The sun is a symbol of energy, passion, and hope. From small to bold, black to color, these sun tattoos will inspire your next ink.

The sun, the source of light and the origin of life, symbolizes energy, power, passion, and hope.

From ancient to modern times, the worship of the sun never stops. While some people wear clothing or jewelry with the symbol, others choose to tattoo it on the skin.

That’s why sun tattoos are evergreen. They are rich in symbolism and versatile in shapes and forms.

A sun tattoo may represent a positive attitude, endless energy, and strong passion. It’s worn by those that are optimistic and radiate good vibes.

In terms of design, a sun tattoo can be big or small, color or black, and still not lose its meaning. As one of the simplest tattoo imageries, it’s up to you to make it fun and unique.

So if you are searching for one for yourself or you and your person, don’t miss out on the following sun tattoo ideas.

Disclaimer: This collection of sun tattoos is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.

Beautiful sun tattoos with meaning

Small and simple sun tattoos

The sun can be as simple as a circle. That’s why if you want a minimalist tattoo to represent your bubbly personality, the sun may be what you are looking for. Keep scrolling for more ideas.

Cute small sun tattoo

@hktattoo_tina

Sunrise in a heart shape

@nieun_tat2

The heart is often seen in symbolic love tattoos, representing pure love. Sunrise, on the other hand, symbolizes a new beginning and hope. Together, this tattoo will belong to someone who believes the power of love can change the world.

Small sun shoulder tattoo

@sun_t_tt

The blue sun

@uzotattoo

The flames with the highest temperature are in blue. So even though this sun tattoo is not flaming red, it no doubt represents the wearer’s fiery personality and passion.

Matching sun and moon tattoos

@aysmonttattooing

The sun and moon represent two opposite energies. These matching sun and moon tattoos pay tribute to the connection between two complicated individuals.

Dainty sun and moon arm tattoo

@tattooist_gaon

The sun and moon represent day and night, yin and yang. Such a small combination of the two celestial bodies shows the wearer’s value on life balance.

Matching ring finger tattoos

@yuantattoodesign

Ring finger tattoos are promises of love that last longer than a ring. These cute finger tattoos choose the two everlasting elements in nature and show the wearers’ faith in their relationship.

Sun tattoo between boobs

@yamiitats

There’s nothing more intimate and sexy than a tattoo between the boobs. But it’s not easy to find a design that fits perfectly in this area. That’s why the sun makes a good option – you can scale it up or down or even change the shape.

Cute waves and sun tattoo

@bongkee

Simple mountains and sun tattoo

@justjoe_ink

Mountains symbolize exploration and adventures. The tattooist illustrates the mountains in simple triangles to keep them sleek. If you are an adventurous minimalist, a tattoo like this will represent your identity.

Sun and moon tattoo

@mira.lenkaa

Although the sun and the moon are rarely seen together, this tattoo paints a beautiful picture of sunsetting on a moonlit sky.

Cool life

@fein.lines

Some tattoos express the owners’ attitude toward life. And this cute tattoo will belong to those who see past struggles to find the silver linings.

Cute curvy sun tattoo

@janapadar

If you want something unique, consider changing the shape of the rays. By adding curvature to them, this small sun tattoo looks flowing, making it softer and more feminine.

Blackwork sun tattoo

@dnart.deb

Initial and sun tattoo

@ladnie.ink

One way to make a tattoo more personal is by adding your initial, just like this wrist tattoo. By putting the initial in the sun’s center, the wearer makes sure she prioritizes her needs and loves herself wholeheartedly.

Tiny sunrise ankle tattoo

@zin.tattooart

Ankle tattoos are perfect for those who want medium exposure. With a tiny design like this, you can choose to hide or show it whenever you want.

Sun and waves tattoo

@inkflow_akiwong

This tattoo reminds us of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, a famous Japanese ukiyo-e painting. Adding the sun gives this tattoo additional color strikes.

Sunrise on the shoulder

@twenty_tattoo

Sunrise tattoos often represent a new beginning and hope. If you are at a crossroads in life, a tattoo like this may push you to start a new life chapter.

Simple sun tattoo on the arm

@gytamara_tattoo

Simple, symmetrical, and elegant, this arm tattoo will be a beautiful addition to the skin.

