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40+ Cross Behind the Ear Tattoos That Are Small and Meaningful

Tattoos placed behind the ear are subtle yet powerful, making them a favorite for those who want meaningful art in a discreet spot. A cross in this placement carries both spiritual symbolism and a touch of personal style. Cross behind the ear tattoo ideas balance faith, elegance, and individuality in a way that feels timeless.

From simple fine line crosses to bolder, more decorative designs, there are many ways to make this tattoo unique. In this post, we’ll explore cross behind the ear tattoo ideas, share creative inspirations, and help you find a design that reflects both your beliefs and your style.

Minimal Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This delicate behind ear tattoo features a tiny black cross with clean, sharp lines for a refined look.

Source – thebossink.tattoo

The minimalist design makes it easy to conceal or showcase, allowing personal faith to remain quietly powerful. Its simplicity highlights spiritual devotion without unnecessary detail, ensuring timeless elegance.

Perfect for someone seeking a meaningful yet subtle statement, this tattoo can be worn alone or paired with other minimalist designs. The small size and precise placement create a graceful balance of beauty and deep significance.

Shaded Ornamental Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This detailed behind ear tattoo features a beautifully shaded ornamental cross with soft curves and a central circle accent.

Source – yanninkstattoo

The subtle gradients create depth, making the design appear three-dimensional and visually striking. Its balanced lines and elegant details express faith and inner strength with timeless appeal.

This tattoo it remains personal yet noticeable, perfect for someone wanting meaningful art with refined style. The combination of intricate shading and classic shape ensures this tattoo stands out while maintaining an elegant, spiritual presence.

Gothic Black Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This bold behind ear tattoo showcases a Gothic-style black cross with sharp, pointed tips for a striking look.

Source – tattedbymarr

The design’s clean edges and dark shading add depth, highlighting strength and unwavering faith. Its unique Gothic detailing sets it apart from simple crosses, making it ideal for someone who loves dramatic yet elegant art.

This tattoo stays discreet while carrying deep meaning. This tattoo perfectly blends classic symbolism with edgy style, creating a timeless statement of belief and individuality.

Cross with Date Behind Ear Tattoo

This personal behind ear tattoo features a small black cross paired with a significant date below in bold script.

Source – theotattoostudioo

The design symbolizes faith while commemorating a meaningful moment, such as a birth, anniversary, or memorial. Its compact size allows it to stay discreet yet deeply personal.

Perfect for keeping a cherished memory close, it combines spiritual strength with heartfelt remembrance. The simple black ink ensures timeless elegance, making it a lasting tribute that can be shown or hidden as desired.

Elegant Thin Cross Behind the Ear

This tattoo showcases a sleek thin-line cross placed gracefully behind the ear.

Source – mike.theflorist

The minimalist design brings out a modern and refined look while reflecting deep personal faith and inner strength. Its clean, vertical placement creates a striking silhouette that remains subtle and stylish.

Perfect for those who appreciate simple yet meaningful art, this cross tattoo adds a delicate statement of belief that complements everyday fashion effortlessly.

Bold Black Cross Behind the Ear

This striking tattoo features a thick black cross inked neatly behind the ear.

Source – PINZ ‘n’ NEEDLEZ TATTOO’S

The bold lines and solid shading give it a strong and powerful presence, symbolizing faith, strength, and personal conviction. Its defined shape stands out clearly, creating a classic yet edgy look.

Ideal for someone who values meaningful body art with a strong visual impact, this design blends timeless spiritual symbolism with modern tattoo style.

Detailed Black Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This intricate behind ear tattoo showcases a finely detailed black cross with elegant pointed tips and subtle shading.

Source – mr.inkwells

The careful linework and small inner accents give it a refined, almost three-dimensional look. Its balanced design symbolizes enduring faith and inner strength while maintaining a stylish, modern feel.

It carries deep spiritual meaning without overpowering your overall appearance. This tattoo is perfect for someone who wants a meaningful piece that combines classic Christian symbolism with sophisticated artistic craftsmanship.

Intricate Gothic Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This behind ear tattoo displays an ornate Gothic-style cross with rich detailing and soft shading for extra depth.

