The Meaning Behind Lourdes Leon's Bold Tattoos

Lourdes Leon tattoos
  • Lourdes Leon has 11 known tattoos so far.
  • She has a handful of designs scattered along her arms, fingers, and chest.
  • Some tattoos are tributes to her family, while others are more elusive.

Leon Lourdes “Lola” Leon’s rebellious sense of beauty has been all over her latest public appearances. From her latest campaigns for Calvin Klein and Swarovski to Kim Kardashian’s Skims Swim pop-up shop celebration and the Versace Runway at Spring/Summer 2022 Milan Fashion Week, Leon is unafraid to draw attention to her body hair or her stark black tattoos.

The model, actor, and daughter of Madonna and Carlos has spoken openly about wanting to be known for more than her looks and is hoping to change the fashion industry so models can take control of their choices – and that extends to her collection of body art.

Leon first made tabloid headlines when she got her first tattoo at the age of 19, and she continued with 10 more pieces over the course of 6 years. She debuted her latest tattoo in March 2022: the word “divina” (the Spanish word for “divine”) in a block font, inked high on the back of her upper left thigh with two simple stars. Many have speculated that the tattoo is a nod to her Cuban roots, but that is not certain. While many of her designs are more obvious, she has been surprisingly mum about many of her tattoos.

Still, we’ve rounded up Leon’s collection of bold tattoos and their meanings ahead.

Getty / David M. Benett

Lourdes Leon's Mercy Tattoo

One of Leon’s first tattoo was the word “Mercy” in a plain script on her left bicep. This tattoo is for her sister Chifundo “Mercy” James, who Madonna adopted in Malawi in 2009.

Getty / Gilbert Carrasquillo

Lourdes Leon's Mom Tattoo

Leon has a tribute tattoo to her mother, Madonna. M-O-M is split across the middle three fingers of her right hand.

Getty / Paul Morigi

Lourdes Leon's Dad Tattoo

During the same session, Leon also got the word D-A-D tattooed across the knuckles of the middle three fingers of her left hand for her father, actor Carlos Leon.

Getty / Karwai Tang

Lourdes Leon's Butterfly Tattoos

Leon has two butterfly tattoos on the left side of her chest. While she has given no indication what this design means to her, butterflies often symbolise transformation and spiritual rebirth.

Getty / Kevin Mazur

Lourdes Leon's Devil and Heart Tattoos

Leon has a tattoo of a devil holding a pitchfork on right bicep. On her right thigh, you can also see her heart ink. She has not revealed the meaning behind either tattoos.

Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris

Lourdes Leon's David and RR Tattoo

Above Leon’s inner left elbow is the thick block letter name “David.” This is for her brother, David Banda who Madonna adopted in Malawi in 2006. On Leon’s outer left forearm is a tattoo of two interlocking R’s. This is the logo for the luxury car company Rolls-Royce.

Getty / John Lamparski

Lourdes Leon's Baby Tattoo

Leon has a tattoo on her right forearm that resembles a blank baby face with ears and a single curl of hair. She has not spoken about the meaning behind this tattoo.

Getty / Karwai Tang

Lourdes Leon's House Tattoo

Below the outside of Leon’s left elbow is a tattoo of a house with its roof on fire. She has not explained the meaning behind this tattoo.

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