The Meaning Behind Lourdes Leon's Bold Tattoos

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.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.

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

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 symbolise transformation and spiritual rebirth.

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.

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.

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.