You've probably seen them—those two small indentations just above the buttocks, symmetrical and almost perfectly placed. Some people have them naturally. Others notice them for the first time and wonder, What are those? Why do I have them?

They're often called "dimples of Venus," a name that sounds poetic and mysterious. But what do they actually mean—medically, genetically, and culturally? And are they a sign of anything significant?

Let's explore the truth behind those little lower back dimples.

What Are They Called?

These indentations have several names, each with its own history and connotation:

Dimples of Venus – The most poetic name, derived from Roman mythology (Venus was the goddess of beauty, love, and fertility)
Back dimples – The simple, descriptive term
Sacral dimples – The medical term (though this can refer to both natural indentations and a specific congenital condition—more on that below)
Butt dimples – Colloquial and straightforward

The name "Dimples of Venus" comes from the idea that these indentations are markers of beauty and desirability—features that enhance the visual appeal of the lower back.

Medically Speaking: What Causes Them?

In most cases, these dimples are completely normal anatomical variations.

They occur where a short ligament connects the skin to the posterior superior iliac spine—the part of your pelvic bone that you can feel as two bony prominences on either side of your lower back. When you have a certain distribution of muscle and fat, these attachment points create visible indentations.

Key medical facts:

They're genetic – If you have them, you likely inherited the trait
They're more visible in people with lower body fat and well-developed gluteal muscles
They're not harmful and don't indicate any health problem
They're permanent – They won't go away with exercise or weight loss (though they may become more or less visible)