Bernhard III, Margrave of Baden-Baden (7 October 1474 – 29 June 1536) inherited in 1515 part of his father's margraviate of Baden.

Margrave Bernhard tended in his later years to Protestantism and introduced the Reformation into the upper Margraviate.

They had two sons; the younger, Christopher, was born after Bernard's death: Bernhard, however, had numerous extra-marital children, of whom six sons (Bernard, Philip, John, George, Caspar, and Melchior) are known.

In 1532, Emperor Charles V declared George, Caspar and Melchior to be legitimate princes, and later, Bernhard and Philip as well.

These sons were not entitled to inherit, but they received a maintenance payment after their father's death.