Okay I have created an ods file from the names.xml so you can open it in open office or excel. This ods file is pretty much build like the names txt files used to be. You got the name with langueage id and distribution. If there are multiple language ids for this name you will have multiple lines with this name.
Additionally you have a column for the namesid this needs to be unique.
I also added a column that builds the corresponding XML element.
If you want to change a name, language id or its distribution you can do it in the ods file and copy the XML element column text and replace it in the names.xml. This can also be directly done by some text editors like notepad++ or ultra edit via search and replace functions.
Adding names to this ods file manually, from a CSV or TXT file should be no problem. Keep in mind that the namesid needs to be unique. Also the combination of name and language id should be unique.
For now this seems to be the best solution to think of. I am sure we can adjust the names.xml some time after release to also fit the modders needs.
Updated ods download:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aKy...ew?usp=sharing