Would you tattoo someone's name on you?

United States
June 5, 2009 2:44pm CST
When I was young I remember a conversation between some adult friends of mine. They were discussing the topic of getting someone's name tattooed on your body. One friend said she'd never do that, not even her child's name just because you never know what may happen. All relationships go sour, even those between parent and child. I have 3 tattoos, but none of them have any names on them. While I was getting my first 2 tats I went with a friend. Her first tat had the names of her 3 boys on it. She ended up having another boy a few years later, which mean she had to update the tat. Her 2nd tat had her boyfriend's name in it (they later broke up) and it also had the names of her nieces and nephews going around it. She had 2 sisters and 3 brothers, who were all still young, so she had to update that tat as well. I can understand getting your child's name tattooed on you, or perhaps a deceased loved one. I wouldn't go that route, but I can understand why someone would want to. Nieces and nephews, I think that's going to far. And getting a boyfriend's name is definitly too far! Do you have any names tattooed on you? Do you want to get a tattoo of someone's name?
9 people like this
42 responses
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
5 Jun 09
I don't know if I would get my husband's name tattooed on my person. I really don't think I would. Children's names I would definitely consider. I actually quite like Angelina Jolie's tattoo that has the date of birth for each child and the coordinates of their birth place (I think). I would never want something like that on me but I do like the idea. My husband wants to get our wedding date tattooed somewhere and I like that idea much more than a name; but still, it's awfully permanent!
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Jun 09
Does it feel weird to call him your husband now? I read the response... saw the avatar, and I admit it was weird to see you say "husband". Those are good ideas. It is permanent. Let me tell you. I have a horrible tattoo I got put on my arm when I was 18. It's not a name.. it's just a stupid little drawing that was not done by a professional. It's ugly and I hate it. I want to get it covered, but it's so big, so it will be difficult and expensive to cover.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Jun 09
My husband has a tribal band going around his bicep. He had it before I met him, but I like it a lot. It's simple, nice looking, and it can be covered whenever he wants it to be. How about you get your hubby to start there? That way, if he wants to continue it down the arm, he's got a starting point, but maybe once it's there he'll realize that's good enough!
1 person likes this
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
5 Jun 09
LOL, it's funny that you said that because when I was typing it I was thinking the same thing - 'man, that feels weird!'. Weird in a really great way though! He is always coming up with different things he thinks he wants a tattoo of and thankfully none of them have ever made the cut. Plus if it's really ugly or stupid I just plain won't let him get it done! He actually says that he wants full sleeves or half sleeves and I just cannot support that. I find it so icky and dirty looking I cannot imagine having to live with that on my HUSBAND (lol)!
1 person likes this
@amylan (187)
• France
5 Jun 09
This is really interesting as that's what I am planning to do myself. The only tattoo I want to get is the name of the one I love. I've heard lots of stories of cleanning up the tattoo of 'ex' after breaking up but that's not my case. This tattoo is just my way of memorizing this love that could never be, as I have no relationship with that guy and I'd like to keep everything to myself (at least he would never turn into my 'ex'). Besides, I think that tattoo is not something like makeups. Its meaning is that its eternity upon one's body, just like nobody can rewrite his history, no matter what have happened or how it would end up.
• United States
5 Jun 09
I think you should take some time to think about it more. When you're older you might regret it. I know I've felt like that about guys I was never in a relationship with, but I wanted to be. If I had them tattoo'd on me now, I'd feel silly.
@amylan (187)
• France
5 Jun 09
Thanks:-) Usually people say that time will fix everything, but that never works for me, 'cause I possess almost photographic memories and extradinarily detailed sensations so I don't see any chance to forget him, or forget my own feelings. The tattoo is just a souvenir of the special time in my life. I know that he should be the one I always love, the spiritual love, and the actual relationship even doesn't matter to me. Of course there's probability that I regret, thus the tattoo could be a good reminder of the lessons I draw from life.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Jun 09
If you want a souvenir, get a necklace with his name on it. That way when you get married in the future you can take the necklace off and put it away. Your husband will probably not appreciate you tattooing another man's name on your body when you're not even with him!
