watercolors to feel like the rising sun warming their tattoo. Others use an effective fully saturated single color palette to work in opposition to black or shaded ink.

4. Delicate Leo Tattoo Design

dotwork-cute-triangle-leo-tattoo-trikona.tattoos

Source: @trikona.tattoos via Instagram

fine-line-astrology-leo-tattoo-rinthlandtattoo

Source: @rinthlandtattoo via Instagram

fineline-star-zodiac-leo-tattoo-elliezzie.tattooist

Source: @elliezzie.tattooist via Instagram

leo-constellation-tattoo-beautymountains-lula.handpoke

Source: @beautymountains via Instagram
Source: @lula.handpoke via Instagram

line-work-zodiac-art-leo-tattoo-black_siren_art

Source: @black_siren_art via Instagram

small-constellation-leo-tattoo-shoulder-ktm_ink

Source: @ktm_ink via Instagram
Source: @aminstattoo(artist) via Instagram

star-sign-symbol-line-work-leo-tattoo-goatmag

Source: @goatmag via Instagram

Delicate constellation tattoo designs are great opportunities for artists to shows off complementary skills in creating versatile pieces. They aren’t simply gentle, tiny light gray or color pieces, but technically difficult Leo tattoos.

These examples combine clever ideas, such as line and formwork with geometric principles to make a forearm tattoo, or delicate dotwork against supporting themes like the planets and solar system, to achieve finely detailed, top quality tattoo art.

I particularly like how these delicate tattoos depict Leo tattoos amongst the other star signs, such as the string of Zodiac signs across the collarbone, or the side tattoo using the star sign in conjunction with the Libra scales and Sagittarius bow and arrow.

5. Leo Flower Tattoos

colorful-astrology-leo-tattoo-cityrootstattoo

Source: @cityrootstattoo via Instagram

cute-sunflower-leo-tattoo-artbybabyface

Source: @artbybabyface via Instagram

fine-line-sunflower-leo-tattoo-sirens.ink_tattoo

Source: @sirens.ink_tattoo via Instagram

floral-leo-bicep-tattoo-mello.ink

Source: @mello.ink via Instagram

hand-poke-machine-free-leo-tattoo-eugenia.meli

Source: @eugenia.meli via Instagram

Rather than opting for a simple glyph style Leo tattoo, each subject in these tattoos have threaded flower designs into each tattoo.

Leo is an August and summer star sign, so sunflowers or the August birth flowers gladioli and poppies are thematically popular choices for those looking to use flowers in a Leo tattoo.

6. Geometric Leo Tattoo Design

black-work-custom-realism-tattoo-queen_arthur_adornment

Source: @queen_arthur_adornment via Instagram

geometric-hourglass-sun-and-moon-leo-tattoo-jean_hackman13

Source: @jean_hackman13 via Instagram

geometry-ink-zodiac-leo-tattoo-frankie_ng428

Source: @frankie_ng428 via Instagram

line-work-leo-tattoo-tattooist_naru

Source: @tattooist_naru via Instagram

In a lot of ways, to truly capture a Zodiac tattoo idea, the use of geometric design needs to be applied. They’re fundamental in using planet and solar system themes, or for balancing and arm tattoo and building a piece.

I love how these examples use vastly different interpretations. The beautiful whale surrounded by shapes along a central line stands out, as does the half lion face in the path of the planets. My favorite tattoo design from these is the chest tattoo with the half realistic lion pierced by a spear, with his back half a coruscating number of fractal angles and shapes.

7. Leo Astrological Symbol Tattoos

astrological-sunflower-leo-tattoo-artbyjessreef

Source: @artbyjessreef via Instagram

birth-date-fancy-leo-tattoo-kmoscopio

Source: @kmoscopio via Instagram

black-work-star-signs-leo-tattoo-amzkelso

Source: @amzkelso via Instagram

cool-leo-leg-tattoo-ger.o.inna

Source: @ger.o.inna via Instagram

horoscope-symbol-leo-line-tattoo-hennatattootre

Source: @hennatattootre via Instagram

inkedup-elbow-leo-tattoo-94.ink

Source: @94.ink via Instagram

king-of-the-jungle-zodiac-leo-tattoo-primo_1997

Source: @primo_1997 via Instagram

zodiac-leo-matching-tattoos-thedarlingapril

Source: @thedarlingapril via Instagram

The astrological symbol for Leo – also known as a glyph – represents the head and mane of the lion. It can often look like a stylized letter N, with a circle attached to its first foot. Zodiac animal glyphs are based on the general pattern of the stars in their corresponding constellation.

