Pete Davidson Tattoos: Unveiling 5 Famous Designs & Their Wild Stories

Pete Davidson, the American comedian and former *Saturday Night Live* star, was once a walking canvas of over 80 tattoos, each inked with personal significance, pop culture references, or tributes to his loved ones and high-profile relationships. Known for tattoos as much as his humor and high-profile romances, Davidson’s body art became a cultural fascination, reflecting his life marked by love, loss, and self-expression. However, since 2020, he has been undergoing an extensive tattoo removal process, reportedly reducing his collection significantly for personal growth and his acting career. As of 2025, most of his tattoos are either removed or faded, but their stories remain compelling. we’ll explore Pete Davidson’s most famous tattoos, their meanings, and the narratives behind them, drawing on credible sources and interviews. We’ll also address his tattoo removal journey and include an FAQ for curious fans.

Why Pete Davidson’s Tattoos Were Iconic

Davidson’s tattoos were a visual diary, capturing moments from his relationships, career, and personal struggles. Starting at age 17 with a simple cartoon character on his leg, his collection grew to an estimated 70–100+ designs by his late 20s, ranging from whimsical to deeply personal. His ink often sparked media buzz, especially tattoos dedicated to ex-girlfriends like Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian. However, in 2020, By 2025, his arms, chest, and neck are nearly ink-free, though he plans to keep “two or three” meaningful designs. Below, we highlight his most famous tattoos and their stories, many of which are now part of his past.

Pete Davidson’s Most Famous Tattoos

Davidson’s tattoos ranged from heartfelt tributes to quirky pop culture nods. Here are some of his most iconic designs, their meanings, and the stories behind them, based on interviews, media reports, and tattoo artist insights.

1. “8418” and Fireman’s Helmet (Tribute to His Father)

Location: Left arm
Meaning: One of Davidson’s most significant tattoos was the number “8418” on his left arm, his late father Scott Davidson’s FDNY badge number. Scott, a firefighter, died in the 9/11 attacks when Pete was seven. Below “8418,” Davidson had a fireman’s helmet with “343,” honoring the number of firefighters killed on 9/11. A kneeling firefighter on his left bicep further paid tribute to his father’s sacrifice.

Story: These tattoos were deeply personal, reflecting the profound impact of his father’s death. Davidson has spoken about how the loss shaped his life, leading to struggles with mental health and trauma. The “8418” tattoo was also inked on Ariana Grande’s foot during their relationship, though she later covered it after their split. As of 2025, it’s unclear if Davidson has kept these tattoos, but their emotional weight makes them likely candidates for preservation.

2. Hillary Clinton Portrait

Location: Right leg
Meaning: Davidson got a portrait of Hillary Clinton on his right leg in 2017, showcasing his admiration for the politician during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He called her his “hero,” a “badass,” and “one of the strongest people in the universe.”

Story: Posted on Instagram, the tattoo prompted a playful response from Clinton: “This makes it significantly less awkward that I’ve had a Pete Davidson tattoo for years.” The design sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his boldness and others finding it eccentric. Inked by artist Jon Mesa, it was a testament to Davidson’s unfiltered personality. It’s likely been removed as part of his ongoing tattoo removal process.

3. Ariana Grande-Inspired Tattoos

Location: Various (neck, fingers, ribs, arm)
Meaning: During his 2018 engagement to Ariana Grande, Davidson got multiple tattoos for her, including:

• Dangerous Woman Bunny Ears: Below his left ear, referencing Grande’s album cover (later covered with a heart).
• “Mille Tendresse”: French for “a thousand tendernesses” on his neck, matching Grande’s tattoo.
• “H2GKMO”: Grande’s catchphrase “honest to god knock me out” on his finger.
• “Reborn”: On his thumb, matching Grande’s tattoo (later removed).
• “Grande”: On his ribs, and her initials “AG” on his thumb.

Story: Davidson’s whirlwind romance with Grande led to a flurry of tattoos, many inked within months of dating. After their October 2018 breakup, he covered several, including the bunny ears with a heart and “H2GKMO” with a cloud. His tattoo artist Jon Mesa advised against girlfriend tattoos, but Davidson’s impulsive choices fueled media frenzy. Most of these have been removed by 2025.

4. Kim Kardashian Tributes

Location: Chest, collarbone, neck
Meaning: During his 2021–2022 relationship with Kim Kardashian, Davidson got several tattoos:

• “KIM” Branding: Branded (not inked) on his chest, symbolizing permanence.
• “My Girl Is a Lawyer”: On his collarbone, celebrating Kardashian passing the baby bar exam.
• “KNSCP”: On his neck, speculated to stand for Kim, North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm (her children).
• “Aladdin and Jasmine”: On his chest, with an infinity sign, referencing their *SNL* kiss in a Disney sketch.

Story: Kardashian called the “KIM” branding “really cute” on *The Ellen DeGeneres Show*, noting Davidson wanted something he couldn’t easily remove. The “KNSCP” tattoo sparked fan speculation after paparazzi photos in April 2022. After their August 2022 split, Davidson began removing these, with “My Girl Is a Lawyer” visibly faded by October 2022. All are likely gone by 2025.

