Heart tattoos are popular because they are a symbol of love. It has been considered such for a long time and will likely continue to be associated with this very powerful emotion. Love is a subject that stirs very deep emotions and the heart is directly connected to these emotions.

History Of The Heart Tattoo
Credited with being the first group recognized as wearing the heart as a tattoo design were sailors. The meaning behind the tattoo was to show their love for the ones they left behind while at sea. Often a small piece of artwork to symbolize their everlasting remembrance and admiration for braveness.

Heart Tattoos Have Many Meanings And Varied Designs
The heart tattoo has changed somewhat since the early days of body art, but the meaning is still very much the same. They are worn by both men and women. The heart can be large, small or medium in size and are often incorporated with and alongside other designs.

Angels and other spiritual designs are often associated with heart tattoos. They can be neatly etched, loaded with color or can resemble a cartoon animation. The design is easily customized, resulting in a very versatile tattoo that can easily blend with pretty much any style of design.

The meaning of the heart is different depending on the person. The classic red depiction is usually associated with love. Adding a name is a popular theme for the heart tattoo. Including flowers means both love and a passionate situation or setting. The combination of a rose and a heart is another very strong symbol of love.

Heartbreak And Happiness
If the heart tattoo is joined by swords, daggers or knives, this is a sign of betrayal by a loved one or a lost love. The tattoo depicting a dagger or knife in the heart means that someone that you loved hurt you as in piercing your heart. Winged hearts mean the wearer of the tattoo is happy and lighthearted.

So many subjects can be combined with the heart that it is hard to keep up with the meaning of all of them. One of the most popular tattoos for couples that are apart often such as in the military, is a half heart. This is a symbol of their love for each other and when they are together, the heart becomes one. If a person has a tattoo of both halves of a broken heart, this is another symbol of being hurt or suffering a broken heart as the result of a loved ones actions.

Hearts Dedicated To Mothers
One particular heart design that is worn by many and has become almost a nationwide symbol of the love felt for mothers is a 'Mom heart.' This is worn by countless sons and daughters around the world, even including villainous prison inmates and gang members who sometimes sport this popular artwork. Basically, anyone who wants to let the world know their mom is the person that will always have their heart.

Names And Initials
On the other hand, if you choose a heart tattoo and put the name or initials of your girlfriend inside the heart, you are proclaiming your unwavering love to this individual, but many have regretted this choice. A heart with keys inside means your heart is locked in a permanent relationship.

There are countless heart designs and subjects for those who want this type of tattoo. They are popular because they can be worn practically anywhere on the body. From a tiny heart that no one knows is there, to a large masterpiece that proclaims your love to the world, the heart tattoo has been a symbol of one kind of love or another for many years, and plenty more to come.