The personal name 'Dufan' "is of Irish origin (OIr 'Dubhán'), a diminutive of 'dubh', 'black', but it is on record from Iceland.

"[2] Dovenby is part of the Penrith and Solway constituency for the UK parliament.

It was previously part of the Broughton St Bridget's electoral ward of Allerdale Borough Council.

[3] Dovenby was part of the Dearham and Broughton Ward of Cumbria County Council.

The house was acquired by the local authorities from Colonel Ballantine-Dykes for use as a mental hospital in 1930.