5. Willy Wonka and Harry Potter Tattoos

Location: Left forearm, various
Meaning: Davidson’s Willy Wonka tattoo on his left forearm, inspired by Gene Wilder’s character, was part of a quirky story. He also had multiple *Harry Potter*-inspired tattoos, including a Dumbledore quote (“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”) on his left forearm.

Story: During a 2018 stand-up show, Davidson joked about a “curse” tied to his tattoos: after getting a *Harry Potter* tattoo, Alan Rickman (Snape) died, and after the Willy Wonka tattoo, Gene Wilder passed away. He humorously suggested getting a Louis C.K. tattoo next, sparking controversy. The Dumbledore quote reflected his struggles with mental health. These tattoos have likely been removed.

6. Cazzie David Tattoos

Location: Right forearm, ring finger
Meaning: While dating Cazzie David (2016–2018), Davidson got her name in italics on his ring finger, her favorite emoji, and a cartoon sketch of her on his right forearm.

Story: After their split, Davidson covered these tattoos. The cartoon sketch became a “giant forest of trees” by artist Jon Mesa, who captioned the cover-up: “Let’s just stop with the girlfriends’ tats until she is your wife.” The name was blacked out, and the emoji became a cloud. These cover-ups occurred before his engagement to Grande, and the tattoos are now likely removed.

7. Winnie-the-Pooh and Cartoon Tattoos

Location: Stomach, chest, side
Meaning: Davidson had a Winnie-the-Pooh tattoo on his upper stomach, a SpongeBob SquarePants design, and a Pac-Man with ghost emoji on his chest. On his side, he had his last name “DAVIDSON” next to Winnie-the-Pooh.

Story: These playful tattoos reflected Davidson’s love for cartoons and pop culture. The Pac-Man and ghost were layered under a ski mask tattoo, adding to the eclectic mix. His cartoon tattoos showcased his fun-loving side, but he later covered or removed many, including a broken heart over the Pac-Man. Most are likely gone by 2025.

8. Angel Smoking a Cigarette

Location: Lower back
Meaning: On his lower back, Davidson had an angel smoking a cigarette with three birds above it, inked by artist London Reese in 2019.

Story: Reese shared that they watched *Game of Thrones* during the session. The angel symbolized protection, but the cigarette added a rebellious twist, aligning with Davidson’s edgy persona. This tattoo, like many others, is likely removed as part of his clean-slate journey.

Pete Davidson’s Tattoo Removal Journey

In 2020, Davidson began removing his tattoos, a process he described as “pretty horrible” and likened to “putting your arm on a grill.” Each tattoo requires 10–12 laser sessions, with six-week healing periods, costing an estimated $200,000 by 2025. His motivations included:

• Sobriety and Self-Reflection: After getting sober, Davidson saw his tattoos as reminders of a “sad person” and wanted a fresh start.
• Acting Career: Covering tattoos for film roles took hours, prompting removal to streamline his work.

By February 2025, his arms, chest, and neck were nearly ink-free, as seen in a Reformation ad campaign where he posed shirtless. He’s currently working on his torso, with the process potentially taking another 10 years. Davidson plans to keep “two or three” tattoos, though he hasn’t specified which. The painful process, sometimes requiring anesthesia, underscores his commitment to transformation.

Things to Consider About Davidson’s Tattoos

Davidson’s tattoo journey offers lessons for fans and tattoo enthusiasts:

• Personal Significance: His tattoos, like “8418,” were deeply meaningful, but others, like girlfriend tributes, were impulsive.
• Removal Challenges: Laser removal is costly, painful, and time-consuming, with potential scarring.
• Career Impact: Visible tattoos can complicate acting roles, as Davidson experienced.
• Artist Choice: Working with skilled artists like Jon Mesa and London Reese ensured quality, even for now-removed tattoos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What were Pete Davidson’s most famous tattoos?

His most iconic tattoos included “8418” (his father’s FDNY badge number), a Hillary Clinton portrait, Ariana Grande-inspired designs (like “H2GKMO”), and Kim Kardashian tributes (“KIM” branding, “KNSCP”).

Why is Pete Davidson removing his tattoos?

Davidson began removing his tattoos in 2020 for his acting career (to avoid hours of covering them) and after getting sober, wanting a fresh start from designs tied to his past.

How many tattoos did Pete Davidson have? He had an estimated 70–200 tattoos at his peak, though he once claimed “around 200.” Most are now removed or faded.

Which tattoos is Pete Davidson keeping? He plans to keep “two or three” tattoos, but hasn’t confirmed which. The “8418” tribute to his father is a likely candidate due to its emotional significance.

How much has Pete Davidson spent on tattoo removal? By 2025, he’s spent approximately $200,000 on laser removal, with each tattoo requiring 10–12 sessions. The process may continue for years.

Conclusion

Pete Davidson’s tattoos were once a vibrant tapestry of his life, from heartfelt tributes to his father and quirky pop culture nods to bold declarations of love for Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian. Each design told a story of his humor, heartbreak, and growth, captivating fans and media alike. By 2025, his decision to remove most of his ink reflects a new chapter, driven by sobriety, career goals, and a desire for a clean slate. Though his body is nearly tattoo-free, the stories behind his iconic designs—like “8418,” the Hillary Clinton portrait, and the “KIM” branding—remain a fascinating part of his legacy. Considering a tattoo? Davidson’s journey reminds us to choose designs with care and embrace change when the time comes.