Let’s just say it—cousins are the underrated MVPs of the family tree.
They’re your first best friends, your childhood partners-in-crime, your holiday therapy sessions, and sometimes the only reason you survive family reunions without flipping a table.
So it makes total sense if you’re considering getting matching or complementary tattoos for cousins. It’s not just ink—it’s a tribute to a lifetime of laughter, secrets, chaos, and unconditional support.
Whether you’re blood-related or just spiritually linked, this article will walk you through ideas that are meaningful, fun, and, yes, cool enough to post on Instagram without a cheesy caption (unless that’s your thing—no judgment 😊).
💡 Why Get Tattoos for Cousins?
I’ll be honest—people don’t talk about cousin relationships enough. Everyone’s out here getting tattoos for their siblings, partners, pets, and even favorite snacks (looking at you, taco tattoo lovers), but cousins? They deserve some love, too.
Why cousin tattoos make sense:
- They celebrate a unique relationship that’s part family, part bestie.
- You share a lifetime of memories, from playing hide and seek to growing up side by side.
- It’s a way to honor someone you chose to stay close to, even after the family holidays ended.
- Let’s be real—it gives you a great excuse to plan a cousin tattoo date and eat snacks after. Priorities. 😌
Ever noticed how cousins somehow just get you without needing to explain a thing? That’s exactly why this kind of ink hits differently.
✨ Matching Tattoos for Cousins
Matching cousin tattoos are the classic go-to—and for good reason. They show unity, love, and a shared history without needing too many words.
1. Infinity Symbols
Simple, timeless, and always a winner.
Design options:
- Classic infinity sign with a small heart or anchor
- Infinity wrapped around your birth years or initials
- Add the word “cousins” in script inside the loop
Perfect placement: Wrist, ankle, collarbone
2. Coordinated Quotes
Split the quote between you, or each get the full line. Bonus if it’s something you’ve said to each other a thousand times.
Ideas:
- “Through thick…” / “…and thin”
- “Partners in crime” (yes, even if you’re now boring adults)
- “Family by blood, friends by choice”
3. Symbolic Icons
Minimalist tattoos can pack a punch. Choose an icon that represents your bond.
Popular cousin pairings:
- Sun and moon
- Puzzle pieces
- Tiny hearts or stars
- Birth flowers
IMO, matching doesn’t mean identical. Choose designs that reflect your personalities but still tie you together.
🎨 Unique Tattoo Ideas That Celebrate Cousins
If matching isn’t your vibe, no worries. Go for individual tattoos that tell your story your way.
1. Birth Year Tattoos
Tattoo your birth year in Roman numerals, classic typewriter font, or even in each other’s handwriting. Subtle? Yes. Meaningful? Absolutely.
2. Coordinates of a Shared Place
Remember that place you always met up? Your grandma’s house? The camp you both hated but now laugh about? Tattoo the coordinates and lock that memory in.
Pro tip: You can stylize the numbers to blend with a compass or map design for extra flair.
3. Matching Animals or Mythical Creatures
Animal tattoos can say a lot about your connection.
Examples:
- Wolves (loyalty and family)
- Owls (wisdom and deep convos at 2 a.m.)
- Phoenixes (if you’ve been through fire together)
- Unicorns (because yes, you’re both rare and magical 😂)
Style it your way: Watercolor, line art, or even cartoon-style depending on the vibe.
💬 Tattoos Inspired by Inside Jokes
Let’s be honest: cousins have some of the weirdest inside jokes that no one else on Earth would understand. That’s exactly why these tattoos are so good.
1. Random Words or Phrases
Whether it’s “YogurtGate 2007” or “Snail Squad,” if it makes you both laugh every time, it deserves a spot on your skin.
2. Cartoon Characters or Childhood References
Did you bond over SpongeBob? Scooby-Doo? Dragon Ball Z?
Get:
- A shared character (each one gets one half of a duo)
- A stylized quote from your favorite episode
- Something silly like the ice cream truck emoji (hey, if it means something, it means something)
FYI: Don’t overthink it. The more random and “you” it is, the more perfect it becomes.
🧭 Spiritual & Sentimental Cousin Tattoo Ideas
If you lean more sentimental (or just want to make your cousin cry happy tears), these ideas bring the emotional punch.
1. Moon Phases or Celestial Designs
You’ve been there through each other’s phases—why not show it?
Design tips:
- Moon phases circling your wrist
- A shooting star or planet with initials
- Zodiac constellations (especially cool if you’re astrology nerds)
2. Tree of Life or Family Tree Branch
If you want to nod to your family roots, this one hits home.
Variations:
- A simple branch with two leaves
- The tree trunk with two initials carved in
- Matching tree roots with meaningful dates underneath
📍Where to Place Cousin Tattoos
Placement matters. Not just for the design, but for how often you want to see it, show it off, or keep it more low-key.
Best Spots for Cousin Tattoos:
- Wrist or forearm: Visible and perfect for quotes or symbols
- Ankle: Cute, subtle, and low-maintenance
- Shoulder blade: Great for medium-sized, meaningful tattoos
- Collarbone or ribcage: For designs with deep emotional value
- Back of the neck or ear: If you want it secret but stylish
FYI: If you both get the same tattoo, placing it on the same body part adds extra visual symmetry. Kinda cool, right?
🤝 Cousin Tattoo Planning Tips
Before you grab your cousin and run to the tattoo studio, hit pause for a sec. Let’s keep it smooth and stress-free.
Tips to Make It Memorable (In a Good Way):
- Talk about it first—don’t spring this idea during Thanksgiving dinner
- Sketch out your designs together or collaborate with a tattoo artist
- Decide on size and placement together (trust me, don’t wait until you’re both in the chair)
- Make a day of it—snacks, selfies, post-ink coffee (or margaritas 😉)
Getting a cousin tattoo should feel like an experience, not just an appointment.
✅ Tattoo Ideas for Cousins – Quick Checklist
Still deciding? Here’s a cheat sheet of ideas to spark your inspiration:
- Matching infinity symbols
- Birth years in Roman numerals
- Sun and moon combo
- Shared quote or phrase
- Coordinates of a childhood spot
- Puzzle pieces or yin-yang
- Favorite cartoon duo
- Family tree branches
- Tiny hearts, stars, or anchors
- Zodiac constellations or signs
Pick one, mix a few, or go rogue and create something totally your own. That’s the beauty of it—it’s yours.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Your Cousin, Your Ink, Your Story
At the end of the day, cousin tattoos aren’t about trends or aesthetics. They’re about honoring a bond that’s often stronger than people give it credit for. It’s the laughter, the loyalty, the shared secrets, and the silent looks across the room when your aunt starts drama again (you know the one 😬).
So if you’re thinking about getting inked with your cousin, do it. Celebrate your connection, your history, and your completely chaotic sibling-not-sibling relationship with something meaningful—and maybe a little ridiculous, too.
Because in the story of your life, cousins aren’t just side characters. They’re co-stars. And now? You’ve got the tattoo to prove it.
Have a cousin tattoo you love? Or an idea you’re still debating? Drop your story or design idea in the comments—I wanna hear it all. 🙂