The surname Ponsart originated in France during the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old French "pons" meaning "bridge" and the suffix "-art" indicating an occupation or trade. This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who worked as a bridge keeper or toll collector.

The earliest recorded instances of the Ponsart surname can be traced back to the 13th century in the northern regions of France, particularly in the areas around Lille and Arras. In 1287, a record mentions a Guillaume Ponsart, a merchant from the town of Douai.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Ponsart appeared in various historical documents and records, such as tax rolls, property deeds, and court proceedings. One notable example is the mention of a Jehan Ponsart, a landowner from the village of Pont-à-Vendin, near Béthune, in a land registry dated 1391.

During the Renaissance period, the Ponsart name continued to be found across northern France, with several variations in spelling, including Ponsard, Ponsart, and Poncart. In the 16th century, a famous bearer of the name was Jacques Ponsart, a renowned mathematician and astronomer who taught at the University of Paris. He was born in 1515 in Amiens and died in 1583.

Another notable individual was Pierre Ponsart, a French playwright and poet who lived in the late 17th century. He was born in Rouen in 1653 and is known for his satirical works, such as "La Comédie des Comédiens" (The Comedy of Comedians), which mocked the theatrical world of his time.

In the 18th century, the Ponsart family established themselves in the wine-making regions of Burgundy and Champagne. One prominent member was François Ponsart, a celebrated winemaker from Reims, who was born in 1725 and is credited with developing innovative techniques for producing sparkling wines.

During the 19th century, the Ponsart surname spread to other parts of France and beyond. Jean-Baptiste Ponsart, born in 1792 in Lille, was a famous painter and sculptor who worked in the Neoclassical style. His works can be found in various museums across Europe.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several members of the Ponsart family emigrated to North America and other parts of the world, carrying the name to new regions and contributing to its global distribution.