Source – brittany.hinkel.tattoos

The pointed edges and layered patterns add elegance, while the precise black ink lines highlight timeless faith and spiritual strength. Its compact placement keeps the meaning personal but allows the artistry to stand out beautifully.

Perfect for someone who values classic symbolism with a touch of sophistication, this design combines spiritual devotion and intricate craftsmanship in a way that remains striking and meaningful.

Simple Outlined Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This behind ear tattoo features a clean, finely outlined cross with subtle pointed tips for extra style.

Source – tirta_arutalatattoo

The minimal black linework creates a modern yet classic appearance, symbolizing faith and spiritual strength. Its small size and delicate placement make it perfect for someone who prefers a discreet but meaningful design.

Easy to complement with other tattoos or keep as a standalone piece, this simple outlined cross offers timeless elegance and personal significance that remains striking without being overly bold.

Radiant Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This striking behind ear tattoo features a bold ornamental cross surrounded by delicate rays that resemble shining light.

Source – traze.tattooer

The radiant lines emphasize faith as a guiding force, offering hope and strength in everyday life. Its elegant detailing adds texture while keeping the design clean and visually balanced.

The tattoo symbolizes carrying spiritual guidance quietly yet powerfully. This tattoo is perfect for someone who wants a meaningful reminder of inner light and unwavering belief expressed through beautiful, timeless art.

Matching Couple Cross Behind Ear Tattoos

This heartwarming tattoo idea shows two people with identical bold black crosses placed neatly behind their ears.

Source – hernandez.ink

The design reflects shared faith, unity, and a deep spiritual connection, making it a perfect couple’s tattoo. Its clean, simple lines ensure a timeless style that complements any look. The matching placement symbolizes walking life’s journey together while staying rooted in shared beliefs.

This minimalist yet meaningful design beautifully expresses love, commitment, and devotion, offering a lasting reminder of a strong bond grounded in faith.

Simple Mini Cross Behind the Ear

This tattoo features a small, clean-lined cross placed subtly behind the ear.

Source – – kelv.nguyen

Its minimalist design speaks to quiet strength and enduring faith while keeping the look modern and understated. The compact size makes it easy to conceal or reveal, offering a personal yet stylish expression of belief.

Perfect for anyone who values meaningful simplicity, this timeless cross design blends seamlessly with casual or formal styles.

Vertical Faith Script Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo features the word Faith written vertically in elegant, flowing script that doubles as a cross.

Source – little_red_tattoos

The elongated design draws the eye along the neck, creating a graceful and meaningful look. It symbolizes deep trust and spiritual strength, serving as a constant reminder of hope and belief.

The placement behind the ear keeps the message intimate while still beautifully visible. Ideal for someone seeking daily encouragement, this tattoo combines delicate artistry with a profound personal statement about inner faith and resilience.

Bold Brushstroke Cross Behind the Ear

This striking behind-ear tattoo features a cross created with bold brushstroke lines, giving it a raw and artistic look.

Source – put_ink_imy

The uneven strokes add depth and texture, symbolizing imperfect yet powerful faith. Placed close to the ear and neck, it feels both edgy and meaningful, perfect for someone wanting to express strength and individuality.

The black ink stands out against the skin, making the design eye-catching while still carrying deep spiritual significance.

Delicate Vertical “Faith” Script Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo elegantly spells out faith in slim, flowing cursive, with the long “f” forming a subtle cross shape.

Source – wickynicky

The fine black lines create a minimalist yet meaningful design that highlights spiritual strength and trust. Positioned vertically along the neck, it follows the natural curve of the ear for a graceful effect.

This tattoo is perfect for anyone seeking a stylish and intimate reminder of personal beliefs, offering a balance of timeless beauty and heartfelt symbolism in a discreet placement.

Red Ink Gothic Cross Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo displays a striking Gothic-style cross created entirely with vivid red ink.

Source – Aleea Diamond Moore

The bold outline and sharp points give it a dramatic yet elegant appearance. Red ink adds uniqueness and symbolizes passion, courage, and spiritual devotion, making the design visually powerful and meaningful.

Positioned perfectly behind the ear, it remains subtle when hair is down but captivating when revealed. This tattoo is ideal for anyone seeking a distinctive faith-inspired design with a modern, eye-catching twist that stands out beautifully.

