Significance of the title of "Moll Flanders."

This is the original title, it was meant to attract the reading audience. During the 18th and 19th centuries novels often had longer names, which were referred to by shorter titles; usually the name of the novel's protagonist.

"The Fortunes & Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders &c. Who was Born in Newgate, and during a Life of continu'd Variety for Threescore Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her own Brother), Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv'd Honest, and dies a Penitent. Written from her own Memorandums."