40 Tattoos That Outlived The Relationship And Needed To Be Re-Inked

James Loftus - October 19, 2021

Tattoos hold a special meaning for many individuals. They serve as a way to etch memories, dates, inspiring words, beloved pets, and various other sentiments onto one’s skin. Occasionally, they also carry religious or spiritual significance. Among the most popular choices for tattoos, names, especially those of significant others, stand out prominently. Since the time social media got popular, and people really started to share their regrets, it’s been evident to some of us; don’t EVER get someone’s face or name tattooed on your body. Emotions and relationships have the potential to sour unexpectedly, and if you value the appearance of your body, you might find yourself regretting a tattoo. Despite this important advice, it doesn’t deter many passionate people from getting inked. Here are 40 people who got their lover’s names inked on them and then had to get them covered when the love faded into more hostile emotions.

The Sad Owl

Laura, Laura, Laura, you undeniably shattered the heart of an absolute sweetheart, as they opted to conceal your name beneath an owl inked on their skin, an owl that looks like it’s about to cry. Hopefully, though, the bird has no idea about the origin of his existence.

But we’re glad that Laura’s ex decided to move on and give this owl a chance. May they look upon their wrist each morning, wishing that the regret of their owl tattoo doesn’t weigh as heavy as the permanent ink of their past lover’s name, which they regrettably inked upon their skin.

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WOW

We don’t harbor any sympathy for whoever Damla may be, for their car tattoo is undeniably impressive! Just observe the masterful shading in the smoky trails trailing behind the car, truly a work of art! We only support this kind of smoke if it’s on a tattoo and not in real life but WOW! More like WOW, Damla, you really let a cool person get out of your hands.

Can you believe it? We’re absolutely thrilled to see the tattooed individual embracing their true self and enjoying a fulfilling life. And who knows, they might even be cruising around in a stunning car that matches their unique beauty!

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Disney

Either we don’t know how to read anymore, or that font is the classic Disney font. Either way, help us figure out whether that name is Coralie, Eoralie, or Goralie. Unbelievable! It’s disheartening to hear that someone lost a significant person in their life due to a forest silhouette tattoo.

It’s apparent that their partner had valid reasons for leaving if the only imaginative idea this person could come up with was to ink a collection of 2014 Tumblr aesthetic trees on their skin. This person tried to be creative, but no vengeance stands strong.

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Christ

Let’s be straightforward about this. If we were in that person’s situation, we would simply seek out another individual named Chris. After all, it’s a widely popular name, making it quite easy to find a replacement. However, any potential Chris’ on their first date would have run away.

Why? We mean, imagine going on a first date, and the other person comes to the date with your name tattooed on their ring finger, or anywhere. Wouldn’t they appear somewhat out of touch? Indeed, we had the same thought as well.

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Higher Level Art

We don’t know whether this is just us, but the cover tattoo just does not go with the aesthetic value that a name like Julie carries? However, maybe that is the point here. The cover tattoo is truly captivating, with a spiritual aura that could symbolize personal growth following a breakup.

On the contrary, Julie might not have been worthy of such a stunning cover-up. Maybe transforming her into a large, blue cloud would have sufficed. The blue is already there, and there is a simple and cute sun there as well!

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Cut

This person’s relationship with Summer is either intense, complicated or really funny. We’re making quite an effort to comprehend why Summer ended up with a pair of scissors as a tattoo. Could she have been a hairdresser or maybe a seamstress?

Nevertheless, this particular cover-up has become our favorite among the ones listed. The simplicity of a stick figure not caring at all where his black paint is falling and covering the name up shabbily is hilarious and more than like a great conversation starter.

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Batman

Looking at this photo, it seems like this person got Jessie’s name tattooed as a test, perhaps to gauge their pain tolerance with the sharp needle. After all, that name didn’t require such an extensive cover-up. But, we’ve got to say, this batman tattoo is fantastic!

From the details of the very first comic costume to the dark city of Gotham behind Batman is incredible. The Bat-signal illuminating the sky is the perfect finishing touch, adding an extra layer of awesomeness!