Small Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This minimalistic tattoo displays a fine black cross placed just behind the ear, creating a simple and timeless look.

Source – ninostitches

Its neat lines and understated size make it easy to wear and full of quiet meaning. Often chosen as a sign of faith, protection, or strength, the design blends easily with any style.

Its clean placement allows it to stay discreet while still holding deep personal significance for the wearer.

Simple Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This tattoo shows a small bold black cross placed neatly behind the ear. The clean, minimalist lines make it both striking and subtle, a perfect balance for everyday wear.

Source – rise_and_reign_tattoo

Its discreet position allows easy coverage or display depending on hairstyle and occasion. This design can carry deep spiritual meaning, symbolize faith, or serve as a personal reminder of inner strength.

The timeless black ink ensures it remains sharp and clear, creating a classic look that never goes out of style.

Minimal Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This behind-ear tattoo features a simple black cross, perfectly placed for a clean and understated look.

Source – twistedflamingo

Symbolizing faith, protection, and spiritual strength, it offers deep meaning in a small, discreet design. Its minimalist style makes it easy to pair with other tattoos or leave as a standalone statement.

Ideal for those seeking a spiritual emblem without bold detailing, this cross tattoo blends seamlessly with everyday fashion, remaining timeless and significant while allowing effortless concealment or display depending on hairstyle.

Bold Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This behind-ear tattoo features a solid black cross rendered in bold lines for a striking, unmistakable look.

Source – rocksteadytattoos

Representing faith, guidance, and spiritual strength, it offers deep meaning in a clean, compact design. The placement fits naturally along the ear’s curve, making it easy to reveal or keep discreet.

Its strong simplicity pairs well with other small tattoos or stands powerfully on its own. This design delivers lasting symbolism and timeless style, blending modern minimalism with profound personal significance.

Crucifix Silhouette Behind Ear Tattoo

This behind-ear tattoo presents a striking black crucifix silhouette, highlighting Jesus on the cross in powerful simplicity.

Source – yahfavtats

Its clean, bold lines make the sacred symbol clear even in a small space. Perfectly placed along the ear and neck’s contour, it creates a meaningful reminder of faith, sacrifice, and redemption.

The dark shading intensifies its presence, giving it a dramatic yet elegant appearance. This thoughtful design speaks to deep spiritual devotion, offering a constant, personal connection to one’s beliefs.

Bold Black Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This tattoo shows a strong black cross placed neatly behind the ear, standing out with clean, solid lines.

Source – tr.tattoos

Its straightforward design makes a powerful statement of faith and spiritual strength without unnecessary detail. The bold ink emphasizes devotion and resilience, creating a striking contrast against the skin.

Perfectly sized for discreet wear or easy display, it remains meaningful and timeless. This cross tattoo is a lasting symbol of belief, offering daily inspiration and a personal reminder of one’s spiritual journey.

Triple Crosses Behind Ear Tattoo

This bold design shows three solid black crosses stacked behind the ear with a soft shaded backdrop.

Source – caponesink

The vertical arrangement and clean lines highlight faith and redemption, often symbolizing the three crosses of Calvary. Dark, saturated ink gives strong contrast against the skin, while subtle shading adds depth and dimension.

Placed discreetly behind the ear, it conveys powerful meaning without drawing constant attention. This tattoo is a lasting reminder of spiritual strength, hope, and personal devotion carried close every day.

Memorial Cross and Dove Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo displays a bold black cross paired with a small flying dove above it.

Source – artcarlitosway

The clean lines create a striking contrast, offering a timeless tribute to faith and remembrance. The cross symbolizes enduring belief and eternal life, while the dove represents peace and the soul’s journey.

Its placement behind the ear keeps the tribute subtle yet deeply personal. This design is ideal for honoring a loved one or expressing spiritual devotion in an elegant, meaningful way.

Simple Cross Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo features a delicate, finely inked cross with clean, minimal lines. Its small size creates a discreet yet powerful symbol of faith and spiritual devotion.

Source – inks.mm

The design’s simplicity makes it timeless, effortlessly complementing different styles and remaining meaningful for years. Placed close to the ear, it feels personal and easy to keep hidden when desired.

This subtle piece is perfect for those who want a graceful expression of belief and inner strength without overwhelming detail or size.

