I think someone has worked on a completely new set of birth names, but not the ability to customize in game. From what I read, it seems to only work with new games. Here is the thread. http://forum.ufo-aftermath.com/index.php?showtopic=2470
It currently skips the Cenega Logo screen and jumps straight to the intro animation of AS. I do have a version that skips both intros and goes straight to the system menu.
I have created a cenegamod that will eliminate the Cenega Logo Intro. It's nice for modders since it takes less time to get to load screen and test. I chose not to take out the Altar intro because their game rocks. Plus, you can just Esc away if you want to. Send me an email at nonstopmoment@yahoo.com and I will send it to you.