Top 70+ Best Small Rose Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

The rose is an almost universal symbol for love in tattoo design.  

The rose is also badass symbol of strength, courage, and nobility, while linked with different meanings for colors and a range of historical connections 

Small rose tattoos are becoming hugely popular for their versatility in style and placement.  

The traditional spaces like the inner forearm, lower legs chest and side remain popular, however as visible tattoos grow in popularity areas such behind the ear, on the fingers and hands, or on the neck are being used more than ever. 

The following gallery details 70+ brilliant small rose tattoo designs that can act as inspiration for a new tattoo or support and existing piece of body art.

1. Ankle and Lower Leg Small Rose Tattoos

2. Black and Gray Rose Tattoo Ideas

3. Colorful Small Rose Tattoos

4. Small Rose Ear Body Art

5. Small Rose Tattoos on Finger and Hand

6. Small Forearm Rose Tattoos

7. Small Rose Rib Tattoos

8. Small Roses Tattooed at the Wrist

9. Matching Small Rose Tattoos

Rose Tattoo FAQs 

What does a rose tattoo symbolize? 

The rose is an almost universal symbol for love in tattoos design. According to Aitken-Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary the flower further incorporates “symbolic interpretation of transformation, mysticism and illumination.” 

The rose is also badass symbol of strength, courage, and nobility, a reminder that refinery wears armor, and that even the truest love is not without its thorns. 

Where should I put my small rose tattoo? 

Small rose tattoos are becoming hugely popular for their versatility in style and placement. These days, with the development of single needle techniques and tattoo needles and guns/ small doesn’t mean simple any more. 

The traditional spaces like the inner forearm, lower legs chest and side remain popular, however as visible tattoos grow in popularity areas such behind the ear, on the fingers and hands, or on the neck are being used more than ever before. 

What do rose tattoos mean spiritually? 

In Christianity, the rose represents sacrifice and purity: red for the blood of Christ, white for purification. 

In Tarot, the rose shined light on the future with as a symbol of promise, optimism and fresh beginnings. It’s thorns on the other hand, were to showcase lost men wandering through times of adversity. 

What does a black rose symbolize?  

Black rose tattoos are most often associated with grief, death, and mourning. Tattoos featuring black roses symbolize the loss of a loved one or important figure. Black roses remind the subject of their loss but also to carry the grief and memory of the person with them. 

What do different rose tattoo colors represent? 

The following colors are linked with different feelings or situations, which are often transferred into tattoo designs and ideas to add another layer of meaning for the collector. 

1. Red – Love 

2. Black – Death 

3. White – Innocence and purity 

4. Blue – Fantasy  

5. Yellow – Friendship 

6. Orange – Desire and Sensuality 

7. Pink – Femininity 

8. Green – Rejuvenation 

9. Peach – Gratitude  

10. Lavender – Mystery 

What did roses symbolize historically? 

In the Roman Empire roses were a symbol to bloodshed and Mars, the god of war. When a soldier died in combat, roses were placed over their grave in an effort to carry their spirit into the heavens. It was believed that the aroma of roses lifted the dead towards both the gods, Venus and Mars. 

In Greek mythology goddess of love, Aphrodite, gave new meaning to roses. Many believe that as the rose bush grew from her own pool of blood it symbolized immortal love. Love so powerful, that is could withstand both death and time itself. 

If you’re unsure of a style, size, or placement, there is always the option of a temporary tattoo design. Temporary tattoos are an inexpensive way to road test a design or visible placement without long term regrets. 

Did you enjoy these small rose tattoo design ideas? Click on the links below for other small tattoo and rose tattoo galleries to help you decide on your next tattoo image: 

• 50 Badass Rose Tattoo Ideas
• 35 Best Rose Tattoo Designs
• Top 85 Small Tattoo Ideas for Women
• 51 Small Awesome Tattoos
• Top 81 Skull and Rose Tattoos