The label index finger comes from the finger's use in pointing: the English word index is rooted in an earlier word meaning to show. Names that associate this finger with pointing can be found around the globe, but others come into play as well.
The term "index finger" derives its name from the finger's primary function in pointing. The English word "index" has its roots in an earlier term that meant "to show." This association with pointing is a commonality found in names for this finger across various cultures and languages, reflecting its fundamental role in indicating or directing attention. While pointing is a universal human gesture, the naming conventions for this finger may also draw from cultural, linguistic, or anatomical considerations, contributing to the diversity in how different societies refer to the index finger.