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
5 Jun 09
I don't have any names on me. I don't have any tattoos on me. I could see getting your kids names tattooed on you, even if you have more kids you can have them added. I think that no matter what, even if you have a falling out with your child you still love them so it wouldn't matter if their name was on you. I would never get a boyfriend or even husband tattooed on your body. With the divorce rate being what it is today, it just doesn't make sense. Everyone wants to think they will be together forever but it just doesn't happen that way. Nieces and nephews is going too far unless maybe you don't have any kids of your own and you don't plan on ever having kids of your own.
1 person likes this
@amanda08 (647)
• United States
5 Jun 09
I do not mind tattoos on other people by any means ( even my beau has a couple) but I personally would not ever get a tattoo.... but I have seen the same things happen with friends they tattooed a man's name on themselves like a brand then broke up weeks later. I know my beau is wanting to get a portait of our son tattoed somewhere.... like I said, I dont mind when other people get them, but personally I would not.
1 person likes this
@lanlan011 (701)
• United States
5 Jun 09
No I wouldn't. If I did it would be of family only. Because they will always be family no matter what. But with friends you might be friends with them one day then the next day you're not talking. With boyfriends, OH NO! you might break up the next day. I read something in a magazine that says instead of getting a tattoo of a boyfriend's name get something that reminds you of him. Such as roses or butterflies that way if you break up you don't have to see the name Michael on your arm everyday. I don't think I would ever get a tattoo because I am so indecisive. One day I might like the daisy on my ankle and the next day I would be wishing I got the butterfly instead. Im more into piercings anyway because I can easily take them out if I don't like them.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Jun 09
You still have the hole forever though!
• United States
6 Jun 09
I have about 15 tattoos and have been getting ink since I was 18 (I'm 33 now). No names. I almost got my wife's name tattooed around my ring finger a few years ago having thought we'd be together forever. We split up about 3 years ago. I was lucky I never did that as it would be a real hassle to try to explain that to a new potential mate, lover, girlfriend.
• United States
6 Jun 09
Having a tattoo around a ring finger sounds like a really romantic idea!
• United States
6 Jun 09
I think it would work for my husband and I. We've been married 6 years and have 5 children. Even if we divorce tomorrow, there will still always be history between us, no one else can take that away.
• United States
6 Jun 09
Yeah, it is...in theory. But look what happened:)I guess I'm not against it if the feeling was right though.
@Ithink (9980)
• United States
6 Jun 09
I have a tattoo of a moon and sun and under it I decided to put my husbands name in a banner. So I guess my answer is not only yes but I have done it! We have been together 27 years and married 25 and no matter what would happen he is the love of my life.
• United States
6 Jun 09
You know, I can understand husbands too, in a way. If I were the type of person to do it, I would tattoo my husband's name. We've been married 6 years, we're still in love, I don't see us breaking up ever, and he's the father of my children. Even if we did break up, he's a huge part of my life who will never totally leave my heart.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
5 Jun 09
I'm kind of leaning towards h*ll no. I might, maybe, possibly one day in my life go and get a small, conservative tattoo in a place that's not too noticeable, but I don't see myself tattooing a name. Unless Paul McCartney sends me all his money, that is...
• United States
5 Jun 09
Aw heck, someone gave me enough money, and I'd tattoo their name across my forehead!! (granted I'd reserve enough money to have it removed later on if I chose to)
@SuzyLong (775)
26 Jul 09
I have my parents' initals in one of my tattoos and then have my nan, brother and sister's names but I'll never get anyone other than family names in tattoos. I'm getting my nephew's name done in my next tattoo as I love him very much and we are very close. Even though I'm getting married in March, I'd never get my fiancee's name in a tattoo. I don't get bands in tattoos either, I have thought about it in the past but then years later I have gone off the band so I'm glad I never had them done. One day when I have children, I will have their names done but I haven't had any yet.
