Tattoos are by no means a new fad; in fact, they have been adorning our bodies for thousands of years - their earliest evidence appearing 5,200 years ago. They were present in 2000 BC on females in ancient Egypt, and they are ever present today. One study shows that a whopping 38% of people aged 18-29 have at least one tattoo- and that number is only growing.
Tattoos are deeply personal; people get them for a plethora of reasons: to mark an important event or overcoming a particular struggle, to honor a loved one, or to express one's individuality or life philosophy. While the range of designs are endless, there are a number of styles that remain popular for their meaning and aesthetic. See below for some recurring designs and the meanings behind the ink: