A main category of tattoo ideas involves memorial tattoos. These can be anything from a portrait of a loved one to scripted advice from a passed family member. Names, initials or important dates can also be represented or added to any memorial tattoo to make it more personal. The style of the tattoo will dictate the amount of skin it requires to display adequately, but keep in mind, portraits and elaborate fonts can have much detail and may require more space than others.
It is always good to get a tattoo honoring something that will never change, such as your nationality. This can be your direct nationality or that of past descendants who migrated to the country you now call home. A flag or symbol of a particular nation can represent a portion of your heritage, or you can choose to combine the different nationalities you may have, such as a shamrock filled in with the colors of the Italian flag if you happen to be of Italian and Irish descent.
For many people, religion is the most important aspect of their lives. To represent this fact, choose to tattoo a symbol of your particular faith, whether it be a Star of David or crucifix, Hindu Om or Muslim crescent moon. Keep in mind, you do not need to be a practicing member of a faith to agree with certain teachings and aspects of that faith; for example, you can get a Buddha tattoo even if you are not a practicing Buddhist.
Though it is important all tattoos be significant and meaningful, they don't always have to be as deep and serious as a religion or deceased loved one. A comical tattoo may actually suit some personalities better than a serous one, such as a cartoon character from your childhood or the word "unoriginal" written in tribal letters around your bicep. In the end, only you can be the judge of what is appropriate and what is not.