Ben Stokes Tattoos: Family, Meaning & Designs

1. Giant Lion Family Tattoo

This is Stokes’ largest tattoo. It shows a strong lion (Ben), a lioness (wife Clare) and two cubs (son Layton and daughter Libby). It took 28 hours to complete. Stokes posted it on Instagram, saying his family is always with him even when he is touring.

2. Kirihuti Māori Design

A traditional Māori pattern on his left bicep. It represents his family’s tribal roots and social status from his mother’s side. This keeps him connected to his New Zealand birth and Māori heritage.

3. Motivational Quote

Inked inside the Māori design on his left arm: "Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain." It pushes him to stay fearless in tough cricket moments. Common short version used by Ben: "Pursue the little star that is most precious to you; if you are going to bow your head, let it be only to a tall mountain."

4. Silver Fern Symbol

Placed near his left shoulder. The Silver Fern is New Zealand’s national symbol. It shows Stokes is proud of where he was born, even though he plays for England.

5. Māori Goddess

On his right bicep. Another tribute to his Māori culture and family history from his mother’s side.

6. English Rose

A beautiful rose on the outer side of his right upper arm. The rose is England’s national flower. This tattoo shows his full love and pride for playing for the Three Lions.

7. England Cap Numbers

Ben’s T20I cap number 58, ODI cap number 221, and Test cap number 658 can be seen written just next to his Māori tattoo on the left arm. These numbers are written because that is when Ben played his first game for his country.

8. Phoenix Rising

Phoenix bird rising out of the flames on his right arm. This was inked after England’s disappointment at the 2016 T20 World Cup. It then gained much significance when his father passed away in 2020. The phoenix symbolizes its resilience, growing stronger from adversity. The 2022 documentary film was titled “Phoenix From the Ashes.”

9. “Faith” Tattoo

A simple word “Faith” on his hand. It is not about religion. For Stokes, it means trusting himself and believing during hard times on and off the field.

10. Son’s Name “Layton”

His son Layton’s name is in a banner on his right bicep. A sweet reminder of his first child and the joy of fatherhood.

11. Drake Song Quote

Below Layton’s name: “May people respect you, Trouble neglect you, Angels protect you, Heaven accepts you.” These lines from a Drake song give him daily motivation and positive energy.

12. Two Light Feathers

On his right wrist. Feathers often symbolize protection, freedom, and light guidance, small reminders that his loved ones are always watching over him.

13. Leaves and Stars

On the inner side of his right arm. These simple designs add to the overall story, leave room for growth and stars for reaching high dreams.

Why Does Ben Stokes Cover His Tattoos?

You will notice him wearing white arm sleeves in most of his matches. Fans believe that he is concealing tattoos; however, this is wrong. His sleeves have nothing to do with hiding tattoos; rather, it is because of sports performance reasons only. 

Arm sleeves protect him from grass burns due to sliding on the field, provide pressure to his bowling arm, and protect him against any harm. Ben has worn it for more than ten years. In all his photoshoots and social media activities, Stokes never misses out on showing off all his tattoos.

For Ben Stokes, his tattoos tell stories on his skin. His tattoos represent his family members, his Māori blood, his love for his motherland, England, and his need to get up every time he falls down. It goes without saying that tattoos have marked Ben from age sixteen, when he got his first tattoo, to twenty-seven, when he became a captain in 2026.