Need some inspiration for your new demon tattoo? Look no further. There’s a demon tattoo design to fit every style from Japanese Yokai to mythical beasts and even little red devils for men who aren’t afraid to show their cheeky side.
Whether you’re looking to vanquish your inner demons or showcase your rebellious side, explore 30 demon tattoos and their meanings below to find the perfect one for you.
We’ll also look at some of the best placements for these designs to help you narrow down your search. That way, you can be sure you’re making the right choice based on factors like visibility, size, and physique. So, if you’re hell-bent on getting a demon tattoo, read on to learn more.
1. Demon Slayer Tattoo
Love anime? How about a demon slayer tattoo from the Japanese manga series Kimetsu no Yaiba? The main character Tanjiro is a skilled demon slayer out to avenge his parents’ deaths. He is portrayed as caring, dedicated, and loyal, so if you love the show and value these traits, this demon tattoo design could be ideal for you.
2. Japanese Demon Tattoo
Japanese demon tattoos come in various forms, all falling under the umbrella term of Yokai. Referring to any kind of spirit or demon, Yokai’s are usually grotesque, animal-like creatures with supernatural abilities that enable them to trick humans. This kind of demon tattoo can therefore symbolize the struggles you’ve overcome in life.
3. Aztec Demon Tattoo
Feared by the Aztecs, Tzitzimime or star demons were thought to dwell in the darkness of the underworld, waiting to destroy the world. Depicted as monstrous females with skeletal faces and necklaces of human hearts, they are largely linked to death and destruction. If you’re interested in age-old superstitions or Mesoamerican heritage, Aztec demon tattoos may be right up your street.
4. Demon Skull Tattoo
Typically featuring horns, fangs, and even glowing eyes, demon skull tattoos are ideal for men who love creepy body art. As well as their menacing aesthetic, skull designs can also hold deeper meanings. For example, highlighting the dark side of nature, the inevitable cycle of life, or even courage in the face of death.
5. Demon Face Tattoo
Designed to get a reaction or even incite fear in onlookers, demon face tattoos are highly expressive. Often male, they may feature angry grimaces to let people know not to test your patience or cunning smiles as a nod to your mischievous side. Either way, this bold demon tattoo idea can be used to express your darker side.
6. Simple Demon Tattoo
There are lots of options to choose from when it comes to simple demon tattoos, from simple outlines to dark silhouettes and abstract tribal styles. These understated designs are perfect for those who like clean black linework and minimal shading and color. Plus, they’re super quick to do so you won’t have to spend hours under the needle.
7. Demon Snake Tattoo
Snakes have long been associated with temptation. In the Bible, Satan transforms into a serpent to trick Eve into sin by encouraging her to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden against God’s will. As a result, demon snake tattoos may represent the Devil himself. In Chinese mythology, snake demons transform into beautiful but deadly women. Demon tattoo designs can therefore symbolize a battle with your vices to try and stay on the right path.
8. Angel and Demon Tattoo
As angels are associated with God and demons are linked to the Devil, angel tattoos with demons usually illustrate a clash between good and evil. In designs where the angel is fighting the demon, the imagery may signify your own battle with adversity. Alternatively, it could highlight a struggle to keep your faith in tough times or your willingness to fight for what’s right.
9. Oni Demon Tattoo
A form of Japanese Yokai, Onis are troll-like creatures with angry expressions, horns, and fangs. They are the villains of many Japanese myths and are seen as murderous tricksters. Japanese culture believes Oni masks are believed to keep evil spirits away by acting as a disguise, making these Oni demon tattoos a symbol of warning and protection.
10. Demon Nun Tattoo
Demon nun tattoos are haunting, disturbing, and full of shock value. Ideal for horror lovers, they subvert the image of a nun as a modest servant of God and instead link her to the Devil. Valak from the Conjuring franchise is a popular tattoo choice and can be used to reflect a dark sense of humor or an ambiguous view on religion.
