18 May Birth Flower Tattoos You’ll Want to Pin — Gorgeous Ideas for Your Next Ink
Hey friend — so you're hunting for the perfect May birth flower tattoo? Love that. May gives us two gorgeous options: lily of the valley and hawthorn, and honestly, there’s a little something for everyone here — from super delicate, whisper-quiet pieces to bold, colorful statements. I rounded up a bunch of designs that caught my eye; scroll through and see what makes your heart skip.
A hawthorn frame that feels like a little protective charm
Credit: beccimaryanne
This forearm hawthorn is all blackwork drama with those red blooms popping against the dark frame — such a moody, meaningful contrast. Hawthorn has this old-school reputation for warding off bad vibes, so I love how the frame reads as darkness or protection and the flowers read as the bright, good things we let into our lives.
A fine-line lily of the valley — soft and quietly feminine
Credit: makeamindfullmark
This delicate arm piece leans into lily of the valley’s soft, feminine energy. It’s the kind of tattoo that says purity and innocence without being preachy — a little reminder to hold onto those gentle parts of yourself and nurture them as you go.
Neo-traditional lily of the valley with bold color and dotwork
Credit: sola.kaida
If you want something that pops, this neo-traditional piece is a mood. The white petals feel even purer against the saturated colors and dotwork shading. It’s playful and wise at the same time — like a reminder to keep your childlike heart, but love people with humility.
Hawthorn wreath with holding hands — sweet and poetic
Credit: johnny.beavers
This one’s for the romantic souls. A hawthorn wreath cradles a pair of holding hands, rendered in soft black and gray. Since hawthorn is tied to spring’s arrival — the so-called 'mayflower' — the whole vibe is about new romance and gratitude for the tender moments you’ve had.
A personalized hawthorn on the calf — bold and full of heart
Credit: alexprachthausertattoos
This calf piece is unapologetically bold. Think traditional hawthorn with bright red flowers — perfect if you want to honor someone close, like a sister. The red feels like honest, intense love; it’s a tattoo that announces affection with confidence.
Lily of the valley in a delicate frame — elegant and protective
Credit: mclametattoos
A framed fine-line lily of the valley is the picture of feminine grace. The frame here doesn’t just look pretty — since lilies can symbolize protection, the frame amps that meaning up: a little guarded garden of softness where you choose who gets in.
Dotwork hawthorn — edgy but grounded
Credit: marissakaytattoo
This hawthorn with dotwork details has major edge. It’s the kind of tattoo that stands out without yelling, and it subtly whispers about your connection to nature. Sometimes just looking at something like this reminds you to slow down and notice the world around you.
Inspirational lily of the valley with lettering and bright blue accents
Credit: tattoojune
If you want a daily pep talk, this one’s it. The lilies paired with lettering and that punchy blue make it feel hopeful — like a little sign to trust the journey and be patient for the good that’s on its way.
Swallow with hawthorn flowers — love and loyalty in flight
Credit: vickirosstattoo
A swallow carrying hawthorn on its wings is just so poetic. The colors and dotwork give it texture, and the symbolism — true love and loyalty — makes it feel like a small life motto. If someone in your life makes you feel steadfast, this one says it without needing words.
Tiny geometric hawthorn for the ankle — subtle and modern
Credit: lovearttattoojanneke
Want something lowkey but thoughtful? This ankle hawthorn with geometric lines and fine black-gray work reads modern and graceful. It’s delicate enough to be a gentle accent and meaningful enough to feel intentional.
Taurus lilies of the valley — for the astrology lovers
Credit: ginnymarietattoos
If you’re a Taurus, why not blend the birth flower with your sign? This design weaves dreamy hues and stars around the lilies, making it feel a little magical and totally tailored to you. A sweet way to celebrate the month and your journey so far.
Hawthorn dotwork on the shoulder — make a bold statement
Credit: die_monde
Shoulder placements read strong, and this hawthorn in dotwork is no exception. It feels like a renewal piece — a visual nudge that you can always start fresh whenever you need to.
Lily of the valley with a blackwork frame — dark meets hopeful
Credit: sunhoundink
This one leans into contrast: a bold black frame around delicate lilies. I love the story it tells — darkness as a season that passes and the lilies promising that happiness returns. Dramatic and comforting all at once.
Small lilies under moonlight with the Taurus constellation — tiny but full of meaning
Credit: bunami.ink
For those who like small tattoos with big meanings: lilies, a crescent moon, and the Taurus stars. The flowers suggest rebirth, the moon adds mystery, and the constellation gives it a personal, cosmic touch.
A hawthorn and bird forearm piece — gentle nature vibes
Credit: lydiatattoos
A little bird perched among hawthorn flowers feels like a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple wonders around you. It’s a peaceful little statement about finding what you need in nature.
A lily of the valley circle — protective love in bloom
Credit: tattooist_mate
Turning lilies into a circle is such a sweet visual metaphor: love and protection contained in a safe space. The black-gray dotwork gives it texture while keeping things elegant and timeless.
Hawthorn bouquet on the upper arm — wedding-worthy sentiment
Credit: sunnymoon.studio
An upper-arm bouquet in bold black ink reads like a statement piece, and fun fact — hawthorn is often given at weddings because it stands for true love. If that’s the message you want to carry, this bouquet does it beautifully.
Cheerful pink lilies of the valley — tenderness and love
Credit: konton_tattoos
This one goes for softness: pink lilies that feel tender and hopeful. It’s a reminder to care for the people you love and to notice the little blessings you might otherwise miss.
Wrap-Up
Anyway, that’s the little tour — a mix of bold, delicate, symbolic, and playful takes on May’s flowers. If one of these designs nudged at your heart, save it, show it to your artist, and tweak it until it feels like yours. Tell me which one you’d actually get — I’m dying to know!