Frequently in reference to Homer, who, according to some accounts, was born at Smyrna in Maeonia..
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Arthur Hall (1539–1605), translator and politician. From classical Latin Maeonia and its etymon ancient Greek (Ionic) Μῃονίη (Hellenistic Greek Μαιονία: compare -ia), the name of a north-eastern region of Lydia in Asia Minor (now part of western Turkey) or of Lydia in general + -an.