11. Traditional Demon Tattoo
Featuring solid black linework, vivid colors, and ferocious facial expressions, traditional demon tattoos are a great example of this classic style. The demons in these pieces are often inked with snarling teeth and their tongues sticking out for extra attitude. Great for rebellious characters, you’ll struggle to find a bolder demon tattoo design than this.
12. Inner Demon Tattoo
We’re sure you’ve heard of “inner demons” before, but how can the concept be translated into a tattoo? Well, the best way is to depict a demon trying to escape your body by tearing through your skin. These cool inner demon tattoos are fun and can represent something that you’re trying to overcome in life or a hidden side of you that others don’t see.
13. Half Angel Half Demon Wing Tattoo
As we mentioned earlier, angels and demons symbolize the balance between good and bad. Creating half angel and half demon wing tattoos by combining one white feathery wing and one black bat-like wing, can therefore be seen as a visual representation of the duality of men. They can also signify an inner struggle to do the right thing when faced with a challenge.
14. Female Demon Tattoo
Female demon tattoos can either be monstrous or highly sexualized – like an alternative to the classic pin-up girl. The concept stems from folklore where a Succubus (female demon) would inhabit a woman’s body and seduce men in their dreams. Many female demons have horns, fangs, and wings, but also beautiful figures to highlight the risk of temptation.
15. Chinese Demon Tattoo
In Chinese folklore, Mogwai are evil demons that harm humans. In more modern cultures, they are believed to be spirits of the dead that have returned for revenge. However, Mogwai are perhaps most famous for their portrayal in the 80s movie Gremlins. As a result, many Chinese demon tattoos feature these mischievous creatures that enjoy wreaking havoc.
16. Demon Wolf Tattoo
As wolves are predatory animals, they are often associated with danger and destruction. They are the villains of fairy tales and the vicious killers of ancient proverbs. However, demon wolf tattoos take this ferocity up a notch. Depicting mythical creatures with black bodies, snarling teeth, and blank eyes, they’re perfect for strong and powerful men.
17. Demon Eye Tattoo
A feature of many evil fictional characters, demon eyes are actually a form of evil eye that ward off enemies. Red or yellow demon eye tattoos, in particular, can be interpreted as a symbol of protection for the wearer. Meanwhile, demon tattoo designs featuring blacked-out eyes are more of a horror trope linked to the idea of possession.
18. Demon Cat Tattoo
Black cats have been deemed bad omens for centuries. Throughout the Middle Ages, they were seen as messengers of the Devil and were associated with witchcraft. They later became a common element of Gothic imagery. Demon cat tattoos therefore often feature black cats with horns, pentagrams, and creepy eyes. Ideal for animal lovers with a dark side.
19. Cartoon Demon Tattoo
An alternative to some of the more graphic designs we’ve listed, cartoon demon tattoos are generally more playful. Building on comic book imagery of the 1950s, cartoon demons are typically bright red with pointy tails, horns, and a pitchfork. As a result, these fun demon tattoo ideas will suit men with cheeky personalities.
20. Small Demon Tattoo
Small demon tattoos are ideal for those who prefer more subtle body art. They can be positioned in a wide variety of placements such as the wrist, ankle, hand, or neck. They’re also suited to more private spots that are easily coverable for work. Due to their size, small demon tattoos tend to be either a demon’s face or a miniature demon design.
21. Anti-Demon Possession Tattoo
If you’re notoriously superstitious or a fan of the TV show Supernatural, this demon tattoo design is for you. Anti-demon possession tattoos feature a pentagram surrounded by a ring of flames. This iconic black linework design appeared on the chests of the show’s two main characters, protecting them against evil spirits and demonic possession.
22. Demon Mermaid Tattoo
Unlike many contemporary depictions, demon mermaid tattoos draw on darker, historical associations. In Greek mythology, sirens were a form of deadly mermaids that would tempt sailors to their deaths, giving them the nickname “devil fish”. Meanwhile, Christian churches depicted mermaids as vane and sinful creatures. Either way, mermaids can be seen as a form of demon and a creepy twist on traditional pin-up girls.
