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This surname is derived from a geographical locality. 'of Ponsonby,' a parish in Cumberland, England.
'The Ponsonbys of Hale were originally of Ponson, where they are to be traced before the reign of Edward II. At an earlier period the first of the family of whom we find any mention was called Ponson, and his son Fitz-Ponson': Source: Jefferson, Samuel. History of Allendale Ward, Cumberland
"Before the adoption of the surname, they are said to have been of Hale, in the same county. Still earlier, according to a family tradition, they were of the noble rank in Picardy, the founder of the house in England having come over with [WIliam] the Conqueror." Source: Lowe, Mark A. Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdon, London, 1860