Bold Gothic Cross Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo features a striking Gothic-style cross with pointed tips and soft shading inside each arm.

Source – bigjuniorstattoos

The thick black outline gives the design a strong, commanding presence, while subtle shading adds depth and texture.

Positioned perfectly behind the ear, it creates a personal yet noticeable statement of faith and protection. This style of cross often represents strength and spiritual devotion. It’s a powerful option for those who want their beliefs expressed boldly through timeless, detailed blackwork artistry.

Cross and Rose Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo features a finely outlined cross intertwined with a delicate rose. The detailed petals and leaves bring softness to the strong, straight lines of the cross.

Source – CapableShe

This combination often symbolizes faith, love, and hope, making the design deeply meaningful. Its thin, precise lines keep the piece elegant and subtle while still capturing attention.

The placement behind the ear adds a personal touch, perfect for someone seeking a graceful expression of belief blended with natural beauty and heartfelt symbolism.

Vertical “Faith” Script Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo beautifully writes the word faith in elegant cursive, with the first letter extending into a cross-like line.

Source – Reyan Faro Campos

The graceful black strokes create a delicate and modern look while carrying deep spiritual meaning. Its slim vertical placement follows the ear’s natural contour, making the design both discreet and visually striking.

Perfect for someone seeking a subtle yet powerful reminder of belief and inner strength, this tattoo combines simplicity, faith, and stylish artistry in one timeless piece.

Bold Abstract Cross Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo features a striking abstract cross designed with thick, sharp black lines.

Source – Reyan Faro Campos

The angular shapes give it a modern, edgy look while keeping a strong spiritual presence. Its compact size and bold style make it stand out without overwhelming the area.

Positioned behind the ear, the cross symbolizes faith and strength in a subtle yet powerful way. This design is ideal for someone who values minimalist art with deep meaning, offering both contemporary flair and timeless symbolism.

Cross with Blooming Roses Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo features a bold black cross beautifully intertwined with blooming roses and delicate leaves.

Source – Reyan Faro Campos

The strong vertical cross contrasts elegantly with the soft floral details, creating a harmonious design. Roses symbolize love, grace, and remembrance, while the cross represents faith and spiritual strength.

Together they form a meaningful tribute to belief and cherished memories. The placement behind the ear adds intimacy and elegance, making it perfect for someone seeking a deeply personal, graceful tattoo blending devotion with natural beauty.

Tiny Black Cross Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo features a small, precisely inked black cross. The minimalist design creates a timeless and elegant symbol of faith.

Source – Triple J Tattoo

Its placement provides subtlety, allowing the tattoo to remain personal yet meaningful. The clean lines and balanced proportions give it a polished, contemporary look while maintaining strong spiritual significance.

This simple but powerful piece is ideal for someone who wants a constant reminder of belief and strength in a location that is easy to keep private or display when desired.

Cross with “Fe” Script Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo combines a sleek black cross with the delicate word fe, meaning “faith” in Spanish and Portuguese.

Source – Tattoos and drawings by Jesse

The graceful script weaves seamlessly into the cross, creating a unified and elegant design. Its minimal style emphasizes devotion and spiritual strength while keeping the overall look modern and subtle.

Positioned perfectly behind the ear, the tattoo remains personal yet striking. This meaningful piece is ideal for anyone seeking a refined, faith-inspired tattoo that blends simplicity with heartfelt cultural or spiritual significance.

Minimal Black Cross Behind the Ear

This behind-ear tattoo presents a simple black cross, symbolizing faith, hope, and spiritual strength.

Source – domina_caligo

The clean lines and minimalist style keep it subtle yet meaningful, perfect for someone wanting a personal reminder of belief and guidance. Its discreet placement allows the wearer to share or keep their faith private as they choose.

This timeless design complements other small tattoos or stands strong on its own, offering a quiet but powerful statement of devotion and inner resilience.

Tiny Black Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This minimalistic behind ear tattoo features a simple black cross with clean, precise lines for a subtle yet meaningful look.

Source – theodor_th_tattoo

The small size makes it easy to conceal or show, offering personal significance without overwhelming your style. Perfect for expressing quiet faith or spiritual strength, it remains timeless and elegant.

Its understated design pairs well with other tattoos or stands alone as a delicate reminder of belief, making it a versatile and thoughtful choice for everyday wear.

