If you have the second scenario, then select the table, then Table, Sort.
You will now have options to choose which column you sort on and how
(ascending/descending).
If you have the first scenario where the names are across all columns and
rows, ie not in the same column, the you could select the table, Table,
Convert, Table to text, select Paragraph Mark as the separation mode. The
list of names can now be sorted (as above). once sorted you can then select
the list, Convert, Text to table, select 3 columns for number of columns,
ensure Paragraph is checked as the separation, OK.
Your list will now be a table with the names alphabetically sorted across
the table, Left to right, down, left to right.
Hope this is what you where describing.
DeanH