Sun stamp tattoo

@yunadodot

This tiny sun tattoo stamp is more like a mysterious symbol. It functions as a talisman radiating energy and giving strength to the wearer.

Geometric sun tattoo

@lazybones_tattoo

Horizontal sun tattoos are not often seen. To fit the tattoo on the forearm, the tattooist stretches the horizon with dots and sleek lines. And the result is beautiful.

Cute cloud and sun tattoo

@ggul.tattoo

Bold and beautiful sun tattoos

While the sun can be as simple as a circle plus some lines, you can create something gorgeous with it.

Be it the hero or as a decorative element, the sun makes stunning, bold statement tattoos with creativity and great execution. And the following tattoo ideas are proof.

Stunning sun back tattoo

@lunae.magic

Lotus tattoos represent calmness, mindfulness, and zen in Buddhism, while the sun stands for energy and strength. By putting these elements together, the tattooist wants to show that strength is gained with a calm mind.

Black and grey snake tattoo

@ileprocentduszy

Snake tattoos are sometimes regarded as a symbol of greed and temptation. But this one focuses on another meaning of snakes – rebirth and life cycles.

The sun and moon in this tattoo refer to the transitions of days and seasons. Snakes shed their skin and grow into new versions. And the way it moves upwards also shows an openness toward changes. Together, this will be a subtle option as a tattoo about rebirth.

Botanical sun tattoo

@dudutattooist

For everything on earth, the sun provides energy and is the source of life. This arm tattoo depicts plants under the sun and reminds us to never stop growing.

Crane and landscape

@tattooist_eq

Tattooist Eq specializes in detailed oriental landscape tattoos. And this one is no exception.

Within such a narrow stripe, you can see the sun, the crane, mountains, and a man on a boat. It’s visually abundant and tells a story.

Full-sleeve floral sun tattoo

@lasstattoo

Arm tattoos on such a large scale are only for the courageous. And if you have an elaborate design like this one, why not proudly show it?

Dainty sun ornamental tattoo

@ink.ing

Wrist tattoos are not necessarily a good option for those who opt for a discreet design. But this one is an exception. The fine lines keep the tattoo less visible. But it will still wow you with its sophisticated details when you look closer.

Dragon and sun tattoo

@eunb.tt

The bold color palette makes this dragon tattoo unforgettable.

Dragons are often seen as disastrous and powerful in the west. The red adds a sense of danger to the tattoo. And the sun, the flowers, and the leaves all bring out the femininity in this gorgeous look.

Intricate sun hip tattoo

@tattoosdelicados

Instead of regular sun, this hip tattoo leans toward the abstract side by portraying the rays in curves. The twist makes the tattoo more feminine and elegant. Considering how intimate the placement is, this tattoo will make a stunning reveal.

Eagle and sun

@bartektattoo

Similar to the sun, eagles can also be a symbol of strength and power. It also represents the wearer’s pursuit of freedom. Together, this back tattoo reflects the wearer’s untethered soul.

Flying to the sun

@justjoe_ink

With a half circle and a few simple lines, the tattooist creates a scene of birds flying away during sunset. The gradient of black and grey give the tattoo a sense of lightness, making it more natural and soft.

Geometric sun and moon rib tattoo

@heim__tattoo

In most sun and moon tattoos, the sun is either bigger or the same size as the moon. This rib tattoo, however, enlarges and puts the moon in the center of attention. As a result, it beautifully accentuates the femininity of the wearer.

Sunrise tattoo

@meduza_tattoo_sopot

To keep the design simple, the tattooist uses basic shapes and lines. But because of the highly contrasting black and white, this tattoo still stands out at first sight.

Lion and sun tattoo

@tattooist_jaeo

In astrology, Leo is represented by lions and is ruled by the sun. Therefore, this lion tattoo will be a perfect ink idea for Leo. Plus, the power it reflects also makes it a statement of ambition.

Witchy eye and sun

@melpzvc

The eye is sometimes referred to as the Evil Eye in tattoos. This is because it’s believed to be a symbol of a curse.

However, when turned into a decoration or talisman, the evil eye becomes a symbol of protection.

