““The choice of ten basic number symbols—that is, the Hindus’ choice of the base 10 for counting and doing arithmetic—is presumably a direct consequence of using fingers to count. When we reach ten on our fingers we have to find some way of starting again, while retaining the calculation already made. The role played by finger counting in the development of early number systems would explain why we use the word “digit” for the basic numerals, deriving from the Latin word digitus for finger.””