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Another

We’re here to tell you that if you’re dating someone named Chris, it’s easy to find another one since there are so many out there! However, if you’ve completely sworn off the name and instinctively run in the opposite direction when someone introduces themselves as Chris, then a cover-up might be necessary to move on.

Image courtesy of Pinterest/@chrispinelover

The baseball helmet is dope for sure, but we’re hoping it’s not a sport that the couple watched together, or worse, played together. That would just sting. We must admit, the shade of green really complements this person’s skin tone beautifully.

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Strategically Placed Bow

Do you think when Rihanna recorded her hit song Diamond, she was thinking of a person who was going to get their ex’s name — Isaac — first tattooed ON a diamond and then use it to cover it up? Well, she’s undeniably a trendsetter.

No matter what anyone says, the new diamond tattoo that covers up the name “Isaac” is unquestionably more attractive, radiant, and sparkling. Good on you, inked person, for moving on and realizing that no one can shine the way that a diamond does.

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Read

We can’t even tell what the name of the ex-lover was in that tattoo. The tattoo does appear quite messy! Let’s hope their relationship wasn’t as murky as this. However, judging by the cover-up tattoo, it seems our friend here had a challenging journey. But look at the turtle! And the corals! And the starfish! And the shark!

Image courtesy of Instagram/@seacreat0912

This is definitely a glow-up from the ill-placed heart tattoo with a name that’s barely readable. Look at the colors! This is a masterpiece.

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Robby

Robby’s likely filled with regret as he stands beneath the cascading water, tears streaming down his face, immersed in a melancholic playlist of early 2000’s rock tunes. This tattoo, whatever and whoever this is, is an upgrade that can’t help but move on and start a new journey.

Image courtesy of Reddit/Dudesheartbroke

However, let’s hope that this expression is not the result of another failed relationship or a new love interest gone wrong. Otherwise, it would be quite the daunting task to conceal this massive tattoo. Give us a second. We’re just going to talk to the lady in the tattoo and ask her about her skincare routine.

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Demon

You can put this out of your mind completely. The breakup was undoubtedly a positive one. The relationship was obviously so exhausting and demanding that the relief of breaking up caused this person to stamp on a demon face literally!

Well done, my friend, well done! Let’s hope you’ve learned your lesson about what not to permanently ink on your body ever again, and I genuinely hope you’ve discovered someone who loves you even with that intimidating tattoo. You truly deserve it.

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A Creepy Taylor

Is it just us, or does the cover-up tattoo look like Taylor Swift in a creepy Halloween get-up? If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift or familiar with her Redemption era, you’ll understand exactly what we’re referring to. This situation exudes tremendous glow-up energy.

It has come to a point where we don’t even feel the need to mention that initial tattoo. The reason we’re going for utmost respect mode here is the original was supposed to be a tattoo of the guy’s late mother, and it was botched so badly (twice), he got it covered up.

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Simpsons

This one had us bursting out with laughter! Mary, sweetie, you’ve definitely lost a person with a solid sense of humor. Regarding the individual with the tattoo, your taste is impeccable! It’s a choice we wouldn’t have even considered. Like you, we adore Marge and would give anything to have her as our partner.

That vibrant blue hair is truly mesmerizing! Also, kudos to your talented tattoo artist. The job is so clean and smooth, and it doesn’t look like a cover-up at all!

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Name

If you’ve ever played the game “Name Place Animal Thing,” you’re well aware that Anna, Lina, Jessica, Rosalie, and Laura have made frequent appearances in the name column. Heck, we’ve already had Laura on this list! How far will he go!

This might not be the best or ideal cover-up, but it’s for sure the funniest. It’s a sincere recognition of making mistakes, repeatedly and even more than that, until you discover the person who genuinely deserves to be permanently etched onto your skin.

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Kim

If you’re a fan of Keeping Up with the Kardashians and caught a glimpse of this tattoo on Kim and couldn’t help but let out a startled yelp, rest assured, you’re not the only one! The Kim before the break up is definitely not a badass who lives up to her name. The cover-up tattoo, though, is much more interesting.

