Demi Lovato’s tattoos & their meanings

Demi Lovato has more than two dozen tattoos and counting. The singer, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, got their first tattoo when they were just 16 years old, and at this rate, Demi is likely to continue getting new ones for many more years. All of Demi's tattoos are very meaningful to them—as tattoos should be—and seem to document things that they find important or important moments in their life.

More from MamásLatinas: Gorgeous tattoos that show off Latina pride

Demi is young, talented, famous, and beautiful, but their life has not been easy. They've dealt with bulimia, loss, heartbreak, and drug addiction that led to a near fatal overdose. Demi's body art is a testament to many of the challenges they have been through, and the tattoos act as a reminder of just how strong Demi is and how much they have overcome.

We've gathered photos of many of Demi's tattoos, and we're sharing the story behind each one of them. We have a feeling we will keep adding to this gallery, because Demi will no doubt keep growing their collection of tattoos.

Demi's new head tattoo is very special.

Demi debuted a brand-new head tattoo in January 2022, and it honestly shocked fans. It's a huge and quite impressive-looking tattoo of a spider. Although it seems like an offbeat choice, Demi actually revealed that the tat has a lot of significance. It was inspired by the Cherokee story "Grandmother Spider Brings the Light," which reads, "It was the Grandmother Spider who taught us many things. She taught us about pottery and weaving. She taught us about fire and light and dark. She taught us that we are all connected on the web—each one of us having our place in this world." Interestingly, Demi got their new ink after completing yet another stint in rehab at the end of 2021.

It's all about love.

In August 2021, Demi got a tattoo dedicated to love, which covers most of their left hand. Demi had the lyrics of Infinite Universe's song "Beautiful Chorus"—"Love Will Live Forever in the Infinite Universe"—tattooed on the back of their hand surrounded by stars and planets.

Their back tattoo symbolizes their 'spiritual awakening.'

Early in 2020, Demi revealed a large back tattoo of a fallen angel being lifted up by three doves that symbolize the Holy Trinity. They described it as symbolizing a "spiritual awakening" and said the angel's inner light is being guided by a "higher consciousness."

'Baby you're free.'

Back in 2020, Demi revealed a third neck tattoo. It's a gorgeous black butterfly. It's not tiny, either; it takes up most of the space on that side of their neck. Demi revealed the tat on Instagram, captioning the photo, "Dear little me, I'm sorry that it took so long but baby your free."

They are a survivor.

phcnas6s081-1.jpg
Dr Woo/Instagram

The artist behind Demi's "survivor" tattoo posted this picture on December 17, 2019, and wrote: "On a real one ." It's true that the singer and actor is a survivor. In 2018, they survived a near-fatal drug overdose.

A T for their friend Tommy.

phfwtimhkw1-1.jpg
Demi Lovato/Instagram

When Demi's friend Thomas Trussell III died suddenly at the age of 31, they got a tattoo in his honor. "A T for Tommy. RIP you special angel. Love you forever @sirtruss  thank you for the ink @rafael_valdez.. it’s beautiful and I’m so grateful for this If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please do not hesitate to ask for help. Please call 877.921.9653," Demi wrote when posting this picture.

A reminder to put themself first and a smiley face.

ph0bjor0g01-1.jpg
Demi Lovato/Instagram

"Me first thank you @winterstone for my new forever reminder.. #i me," Demi wrote when sharing this tattoo on Instagram. Demi got the smiley face one when dating UFC fighter Luke Rockhold. He also has a smiley face tattoo on his pinky.

A rendition of their 'Mimaw' on their forearm.

phf762ny801-1.jpg
Demi Lovato/Instagram

"This is for you Mimaw. You at 26 on my arm while I’m 26, and forever. I love you more. ❤️ Thank you @_dr_woo_ for making her come back to life for me.. it’s stunning and the most meaningful tattoo I have ever gotten. ," Demi shared on May 16, 2019.

Demi has several finger tattoos.

ph2wzgpzwg1-1.jpg
Demi Lovato/Instagram

Demi likes to get ink on the inside of their fingers, where it's not always visible. They've got this one of a single rose, another one that reads the word "peace" on it, and one that says "rock and roll."

Their father's favorite number in Roman numerals.

phnkk2ieko1-1.jpg
Demi Lovato/Instagram

Demi wasn't all that close to their father, who died in 2013, but when he passed away they wanted to get something to commemorate his life. They decided on getting his favorite number, which was 3, in Roman numerals.

A very noticeable lion tattoo.

phhrvohag41-1.jpg
Bang Bang Tattoo/Instagram

On April 25, 2017, the tattoo artist Bang Bang, who is responsible for Demi's lion tattoo, wrote on Instagram: "@ddlovato sometimes the canvas makes the art 😉 Thank you for your trust." Demi is a Leo, hence the lion.

The words 'stay' and 'strong' on their wrists.

ph3u4x0a8s1-1.jpg
Getty Images

Demi has gone through a lot of ups and downs in their life, so those two words—"Stay Strong"—are a reminder to stay on track. Demi got those after successfully completing rehab in 2011.

A warrior with a warrior tattoo on their back.

phfa3u3f481-1.jpg
Getty Images

Demi got the lyrics "now I'm a warrior" from their own song "Warrior," which came out in 2013, tattooed on their back. This piece was also done by famous tattoo artist Bang Bang the same year the song was released.

A reminder to let go and let God.

phi179dyos1-1.jpg
Getty Images

Demi's left foot reads "Let go" and right foot reads "Let God." All Demi has to do when they feel like they're spinning out of control is look down at their feet for a reminder of how to stay grounded.

Dreamcatcher with some of their other tattoos.

phkhhri8001-1.jpg
Demi Lovato/Snapchat

Demi got the words "You make me beautiful" tattooed on their ribcage in 2008 and then added two feathers below the quote later. In 2016, Demi went to Bang Bang and got a huge dreamcatcher tattoo that ties everything together.

Two roses to cover up two lips.

phmtxqc1gc1-1.jpg
Demi Lovato/Instagram

Demi used to have a kiss mark on their wrist but got it covered up with a rose tattoo. Demi liked the rose tattoo so much they later added another rose that overlaps to go with the first one. It's such a classic tat.

Demi got this one after their dog was killed.

phg8nhjwo41-1.png
Demi Lovato/Instagram

Demi's dog Buddy was attacked by a coyote in their backyard in back in 2015. They got a "Buddy was here" tattoo in the pup's honor. Then in 2019, Demi added a really detailed portrait of Buddy above the words.

They got a matching 'faith' tattoo with a friend.

ph1sjj8doo1-1.jpg
Splash News

Demi and good friend Lauren Martin, whom Demi met while in treatment, got matching "faith" tattoos. The two friends got the tattoos as a way to commemorate completing their rehab treatment at the time. Demi's tats are like sticky note reminders to themself.

The flock of 12 birds on their arm.

phgnp81l8o1-1.jpg
Splash News

When Demi got the flock of 12 birds on their arm, they chose the number randomly. Now they've said they feel it signifies the 12-step program for addiction that has helped them stay sober and survive.