This tattoo combines the evil eye and the sun to magnify this positive symbolism. And the unique design makes it a witchy tattoo with charm.

Embracing the sun concept tattoo

@szalaimimi

The sun is a source of energy. By depicting the man embracing the sun, the tattooist encourages us to look at the bright side and find our power within ourselves.

Meaningful quote tattoo

@morika.ink

As we all know, the sun is a motivational symbol of strength and willpower. This one pushes the idea by adding a meaningful quote to it. It will be a reminder to find your voice and maximize your potential.

Neck and arm ornamental tattoo

@takeiteasyluv

Symbolic tattoos allow you to mix and match and create something unique. This beautiful tattoo extends from the neck all the way to the arm. The way it follows and highlights the body shape makes it an art.

Tropical island

@ghostyletattoo

If you love tropical islands, this travel tattoo will speak to you. The waves, the palm tree, and the sun all depict a relaxing moment on the beach. And it will make you itch for your next trip.

You are my sunshine

@tattoocute

The sun not only symbolizes energy and hope. It can also refer to something or someone you can’t live without. This quote tattoo takes this concept to pay tribute to someone special.

Creative sun tattoo ideas

So far, we’ve covered some of the best sun-related tattoo ideas. But if you are in search of something unique, the following creative sun tattoos are a must-read.

Clouds and sun shoulder tattoo

@dys.aura

This shoulder tattoo proves that you can change the entire style of a tattoo with a simple twist. By changing the clouds into exaggerating swirls, this tattoo takes on a new, whimsical look.

Water and sun tattoo

@second.pin

The sun is a great addition to water tattoos for a reason.

The colors of the sun and water are in contrast, giving balance to the design. And the sun rising above the sea also signifies the beginning of a new day, bringing hope and strength.

Abstract sun rib tattoo

@soniawang

You can create scenery with simple shapes and lines. And this one is a perfect demonstration. The round represents the sun, and the curves mirror the waves. Together, they make an abstract seascape rib tattoo that is low-key gorgeous.

Swallows and sun chest tattoo

@its_banzo

In bird tattoos, swallows often represent transitions and life cycles. This tattoo incorporates two swallows, two moons, and a radiating sun in the middle, creating symmetry. It also reflects the wearer’s positive attitude towards life changes.

Splash of ink sleeve tattoo

@heyheiheii

What looks like a bold sun tattoo has a lot of thoughts embedded in it. The sun’s rays are thicker at the end, creating an ink-splashing effect and capturing the viewers’ attention.

Flowers and sun collarbone tattoo

@edgy_aung

Choosing a horizontal design for a collarbone tattoo is always a good idea. In this tattoo, the flying petals draw people’s attention to the sun. And the entire design complements the shape of the collarbone elegantly.

Flames and sun

@second.pin

This cute tattoo is no doubt a hot one. But on top of the flames and rays, the tattooist adds blue clouds to balance the colors. And the result is beautiful.

Vintage sun hand tattoo

@gemil_grim

When you look at a tattoo, you have a glimpse of the wearer’s personality. This stunning vintage hand tattoo will belong to someone who has elegant aesthetics and is courageous enough to announce to the world.

Sunflower and sun tattoo

@rebelkumar148

Both sunflowers and the sun represent hope and energy. This tattoo combines them both and creates a simple yet empowering positivity tattoo.

Burning sun

@eunb.tt

From first sight, you can feel the heat coming from this tattoo. With different shades of red, the tattooist creates imagery that is burning on the skin.

Tribal sun shoulder tattoo

@corrieforeman

Unlike most dainty sun tattoos, this one uses solid black dots to form the shape of a sun. With its density, it also looks like a shoulder pad of armor, bringing strength and protection to the wearer.

Oriental landscape tattoo

@inkflow_franky

Most oriental tattoos are framed in a stripe or a rectangle. This arm tattoo, however, removes the frame and uses the skin tone as a base color. The twist helps the elements to pop out in a natural way.

The blue sun elbow tattoo

@rolypolyc

The sun as we know it is often portrayed as burning red. This elbow tattoo, however, replaces red with blue and purple. Instead of passion, this tattoo is more of a reflection of the wearer’s calming energy.

Which of these sun tattoos is your favorite?

Leave your thoughts in the comment down below!