Definition & Meaning of "holy Hannah"in English

What is the origin of the exclamation "holy Hannah" and how is it used?

Holy Hannah is an exclamation used to express surprise, amazement, or shock. It appeared in American English in the late 19th to early 20th century as a euphemistic variant of "holy Mary," following a long tradition of softening sacred names in casual speech. People used it in everyday conversation, newspapers, and literature to react strongly without offending religious sensibilities. Today it sounds old-fashioned, whimsical, and inoffensive, often adding a playful or emphatic tone to expressions of astonishment or amazement.