While many perceive the character of Medusa as cursed or unattractive, we’re uncertain if the cover-up inadvertently bestows a compliment upon an otherwise average-looking Kim. Imagine being able to turn people to stone. Isn’t that a superpower?

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The Blooming Rose

Patrick definitely did not deserve those hands, and we’re glad the ex moved on to more beautiful things. The rose, on the other hand, appears as if it’s been plucked directly from Sleeping Beauty or another enchanting children’s tale. The tattoo artist’s skill is truly commendable.

So, if you happen to be Patrick’s ex, beware of the thorns, for they might as well be named Patrick or Chris! Happy blooming! We hope you’ve found someone else to hold hands with and someone who you haven’t tattooed on yourself yet!

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Frog

We can only hope that this frog resembles the ones from fairytales, cursed and yearning to be kissed, in order to undergo a transformation into the charming prince or princess they were always meant to be. But, we’ve got to comment on the color matches, don’t you think? Gene here’s to you.

Maybe you looked like a frog to your ex, which is what inspired this tattoo. Regardless, the positive aspect is that your ex still considers you adorable, and certainly not a demon or vampire like some others might. That’s definitely a comforting thought, isn’t it?

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Wrong

The red ink definitely makes it look like a teacher tried to cross it off your test, but as the tattooed person claims, “S@it happens.” While we genuinely hope Alex is doing well, we highly doubt they have encountered someone with as much passion.

However, the burning question for us tattoo novices is this: Can tattoo artists truly achieve such precise lines solely by referencing, or do some of them surreptitiously employ rulers? We’ll find out and get back to you, but we’re leaning towards the latter.

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Polo

This marks the third appearance of Lauren on our list, officially surpassing the number of Chrises we’ve encountered thus far! We’re not implying anything with this observation, as Lauren sounds absolutely delightful. But why so many painful break-ups? Ouch.

Image courtesy of Reddit/kapdecapitalism

We hope it’s not the same person! This might be one of the most classic and funny cover up tattoos on our list. Do you think the brand Ralph Lauren compensates this individual for their marketing efforts, or perhaps offers them a percentage of their sales in the location where this person resides? That would be a win!

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Beauty and the Beast

This particular situation is an unapologetic and intentional attempt to conceal the truth, leading to mixed emotions among us. On one hand, we find humor in the absurdity of it all, yet on the other hand, we can’t help but empathize with the ex involved. Imagine bumping into someone you were in a relationship with only to see that the tattoo they used to have of you has been transformed, not covered, into a devil! If we were in a similar situation, it would surely make us cry.

Image courtesy of Reddit/disbandcultclouns

However, we can’t deny the impressive attention to detail, like the fangs and horns, which enhance the bitterness of this separation. Our sincere wish is for both individuals to be in a good place emotionally, and that their paths have never intersected again.

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Cali

Perhaps it’s just our personal opinion, but Francesca strikes us as a delightful and uncommon name. The likelihood of both having a tattoo bearing this name and finding a romantic partner who shares the same name is less probable than anticipated. However, this cover-up does not get the job done. But this tattoo edit is hilarious! We just hope this person has been to San Francisco and doesn’t actually live there.

Image courtesy of Twitter/@sendmeulocationughDC

That scenario might elicit a sense of awkwardness, but surprisingly, the combination of two distinct fonts harmonizes quite nicely. It’s an unexpected pairing we never would have envisioned!

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Arrow

This evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of fifth-grade notes scribbled on desks, and we find it quite endearing! We don’t condone vandalism, of course, but the charming simplicity of this tattoo makes us blush with delight! In fact, it’s such a good cover-up that we don’t think it’s one at all! We do think a splash of color could lighten things up a bit for the part that says, ‘Your Name,’ like wax crayons!

However, if you’ve ever delved into the world of fan fiction, we can almost read your mind (yes or no)!

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Taylor Again

Do we sympathize with Taylor? Not entirely. Well, perhaps to some extent. When observing the “void,” its intense and vivid redness makes it almost seem like it’s screaming, “Stay away.” If our name was Taylor, we would cry upon seeing this.

Image courtesy of Reddit/stampedwdisgust

For those of you who might want to crack a joke on Taylor Swift because of her string of boyfriends she left heartbroken, we’re not in 2016 anymore. Taylor Swift has reached a point where she is untouchable, so it’s best to keep a respectful distance.

