Creating a word using words...

I have a list of names. I'm trying to spell out a word using them as the fill. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I can do this? Here's what I've already tried:

• Pasted names in rows across the canvas. Placed a white rectangle layer over the names and the word I'm trying to spell over that. Cutout the letters so the names appeared.

- The problem here is the names are being cut off in the background. I'd like them to be complete within the letters and follow the path. I just don't know how to turn text into a path that can be edited.