Why is candy called candy?

The English word "candy" originates from Old French "candi," which in turn comes from Arabic word "qandi" (meaning "candied") and Persain "qand" (meaning "sugar" or "sweetmeat"). The term was used in the Middle East to describe a type of hardened sugar confection. As these confections became known and traded throughout Europe, the name "candy" was adopted in various forms.