Ponder
An English surname meaning a keeper of a pond or pound, or someone who lived near one.
The #3,044 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 26,245 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This surname is usually explained as an occupational name from Middle English pond(e), pound(e) or a related form, plus the agent suffix -er. In this sense it referred to someone who kept a pond or, more specifically in some historical records, a pound: an enclosure for stray animals. It may also sometimes reflect a place-based origin from residence near such a feature.
History
Medieval records show forms such as William le Pondere, which fits the occupational explanation well. The name is treated by some older surname books as a variant or developed form of Pond/Pound. It remains relatively uncommon, though it is well established in English-language surname tradition.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Early sources sometimes gloss Ponder as 'the keeper of the pond or pound,' a reminder that village pounds were important local institutions.
From the historical record
“Close Rolls, A.D. 1343. PONDER = Pond (q.v.) + the agent, suff. -«■: more specifically, ' keeper of a po(u)nd.' William le Pondere. — Hund. Rolls. PONSABY for Ponsonby, q.v. PONSONBY (Fr.-Lat. + Scand. ) Bel. to Ponsonby (Cumb.) = Ponson's Settle- ment or Estate {Poifson is tlie fairly common French pers. name…”
— Surnames of the United Kingdom: a concise etymological dictionary (2 vols in 1)