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Clumsy

For those familiar with the beloved sitcom “The Office,” it’s clear that Michael Scott would have undoubtedly found himself entangled in such situations with Jan and then Hollie. That man was so intense and so full of love. Be careful because this is a spoiler alert. We were so upset when he and Hollie broke up. But fear not, there is good news on the horizon! If you’re still following the show, hang in there!

However, we must admit that the tattoo is causing us a slight unease. It’s probably the mismatched fonts and the overall lack of cursive.

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Chloe

While this cover-up tattoo adheres to the familiar aesthetic of 2014 Tumblr with its forest and mountain silhouette, it may come across as unremarkable. Nevertheless, it does align with the vibes associated with the ex-lover’s name, capturing that particular energy. We’ve seen this before. It can’t be our imagination that’s painting a picture of Chloë.

Image courtesy of Pinterest/@baskarrotlu

Muddy blonde streaks, track pants, two pigtails, and two ice cream cones with sprinkles on top because our gal loves to eat. Nostalgic much? That’s what we thought! We’re certain she wasn’t a terrible person, but this cover-up tattoo serves as a powerful reflection of their relationship.

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Skull

With its devilish motifs, death notes, skulls, cloaks, and black-and-white palette, every element of this tattoo exudes an eerie vibe, including the face of the ex-lover. It serves as a clear and unmistakable lesson for everyone: it’s wiser to opt for other tattoos featuring pleasant flowers and landscapes instead!

Image courtesy of Reddit/cosplaydumbnot1991

Imagine loving someone so much enough to get their literal face inked on your body, only to have a tattoo artist transform it into a skeleton-looking dude who seems to be asking for everyone’s souls! That relationship must have taken a rapid turn for the worse.

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Hawk

We find ourselves genuinely concerned for this person’s well-being. Our thoughts revolve around the likelihood that this relationship ended on a sour note, especially considering the presence of the remarkably aggressive-looking eagle in the tattoo. But then again, this is just us reading into these photos and making an educated guess. Maybe the person just always wanted a hawk tattoo, and a space cleared up!

We’re really hoping that’s the reason. If we look at the bird tattoo intently for long enough, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish whether it represents a vulture, a hawk, or an eagle.

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Kayleigh Becomes Batman

Batman certainly seems to be a prevalent theme here, and we grasp its significance and relatability. After recovering from a breakup, many of us enter a period of self-reliance, symbolized by the “stag” mode, and Batman embodies the essence of that mood perfectly. Sure, he had Robin, but you know what we mean!

It’s not surprising that an upper back tattoo of the name Kayleigh didn’t work out in the long run, but something epic came out of it, for sure. Apologies for the confusion. We were referring to the substantial Batman tattoo itself, rather than the associated hurt and pain.

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Paint

If you have an inclination towards do-it-yourself projects, crafts, or painting, chances are you’re familiar with or have utilized one of these cylindrical rolling painting tools. They’re super easy to use and can create really funky and creative results if you’re careful. Yup, exactly like this tattoo cover-up job right here. Karla, you’ve definitely let go of a super cute AND creative person right here.

Image courtesy of Instagram@modelnipsnoops

We sincerely hope that this person finds everything they’re seeking in their next romantic interest, and we genuinely wish that the significance of this tattoo didn’t require any second thoughts or explanations.

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Nathan

We have to say this; We’re so glad to see the same font being used here for the cover-up design! Using different fonts in the same tattoo can be quite disorienting and easily noticeable. However, if you aim to create a subtle and amusing effect, this approach can be quite effective.

Ryan Wilson, you’re a super lucky person to have found someone so hilarious. We recommend that you adhere to your commitments and avoid giving others a reason to hide or remove your name in the future. Maintaining a sense of humor is a valuable trait that is not often found.

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Darwin

If the individual possessing the tattoo has the ability to read and intellectual skills, they would likely recognize that Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest would be a highly suitable approach for determining what to permanently ink on their body. That would most definitely not be the name of a guy or even Darwin himself.

