A latch needle for a loop-forming textile machine includes a needle shank and a needle latch with a back. The needle shank has a slot for receiving the needle latch and a first contact portion adapted to the back. The needle latch is pivotably mounted on the needle shank about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the back bears against the first contact portion. The latch needle has a damping spring adapted to the back and/or to the first contact portion in order to damp a contact of the back of the needle latch when in the open position, against the first contact portion.