The name Ponder
Does anyone know any back ground on the last name Ponder it was my maiden name
Replies
Ponder, Pounder, Pender, Pinder, four English surnames with the same meaning. Irish Penders might have a different origin.
A pounder, etc., was a sort of law officer who impounded stray cattle, keeping them in a pound. The owner would pay a fine to recover them, and make reparation for any crops, fences or other property damaged. If they couldn't pay I suppose the cattle would be sold off. So our pounder might have had a sideline as a cattle dealer or auctioneer - but that's just speculation.
A pounder, etc., was a sort of law officer who impounded stray cattle, keeping them in a pound. The owner would pay a fine to recover them, and make reparation for any crops, fences or other property damaged. If they couldn't pay I suppose the cattle would be sold off. So our pounder might have had a sideline as a cattle dealer or auctioneer - but that's just speculation.