Floral Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This elegant behind ear tattoo creates a cross entirely from delicate flowers and leaves, blending nature with faith beautifully.

Source – kurotattoopalembang

The fine lines and detailed petals give the design a soft, feminine feel while still expressing spiritual devotion. Its balanced arrangement keeps it visually striking yet graceful.

Perfect for someone seeking a meaningful tattoo with natural charm, it symbolizes growth, renewal, and unwavering belief. Placed behind the ear, it stays personal but can easily stand out when desired, offering both subtlety and beauty.

Three Bold Crosses Behind Ear Tattoo

This meaningful behind ear tattoo shows three bold black crosses arranged vertically with striking, uneven strokes.

Source – cuzzos_tattoo

The design powerfully represents faith, redemption, and the three crosses of Calvary, making it spiritually significant. Its rough, dynamic lines create an edgy look while emphasizing strength and resilience.

Placed behind the ear, it stays personal yet eye-catching. Perfect for someone wanting a strong reminder of faith and sacrifice, this tattoo balances deep symbolism with a modern, expressive style that stands out beautifully.

Cross with Water Ripple Behind Ear Tattoo

This creative behind ear tattoo features a cross crafted from nails, dripping down into a detailed ripple effect.

Source – kurotattoopalembang

Each droplet symbolizes the spreading impact of faith, while the circular ripples represent renewal and spiritual growth. The lower tiny figure adds a sense of hope and transformation, giving the design deep meaning.

Its placement behind the ear keeps it personal yet visually striking. This design perfectly combines artistry and devotion, making it a unique choice for someone seeking a bold spiritual statement.

Three Crosses Behind Ear Tattoo with Red Accent

This striking behind ear tattoo displays three crosses, two in bold black and one highlighted in deep red.

Source – 818artist

The central red cross adds vibrant contrast, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption, while the black crosses represent faith and enduring strength. Its balanced arrangement behind the ear creates a meaningful yet stylish statement of belief.

The combination of vivid color and sharp black lines ensures a modern look, making this design perfect for someone seeking both spiritual depth and eye-catching contemporary appeal.

Classic Black Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This timeless behind ear tattoo features a bold black cross with subtle shading, creating a strong yet elegant design.

Source – Island-Inx Mersea

The balanced lines and defined edges highlight enduring faith and spiritual strength, making it a meaningful everyday symbol. Its placement behind the ear allows for both privacy and style, easily hidden or shown depending on preference.

The dark shading adds depth and character, ensuring the tattoo stands out while maintaining a clean, classic look that remains significant for years to come.

Bold Triple Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This striking behind ear tattoo showcases three thick black crosses stacked together, creating a powerful visual impact.

Source – slickwitheink

Each bold cross symbolizes faith, redemption, and spiritual strength, making the design both meaningful and eye-catching. The solid black shading emphasizes courage and devotion while keeping the overall style simple and modern.

Positioned just behind the ear, it offers an unexpected yet meaningful placement. This design is perfect for someone seeking a strong statement of belief and resilience that remains stylish and timeless in its bold, minimalist execution.

Faith Cross Behind Ear Tattoo

This minimalist behind ear tattoo displays a fine-line cross integrated with the delicate script word “fé,” which means faith in Portuguese and Spanish.

Source – Tattoos and drawings by Jesse

The clean vertical and horizontal lines create a balanced cross, while the flowing lettering adds a gentle personal touch. Positioned discreetly behind the ear, it keeps the focus on spiritual strength and inner conviction.

The simple black ink design ensures timeless appeal and makes it easy to pair with other subtle tattoos or everyday accessories, emphasizing devotion without overwhelming the look.

Heart Cross and Anchor Behind Ear Tattoo

This delicate behind ear tattoo beautifully blends three timeless symbols—love, faith, and stability—into one continuous design.

Source – Heather Pilapil’s Gallery

The outline forms a gentle heart, flowing into a small cross that stands for enduring faith and guidance. The line then extends downward to an anchor, representing strength, grounding, and hope through life’s changing tides.

Placed discreetly behind the ear, it offers a meaningful yet subtle statement of personal beliefs. Its simple black ink style keeps it elegant and easy to pair with other tattoos or jewelry