Here is a list of the most common tattoo designs and their meanings

Anchors

They are the synonymy for the everlasting
sailors love.

Angels

In the beginning of this century the angel
symbolized hope.

Bars

Bars showed, in the beginning of this century, the
days a criminal had to serve in prison. Similar to dots

Cats

This animal symbolizes the extremes of our own
nature. Warmth and sense of family on one hand and untamed
nature on the other.

Children

A symbol for for innocence and low-brow joy.

Dots

In the beginning of this century dots showed, similar
to bars, the days a criminal had to serve in prison.

Fishes

As a traditional motive the fish in its for
symbolizes Health and happiness. In contrast the japanese
Koi which stand for strength, courage and endurance.

Fists

They symbolize the thirst for revenge.

Hands

Two devoured hands signalize friendship. Two
devoured hands with a rising sun mean everlasting love.

Horror & Death

In the beginning of tattooing horror
and death motives were rather rare. Only the soldiers of the world
wars who were confronted with dead on a daily basis had them
tattooed, maybe even to protect themselves from death. The 70’s
were the high times of bikers and their harley davidsons. Time of
crushing heavy metal, brawl rock music and ingenious horror movies
like Halloween or Friday the 13th. An inspiring and never ending
resource for tattoo fans of devils, witches, skeletons, zombies and
grinning skulls who told us the end of the world had come. Today,
since death surrounds us all the time and life becomes more
difficult every day those motives symbolize a fear of the
future.

Kiyo Hime

As it was told in a japanese legend Kiyo Hime
fell in love with a monk who regularly came into her fathers
harborage. Since the monk could not return her love she turned into
a Hanney demon and killed the monk. She is one of the most popular
tattoo motives in japan.

Kois – Japanese Karps

Based on the motives of the
firefighters of Edo, who were mostly associated with water,
developed the red and orange karp which jumps or swims up a
waterfall. He symbolizes strength, courage and endurance and
as a phallic symbol he stands for virility.

Lions

This animal symbolizes bravery and strength.

Palm Trees

One of the first tattoo motives the sailors
decorated their skin with after the discovery of Tahiti was the
palm Tree. It should remind the seamen of their “sweet” journey
to the southern seas.

Pin Ups

Together with the palm tree, the pin up, a sexy,
topless blond with a pout is one of the first modern tattoo
motives. The girl reminded the seamen of their journey to the
southern seas where they devoted themselves to the seductive women.

Roses

The rose symbolizes a life full of thorns.

Skulls

This motive symbolizes the modern fear of the
future, the fear of the unknown.

Snakes

Accordingly to the biblical history, the snake
symbolizes the sin. In the japanese tattoo tradition the
snake also embodies a negative character.

Suns

The sun gives warmth, comfort and light and is a live
spending element. It rises and sets constantly therefore
symbolizing a new beginning. It also stands for justice
and equality since it shines for all people in the same way.

Tigers

This animal symbolizes boldness and
savageness. In Japan, the kingly and powerful tiger like the
Koi and the dragon a symbol of power.

source: http://tattoojoy.com/tattoo_articles/tattoo_motives_and_their_meanings.htm