23. Demon Samurai Tattoo
Samurais were a noble military class of Japanese warriors that rose to power in the 12th century. They were known for their striking armor, skill, and bravery – willing to fight to the death and said to have no fear of the Devil. One ruthless samurai was even nicknamed the Red Demon. As such, demon samurai tattoos are a symbol of masculinity and fearlessness.
24. Flying Demon Tattoo
Linked to the idea of fallen angels, flying demon tattoos offer powerful imagery for larger-than-life characters. The demons in these designs usually take on a dominating stance, with raised bat-like, muscular wings, and ferocious expressions. Like any design featuring wings, this demon tattoo idea can symbolize an escape from limitations and the power to do more.
25. Wicked Demon Grim Reaper Tattoo
A prolific figure in folklore, the grim reaper is portrayed as a skeletal, cloaked figure that claims the souls of the dying and transports them to the afterlife. When it comes to wicked demon grim reaper tattoos, this creepy character can signify the inevitability of death and the courage to face it. This grim reaper tattoo design may also act as a reminder to live life to the full.
Best Demon Tattoo Placements
26. Demon Hand Tattoo
If you want to make a statement and showcase your fiery personality, demon hand tattoos may be a good option for you. This striking placement usually features just the snarling face of a demon, but parts of the design may extend onto the forearm or fingers too.
27. Demon Sleeve Tattoo
Demon sleeve tattoos are very masculine and allow space for a variety of devilish designs. You can choose to tell a story through a unified theme or opt for a more abstract patchwork sleeve. Choose a full color for an eye-catching look or black and grey ink for simplicity.
28. Demon Back Tattoo
Usually reserved for larger pieces, demon back tattoos are common among men as they allow room for lots of detail. Winged demons are a great choice for this placement, the wings can span your shoulder blades, though smaller upper back designs are also popular.
29. Demon Neck Tattoo
If you’re known for being rebellious, demon neck tattoos are the ultimate act of defiance. Bold, controversial, and highly visible, this placement is perfect for those who aren’t afraid to take risks. Choose either the throat or the side or back of your neck to suit your style.
30. Demon Chest Tattoo
Ideal for confident men with great physiques, demon chest tattoos are badass. Opt for a design on one side and potentially connect it to your sleeve. Or go all out with a full chest piece if you’re brave enough. An angel and demon facing off on either side would make for a pretty dramatic demon tattoo design in this placement.
Demon Tattoo FAQ:
What is the meaning of a Japanese demon tattoo?
Japanese demon tattoos come in various forms, all falling under the umbrella term of Yokai. Referring to any kind of spirit or demon, Yokai’s are usually grotesque, animal-like creatures with supernatural abilities that enable them to trick humans. This kind of demon tattoo can therefore symbolize the struggles you’ve overcome in life.
What does a demon tattoo mean?
Demon tattoos have a variety of different meanings, ranging from your own hidden personality hiding beneath the surface to an interest in the supernatural. They generally have dark or evil connotations and are associated with the occult and the Devil, making them ideal for rebels.
What does an oni demon tattoo mean?
A form of Japanese Yokai, Onis are troll-like creatures with angry expressions, horns, and fangs. They are the villains of many Japanese myths and are seen as murderous tricksters. Japanese culture believes Oni masks are believed to keep evil spirits away by acting as a disguise, making these Oni demon tattoos a symbol of warning and protection.
What does an angel and demon tattoo symbolize?
As angels are associated with God and demons are linked to the Devil, angel tattoos with demons usually illustrate a clash between good and evil. In designs where the angel is fighting the demon, the imagery may signify your own battle with adversity. Alternatively, it could highlight a struggle to keep your faith in tough times or your willingness to fight for what’s right.