That would most definitely not be the name of a guy or even Darwin himself. The cover-up tattoo is kind of boring, though, but that’s only because we’ve seen something similar on this list already, and it seems pretty standard. However, the colors are POPPING.

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Just Cross Out Their Name

We don’t know about you, but the words ‘Screw You’ look like they’ve been written by the character Betty Boop, if she ever wrote something, that is. All things considered, it appears that the amount of effort put into this tattoo is a bit excessive for someone named ‘Andy.’

Both fonts seem to luxurious, and deep down, we can’t help but feel that the intensity behind the phrase “screw you” was unjustified and undeserved by the person who loves Andy. We hope they’ve both received everything they deserve.

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Ricardo

Look, the name is impressive, and this is one of those few tattoo cover-ups that we’re confident could have gone wrong. With a name as delightful as Ricardo, it’s only natural to anticipate a remarkable cover-up tattoo. While this design manages to steer clear of the clichés found in 2014 Tumblr aesthetics, it may lack vibrant elements.

Image courtesy of Pinterest@gwenchan33

Nonetheless, the concept of a leaf unfurling into soaring birds creates a truly captivating and awe-inspiring image. It gives us a great sense of freedom, and no matter how good a name might sound, if that person is stifling you, leave!

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Siracha

As enthusiastic aficionados of spicy food and sauces, we proudly declare with absolute certainty and a wide grin that this particular tattoo cover-up is the finest and most tasteful among the collection, despite the misspelling. We sure hope this ex-lover Sarah is into Sriracha.

Image courtesy of Twitter@gaychestsproud

If not, their break-up might bring up some salty tears to her eyes once again if she sees this tattoo cover-up. In this instance, the difference in font doesn’t undermine the humor, which is a rare occurrence. The emphasis on ‘cha’ truly stands out and adds to the comedic effect.

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Exam

Not sure where Exam is a name for a real person, but hey, it’s the diversity that makes us the thriving planet that we are. As a general guideline, it’s likely that we would swiftly lose interest upon discovering that someone we’re attracted to is named ‘Exam.’

Image courtesy of Reddit u/rebelkidschalo

It suggests that person might continually test our patience, if you catch our drift. But jokes apart (never), the bee cover-up tattoo is definitely much prettier, professional, and cute! Here’s hoping this cover-up or the bee doesn’t sting whoever Exam is.

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A Long Signature?

This appears to be the outcome of an immensely exasperated writer, struggling to generate any substantial content after prolonged hours of fixating on the opening sentence of their novel. Yup, frustration causes anger to come out of the writer’s pen.

Image courtesy of Reddit/scribblescrabble

That, or we crumble the paper and throw it away or use it to wipe our tears. Regardless, it looks like this cover-up tattoo by the end of it. We must acknowledge that it’s a remarkable cover up, as we are unable to figure out the identity of their ex.

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Amulet

If you were an avid book reader as a child and read The Amulet of Samarkand growing up, the cover-up tattoo character might seem a little familiar to you. However, our opinions differ on this matter. Joffrey and the teddy bear, despite their potential for transformation into anything, ended up becoming this eerie and horrifying creature.

It’s strange as to why such a choice was made when countless children’s fantasy novels feature comparable figures or characters. Usually, they are pure evil beings and love trying to kill the main character.

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Maya

Here we have another cover-up we can add to the common category cover-up tattoos; the Tumblr category. To conceal such a profound name as Maya, additional efforts are required. We would have suggested a solar system, or maybe a religious symbol.

Considering the power Maya’s name holds, we’re confident she’s doing great and living her best life. Let’s hope that her uninspired ex is also faring well with this tattoo.

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Feather

Want to play with paint and colors but can’t afford to fly to India to attend the festival, Holi? Stop searching elsewhere. Simply conceal your ex’s name tattoo with a watercolor-drenched feather design. Yes, you read it right! Scatter a couple of birds in the backdrop, and voila! You now have the perfect strategy to hide the name Tiofelio.

We have to admit, though, it’s a beautiful name and super rare. Also, perhaps because it’s usually spelled Tiofilo. Maybe they broke up because of a spelling mistake?

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