Payn, Adam (d. 1431/2), theologian and bishop of Cloyne, belonged to an English family which was established at various locations in Leinster by the early fourteenth century at latest. Adam Payn became an Augustinian friar, was ordained priest and obtained a master's degree in theology (STM). In 1402, he played a prominent part in a theological dispute at Oxford. Provided (26 July 1413) to the bishopric of Cloyne by Pope John XXIII, he revived plans for the union of Cloyne with Cork, which had long been an aim of the English administration in Ireland as part of a grander scheme to tighten its control over the Irish episcopate.
In 1418 Payn obtained confirmation of a diocesan union from Pope Martin V, although this proved to be ineffective, largely due to opposition from Cork. He advocated this union in the parliament of 1421, and again referred the case to Rome, but was opposed by the English bishop of Cork, Milo fitz John. After the death of Bishop Milo, Adam resigned his see early in 1429; Cloyne was then united with Cork, and Jordan Purcell, chancellor of Limerick, was provided to both sees. It appears that Adam had died by January 1432.