The De Meones family originated in Hampshire; they moved to Ireland in the thirteenth century, became substantial landowners in Dublin and gave their name to the suburb of Rathmines.
They came from East Meon in Hampshire and moved to Ireland in 1279–80 in the entourage of John de Darlington, Archbishop of Dublin. The first family member of note was William de Meones, who became Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer in 1311. He acquired lands in the Manor of St. Sepulchre which became known as Meonesrath, and later Rathmines, the Rath (ringfort) of de Meones.
He died in 1325 and his property passed to a relative, Gilbert de Meones, a soldier. John de Meones was Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1331-2 and 1337-8 and Robert de Meones held the same office 1351-2. Nicholas de Meones was appointed a judge of the Court of King's Bench (Ireland) in 1374. In 1382 a second William de Meones was Lord of Meonesrath. The family also held lands at Harold's Cross and a mill on the River Dodder.