The Meaning Behind Lourdes Leon's Bold Tattoos

Updated on 9/22/2023 at 4:10 PM

Lourdes "Lola" Leon's rebellious sense of beauty has been apparent in her latest public appearances. As demonstrated by her campaigns for Calvin Klein and Swarovski and her appearances at Kim Kardashian's Skims Swim pop-up shop celebration and the Versace runway during spring/summer 2022 Milan Fashion Week, Madonna's daughter is unafraid to draw attention to her body hair or her stark black tattoos.

The model and actor has spoken openly about wanting to be known for more than her looks and hoping to change the fashion industry so models can have greater control over their choices — and that extends to her collection of body art.

Leon made tabloid headlines when she got her first tattoo at the age of 19, and she got 10 more pieces over the course of seven years. She debuted her latest tattoo in March 2022: the word "divina" (the Spanish word for "divine") in 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. Several of her designs are more obvious in meaning, but she's been mum about many of her tattoos over the years.

Ahead, we rounded up Leon's collection of bold tattoos and their meanings.

Lourdes Leon's "Mercy" Tattoo

One of Leon's first tattoos was the word "Mercy" in plain script on her left bicep. The tattoo is for her sister Chifundo "Mercy" James, whom Madonna adopted in Malawi in 2009.

Lourdes Leon's "Mom" Tattoo

Leon has a tattoo tribute to her mother, Madonna. "MOM" is spelled across the middle three fingers of her right hand.

Lourdes Leon's "Dad" Tattoo

During the same session, Leon got the word "DAD" tattooed across the knuckles of the middle three fingers on her left hand in honor of her father, actor Carlos Leon.

Lourdes Leon's Butterfly Tattoos

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

Lourdes Leon's Devil and Heart Tattoos

Leon has a tattoo of a devil holding a pitchfork on her right bicep, and she has a heart tattooed on her right thigh. She has not revealed the meaning behind either tattoo.

Lourdes Leon's "David" and "RR" Tattoo

Above Leon's inner left elbow is the name "David" in thick block letters. This is for her brother, David Banda, whom Madonna adopted from 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.

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 revealed the meaning behind this tattoo.

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.