It’s easy to think we know everything about Millie Bobby Brown. We’ve watched her grow up from a quiet, telekinetic kid in a buzzcut to a global powerhouse and a newly married woman. But if you look closer—past the red carpet gowns and the Stranger Things hype—there’s a smaller, permanent story written on her skin.
Each Millie Bobby Brown tattoo acts like a mile marker for her life. Honestly, for someone who spent so much of her childhood being told what to wear and how to look for cameras, these tiny ink additions feel like her way of taking her body back. They aren't loud. They aren't flashy. They’re dainty, fine-line, and deeply personal.
The One That Started It All: The 011 Controversy
You can’t talk about her ink without starting at the left wrist.
For fans, the "011" tattoo is the ultimate Easter egg. It’s a direct homage to her breakout role as Eleven. In the show, the numbers are a dark mark of her status as a lab subject, but in real life, Millie chose to make it a permanent part of her identity.
It’s interesting because the internet, being the internet, had a lot to say about it. Some critics pointed out the historical weight of numbered tattoos on forearms, drawing parallels to the Holocaust. It sparked a massive debate on Reddit and Twitter. Does a fictional reference cross a line?
Millie didn't seem to let the noise stop her. For her, it’s clearly a badge of honor for the character that changed her life. It’s her most visible piece, and arguably the one that defines her career transition from "child actor" to "icon."
Tributes That Hit Close to Home: Ruth and the Roses
If the "011" is for the fans, the "Ruth" tattoo is for Millie.
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Located on her right ribcage, the name "Ruth" is a tribute to her grandmother who passed away in 2020 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. This wasn't just a quick decision. Millie has spoken about how her grandmother’s stories from World War II-era London inspired her novel, Nineteen Steps.
The ink is tiny. You’d miss it if you weren't looking.
Then there are the flowers. She has a delicate rose on her back and another floral piece near her shoulder. Flowers are a recurring theme for her, often symbolizing growth and femininity. It's a sharp contrast to the "011" on her wrist—one represents her past as a character, the others represent her present as a woman honoring her roots.
Love in Ink: The Jake Bongiovi Connection
Things got real for the "Millie-watchers" in early 2025.
While walking through London in a full leopard-print outfit (bold choice, by the way), Millie debuted a new addition: a "JB" on her left ankle.
It’s no secret she’s head-over-heels for her husband, Jake Bongiovi. They’ve been inseparable for years, and while some people think getting a partner’s initials is a "curse," Millie seems to be leaning into the commitment. It’s her way of saying she’s all in.
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- Placement: Inside of the left ankle.
- Style: Tiny, black ink, minimalist.
- Significance: A permanent nod to her marriage.
She also has a small heart on her collarbone. While she hasn't explicitly said it's for Jake, the timing of when it started appearing in photos suggests it’s part of that same chapter of her life.
The Growing Collection: From Cowboy Hats to Butterflies
Most people don't realize Millie actually has around seven or eight tattoos now. She’s becoming a bit of a collector.
There’s a small cowboy hat on her upper arm. Why? It’s rumored to be a nod to her life in Georgia, where she spends a lot of time on her farm with her animals. It’s a bit of "Southern Belle" mixed with "Hollywood Star."
On her hip, she has two butterflies taking flight. Butterflies are the universal symbol for transformation, which feels pretty spot-on for a girl who has lived her entire puberty in the public eye.
She’s even hinted at what’s next. In a 2025 interview, she mentioned wanting to get a Star Wars quote—specifically Han Solo’s iconic "I know." It’s a fun, nerdy side of her that fans love. It shows she doesn't take the "seriousness" of tattoos too heavily; sometimes, you just want a cool line from your favorite movie.
Why People Get It Wrong
People often assume celebrities get tattoos for attention. With Millie, it feels different.
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She’s been vocal about the "bullying" she’s faced as she grew up. People criticized her for looking "too old" or "too young" or "too different." Her tattoos are one of the few things she has total control over.
If you're thinking about getting something similar to a Millie Bobby Brown tattoo, here's the reality: fine-line tattoos like hers fade fast. They look great in high-res Instagram photos, but they require a lot of touch-ups, especially in high-friction areas like the wrist or ankle.
Actionable Advice for Your Own Ink
If you're inspired by Millie's minimalist style, keep these three things in mind:
- Find a Specialist: Fine-line work is a specific skill. If you go to a traditional American artist for a "tiny heart," the lines might blow out and look like a smudge in three years.
- Think About Visibility: Millie hides most of hers for acting roles. If you work in a corporate environment, her ribcage or hip placements are much smarter than the wrist.
- Meaning Over Trend: The "011" worked for her because it’s her life story. Don't get a trend just because it’s on TikTok; get the thing that makes you feel like "you."
Millie Bobby Brown isn't just a girl with some ink. She’s a woman building a visual map of where she’s been and who she loves. Whether it's a tribute to her grandmother or a nod to the character that made her famous, her tattoos are as much a part of her as her British accent or her skincare line. They aren't going anywhere, and honestly, we shouldn't expect them to.
Pro-Tip for Aftercare: If you go for a fine-line tattoo like Millie's, keep it out of the sun and use a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizer. Those tiny lines need extra love to stay crisp.