These beautiful Leo symbol tattoos range from short, sharply etched and precise line tattoos on a forearm or wrist, through to the Leo Zodiac symbol for making up part of a larger piece of body art. The glyphs are extremely versatile and have enabled the wearers and their artists to work on different styles, from tiny tattoos in black ink, through to massive Astrological expressions surrounded by flowers, a sun tattoo, or balanced on a scale.

8. Linework Leo Tattoos

black-work-astrologiacal-leo-tattoo-black_siren_art

Source: @black_siren_art via Instagram

fatline-twins-geometrical-leo-tattoo-petrazoliktattoo

Source: @petrazoliktattoo via Instagram

flower-black-ink-love-leo-tattoo-lbtatac

Source: @lbtatac via Instagram
Source: @ladybugart_ac via Instagram

heritage-ink-bicep-leo-tattoo-tattooingdad

Source: @tattooingdad via Instagram

inked-silver-back-ink-lion-tattoo-ptitdavcreations

Source: @ptitdavcreations via Instagram

link-worker-zodiac-leo-tattoo-rhianmcintoshtattoo

Source: @rhianmcintoshtattoo via Instagram

mermaid-outline-leo-arm-half-sleeve-tattoo-geraldschifone

Source: @geraldschifone via Instagram

stencil-leo-tattoo-mykleangelo

Source: @mykleangelo via Instagram

There’s superb versatility of expression in these examples of linework. Each lion design or Leo sign is drawn with clarity, skill, and attention to detail in line flow or hatch work. They’re standout pieces that belie the difficulty in execution.

Some will be filled in with color or grasycale over time while others – such as the beautiful blue geometric big cat balancing perfect circles against the Zodiac sign – will be left as they are.

9. Lion Tattoo Ideas 

art-constellation-leo-tattoo-anneauxtattoo

Source: @anneauxtattoo via Instagram

dark-dot-work-fire-leo-tattoo-ludo_mortuus

Source: @ludo_mortuus via Instagram

leo-constellation-tattoo-jaimesontrocheck

Source: @jaimesontrocheck via Instagram

roar-horoscope-leo-tattoo-marinadark_90

Source: @marinadark_90 via Instagram

silver-back-ink-fine-line-whip-shading-leo-tattoo-goldengooselab

Source: @goldengooselab via Instagram
Source: @ratatoscr via Instagram

silver-back-ink-leo-constellation-tattoo-mackmander.ink

Source: @mackmander.ink via Instagram

small-meaningful-zodiac-leo-tattoo-petarge0rgiev

Source: @petarge0rgiev via Instagram

A Leo’s personality in the Zodiac is strong, brave, honorable and ferocious, all elements of personality that they are said to share with the King of the Jungle.

These lions are portrayed in a range of different styles, from tribal lion of black to almost realistic photograph style. I particularly like the abstract, dark aspect lion tattoo cut through by the Leo constellation, or the magnified big cat that looks just like the one from the Wizard of Oz.

10. Matching Leo Horoscope Tattoos 

body-art-invisible-dotwork-lion-tattoo-invisibleselfbodyart

Source: @invisibleselfbodyart via Instagram

cali-matching-fish-leo-tattoos-canoarttattoo

Source: @canoarttattoo via Instagram

corn-couple-leo-tattoo-v.s.ink

Source: @v.s.ink via Instagram

twin-leo-constellation-tattoo-xbearli

Source: @xbearli via Instagram
Source: @frommay_tat via Instagram

Getting matching horoscope tattoos is a great way for friends, family, or couples to display their love for one another in ink. Using a Zodiac symbol, glyph or animal motif allows for individuality with a matching star sign tattoo yet still create the inclusion of having body art together. 

There are cool elements of flair in expression – I really dig the jutting horns of the Aries tattoo against the Greco classic lion, while the tricky Pisces goldfish is also cool. For mine though, the twin Leo matching tattoo of half lion face/half lioness face on the couple’s inner forearm is a truly wonderful piece matching concept with execution.  