• United States
28 Jul 09
No way! Never ever ever!!! I have tats but no names! That's not the right place for that!
• Philippines
1 Nov 09
I prefer having a tattoo of an image I like.some people tattoo their partner's name on their body.it will create conflict when they break up.I would rather get a yin and yang symbol and the symbol of Libra.I will not get tired of it.
@Glow1971 (354)
• Spain
17 Jun 09
I have no problem with anyone getting a tattoo but only of their children or mother and fathers name, that's all. I hope people think twice before putting the names of their boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband. You absolutely never know if you will be with that person for the rest of your life. As for getting a tatto with your child's name, no matter what happens, that is your baby, you gave birth to them. As for parents names, well they gave birth to you and without them who knows where you would be right now. Any other names, i truly don't recommend. It's expensive and painful enough to get a tattoo and everyone should really consider the amount of money it would cost them to actually remove and or replace it with some other design. Tattoos are nice, just make a wise decision.
• United States
17 Jun 09
I have no problem with anyone getting a tattoo but only of their children or mother and fathers name, that's all. It's their body, why should it matter to you what they have tattoos of? They're the ones who will have to live with it their whole lives!
• United States
27 Jul 09
i have all four of my childrens names on me, and my nickname, and my now ex-husbands name, and my five best friends names. so yeah i have no problem with getting names tattoed on my skin,
@guardno (77)
• United States
30 Jul 09
Maybe
@Sir_bobby88 (8231)
• Singapore
12 Jul 09
Seriously i won't ever tattoo , that is because i loved myself too much yea , i won't want it to get hurt
• Philippines
17 Jun 09
I don't have any tattoos on my body. I have a friend who has tattoos of the names of his 3 children on different parts of his body. I know one girl, who tattooed her butt with "Property of Charles M*****n" which is the name of her husband. If ever I will have a tattoo, it will be my own name and nobody else. It would be a great identification for myself if I am not carrying any identifications if I get caught up in an accident. I don't like my bf's name as I had so many failed relationships in the past and I don't know who will be the right guy for me.
@Galena (9110)
12 Jul 09
no, I wouldn't go for a name, even childrens names. I just don't like the look of tattoos with names in them. if you're having a tattoo to honour someone, much better to choose an image to represent them, rather than just a name. the meaning is the same, but it looks nicer. and it's more personal. even with these sort of tattoos, there is the risk that things will go wrong, and you'll always carry that mark. but tattoos tell a story of your life. it shows how much that person touched your life. but at least when it's not a name, if it does go wrong, only you need know what that tattoo is about.
@hairypits (294)
6 Jun 09
My hubby and I are heavily into the tatto scene and have 7 BIG pieces between us, he's got the kids names on his upper arm on the inside and the kids portaits as part of a big backpiece but I wouldn't have names. My sister had the most beautiful looking tat on her lower of her boyfriends initials whilst they were on a 12 month break in Australia then he dumped her and flew home 12 days later - she's now had a cover up but still.
• United States
12 Jul 09
I would never do any sort of names on my body unless it was my childs names. I only have one tattoo and it is a small red eyed tree frog on my right ankle. I don't hate tattoos but at the same time I am not that big of a fan of tattoos. I made sure when I got mine I got a small one in a decent place. I am not quite sure why people tattoo each others name on their bodies, how many times do they have to be told that it is permanent? You never know what will happen in a relationship so why tattoo their name on your body? My husband has an ex girlfriends name on his arm, it is smaller but still noticeable. We have been together for over ten years so it doesn't really bother me but I just think it is foolish and even though we have been together that long he is stuck with her name on his arm. I just think it is a bad idea.
• United States
11 Jul 09
I personaly would get someone's name tattood on me.Depending on who that person is such as Family members that have passed and my sons name.Which I plan on getting soon I am getting his name on my forearm. As far as a boyfriend or husbands name?? No way I would never do that.