ʻEiki fakanofo/en

When, in traditional Tongan society, someone has no noble blood, he still can become a chief by being installed with a title (ʻeiki fakanofo; from then on he proudly will use this title as his personal name). But such a chief remains in rank the lesser of those chiefs born by blood, even though he may have the wordly power over them.

In addition a title given, can become a title taken away. These titles are inherited through the father: the name flows forth from the man.

In poetical Tongan language the term kakala (sweet smelling flower, as used in neck garlands) can be used for such noble titles, as you merely wear them and they can be taken away at any time.

Compare with Sino ʻi ʻeiki/en. FOKI