Love in ink - Women more open to get tattoos with partner’s name

The buzz of tattoos machine echoed over the chatter inside Popin Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio in Kingston as customers sat patiently awaiting their turn in the chair.

Almost without prompting, a familiar question snuck into the conversation. Would you ever tattoo your partner's name on your body?

According to one tattoo artist, it's a topic that comes up often and one that has been circulating in tattoo shops for years.

Rihanna, 19, one of the customers waiting, erupted in laughter when asked. Once she composed herself, her answer was swift and decisive.

"Why mi would tattoo a man name on me? I am thinking not! That is way too permanent," she said.

After pausing to think it through, she softened her opinion slightly. "Maybe matching piercings, but nothing to really connect me to him. Something simple that can be removed if things go sideways," she said.

As tattoo trends shift with time, Jahmar 'Mari Celestial Ink' Alexander explained that while name tattoos remain controversial, matching designs have grown in popularity over the years.

"Sometimes they come in and it's not names," Alexander said. "It might be matching tattoos, little symbols, dates, or designs that mean something to them. But people still come in and get their partner's name tattooed."

For 31-year-old Sasha, that decision wouldn't be an issue. With multiple tattoos already inked on her body, she sees no harm in adding a partner's name. However, there is a catch. She has to be convinced that the relationship has longevity.

"Anything ah anything," she said. "People get married and divorce and still affi drop surname. I already have three tattoos, a rose on my back, the year mi born on my ankle, and my son's name on my shoulder. It's just that I don't find the right man yet," she added in between laughs

Still, others in the shop were far less convinced, 20-year-old Morgan told THE STAR that while she appreciates body art, the permanency of tattoos is her deterrent.

"I wouldn't get a man's name on me because of how permanent it is, I don't know, maybe I could settle for a matching tattoo, but not a name." she said

From another corner of the shop her views were shared, but more firmly from one woman who gave her name as Jon-Jon. "I would never, never get a man's name on my body ....ever. I don't want to be linked to a man like that, so never."

Despite the overwhelming resistance expressed by women in the shop on the day THE STAR visited, Alexander shared that his experience behind the needle tells a different story.

"If we are saying like a year a percentage of around 70 per cent females get it done," he shared

Alexander noted that while partner-name tattoos are still being done, many clients are now choosing body parts where the tattoo can be easily concealed.

"For the body parts now under the arm, underneath the breast, on the legs -- mostly places that can hide, places that are concealed a bit," he said.

He says that while some clients opt for nicknames, others go all the way.

While no men were present in the shop, THE STAR later spoke with Romain, a Kingston resident, who said he would never tattoo a woman's name on his body.

"The only woman name on my body is my mother," he said with a laugh. "If I get a daughter, maybe her name. But no woman else. Some women do it to trap a man, make him stay--but mi nah fall for that."

Alexander confirmed that while fewer men choose name tattoos, it still occurs. "Men do get their partner's name inked, sometimes even without marriage. And yes, females sometimes convince them," he said.

Cover-ups, he added, are common when relationships end. "Most cover-ups are women. Men usually don't care as much," he laughed.

As a professional, Alexander rarely interferes with a client's decision--but he steps in if someone seems unsure. "I'll show them other options or ask them to think about it," he said. He also warned that cover-ups can be tricky depending on size and shading, offering a tip for those considering a name tattoo:

"If you want to get it done, just get red ink -- that's easier to cover up if anything," he said.