11. Small Tattoo Leos

colored-leo-tattoo-bb_9.6

Source: @bb_9.6 via Instagram

cute leo-zodiac-finger-tattoo-uhhhhtaco

Source: @uhhhhtaco via Instagram

cute-small-leo-finger-tattoo-thelionsoul

Source: @thelionsoul via Instagram

lil-stick-and-poke-hand-leo-tattoo-lilstick_lilpoke

Source: @lilstick_lilpoke via Instagram

moon-phases-ink-leo-tattoo-engin.karahasan

Source: @engin.karahasan via Instagram

skin-art-leo-tattoo-artistic_studio_hair_tattoo

Source: @artistic_studio_hair_tattoo via Instagram

stick-hand-poke-zodiac-leo-tattoo-eia.tattooer

Source: @leia.tattooer via Instagram

wave-hand-poke-leo-tattoo-nilunanisol

Source: @nilunanisol via Instagram

zodiac-sign-leo-back-tattoo-tattoo.lewina

Source: @tattoo.lewina via Instagram

These simple, minimalistic Leo tattoos are pure. Each example is just a simple, small tattoo of the Leo glyph in black ink etched tastefully onto the skin. They’re either hidden away, or in places popular for tiny tattoo – the wrist, inner forearm, shoulder – to draw a comment or glance from others.  

12. Unique Leo Zodiac Tattoos 

custom-dotwork-geometric-occult-leo-tattoo-spellbound_tattoo

Source: @spellbound_tattoo via Instagram

custom-geometric-black-white-moon-leo-tattoo-spellbound_tattoo

Source: @spellbound_tattoo via Instagram

dog-starwars-space-leo-tattoo-ximigarcia

Source: @ximigarcia via Instagram

dotework-matching-leo-tattoo-radandbomb

Source: @radandbomb via Instagram

leo-constellation-tattoo-ameliastattoojourney

Source: @ameliastattoojourney via Instagram

mashup-leo-capricorn-tattoo-charlestrujillo

Source: @charlestrujillo via Instagram

mini-korean-flower-leo-tattoo-jessie_black__

Source: @jessie_black__ via Instagram

 

sunflower-sun-fire-blackwork-leo-tattoo-hebenon_vial

Source: @hebenon_vial via Instagram

These examples could quite easily fit into the other areas above, as they do an excellent job depicting the more common Leo Zodiac tattoo subjects of glyph, lion, or constellation.

But they are unique Leo Zodiac tattoos in that their application features stunningly sharp dotwork, a different style of image – a lighthouse, or spaceman and pet dog – or a combination of innovative technical flourishes to create individuality within the ink.

Leo Tattoo FAQs

What does a lion tattoo symbolize?

As with the general tattoo style of lions, Leos in the Zodiac are also strong, brave, and honorable. Leos are often projected as dominant, goal driven leaders and conquerors, known for determination and tenacious will.

The King of the Jungle is often used in leo tattoo design to describe power, physicality, tenacity and leadership.

A person could admire the animal—a male lion is the head of pride, while the lioness leads the hunt. These are two powerful roles with worthy traits people want to embody within their own life.

Why are lions the animal Zodiac symbol for Leo?

Originally, the Leo Constellation was deciphered to be the shape of lion by early astrologers and star gazers.

While the Zodiac sign and the beast of the Savannahs share popularly published characteristics, the Nemean Lion is also influential in the animal star symbol crossover, although it was a much less noble creature than modern big cat portrayals.

In Greek mythology, the Nemean Lion was a beast that lived at Nemea, terrorizing the townsfolk and kidnapping beautiful young women. The lion could not be killed with mortals’ weapons because its golden fur was impenetrable. The Nemean Lion was eventually killed by the hero Heracles, who strangled it with his bare hands, then used its fur as specialized armor.

Looking for more King of the Jungle tattoo inspiration? Click on the links below for more awesome galleries featuring the best in Zodiac and star sign ink:

  • Virgo Tattoo Ideas  
  • Pisces Tattoo Ideas
  • Gemini Tattoo Ideas  
  • Sagittarius Tattoo Ideas 
  • Taurus Tattoo Design 
  • Sun Tattoo Ideas 

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Jono Elderton

Writer

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

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