Dakota Johnson's 12 tattoos and their meanings, explained

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Dakota Johnson is no stranger to getting inked.

While the “Suspiria” star, 31, may have surprised fans recently by revealing she has “11 or 12” tattoos, Johnson has actually been adding body art for years.

While working on “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the actress had to wear body makeup to cover her many designs, and production even used a “butt double” to both preserve her modesty and prevent one of her mystery tattoos from showing.

Besides the annoyance of covering her more than 10 tattoos, Johnson also said she regrets the first one she ever got: a Latin phrase meaning “actions not words” inspired by her famous father, Don Johnson.

Below, see all of Dakota’s tattoos — including the two dedicated to her boyfriend, Chris Martin.

Withering flower and “tender” arm tattoos

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This small, dying flower on the side of Johnson’s right forearm represents the effects of climate change and serves as a reminder to respect the planet. It’s placed right below the word “tender” — which she has declared her favorite word — in cursive, which sits closer to her elbow.

Unidentified ear tattoo

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There’s a small face-like design behind the actress’ ear, though it’s unclear what it means.

Birds back tattoo

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On her right shoulder, Johnson has three flying birds. They could be a tribute to her grandmother Tippi Hedren, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.”

“Look at the moon” foot tattoo

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On her foot, Johnson has the phrase “look at the moon” surrounded by stars.

“Amor” neck tattoo

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The Spanish word for “love” is located on the back of the actress’ neck.

“Acta Non Verba” bicep tattoo

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On the “Late Late Show” on Jan. 20, Johnson told James Corden that her first tattoo is also the one she regrets the most. The Latin phrase “acta non verba” — meaning “actions not words” — was a favorite of her father Don Johnson’s.

Calling the ink “too serious” now, she said she initially got it so as not to upset her dad, who disapproved of tattoos.

Infinity arm tattoo

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In 2018, Johnson and boyfriend Chris Martin debuted matching infinity symbol tattoos that signify their everlasting love. Since then, the couple have been on and off, but she has been seen wearing a large emerald ring on her left hand, sparking engagement rumors.

“I love you” arm tattoo

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It’s suspected that Johnson’s “I love you” stick and poke tattoo is another sweet tribute to Martin.

“Lightly my darling” wrist tattoo

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Johnson once told Vogue her favorite tattoo is the phrase “lightly, my darling,” which is written in white ink on her left wrist. It’s a quote from the book “Island” by Aldous Huxley — and her half-sister, Stella Banderas, has a matching tattoo.

Miscellaneous

Johnson has two other mystery tattoos: a word that wraps around her forearm and another design on her butt, which is as yet unseen.

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